Laser Settings for Acrylic (Cast & Extruded)
Can you laser cut and engrave acrylic?
Yes on CO2 (any colour including clear), partially on diode (dark/opaque cast only — the blue beam passes straight through clear acrylic), and UV lasers can surface-mark clear acrylic directly. Cast acrylic engraves frosted-white; extruded barely shows an engrave but cuts with flame-polished edges.
DIODE450 nm settings
| Variant | Operation | Speed | Power | Passes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast acrylic (dark/opaque) 3mm | Cut | 100–200 mm/min | 100% | 2–4 | 10 W |
⚠ CutClear acrylic is impossible on a diode — the beam passes straight through.
CO210.6 µm settings
| Variant | Operation | Speed | Power | Passes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast acrylic | Engrave | 400–750 mm/s | 15–30% | 1 | 60 W |
| Acrylic 3mm | Cut | 10–15 mm/s | 60–75% | 1 | 60 W |
| Acrylic 6mm | Cut | 6–8 mm/s | 75–85% | 1 | 60 W |
✓ EngraveCast frosts white; engrave the reverse mirrored on clear. LOW air assist.
⚠ CutFlare-prone — air assist and fire watch. Extruded gives flame-polished edges.
UV355 nm settings
| Variant | Operation | Speed | Power | Passes | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear acrylic | Mark | medium | moderate | 1–2 | 40–60 kHz |
✓ MarkMarks clear acrylic directly — the job diode physically can't do.
PrepPreparation & technique
Keep the protective film on where possible. Engrave clear acrylic mirrored on the back face so the front stays glossy. LOW air assist for engraving, normal for cutting.
⚠ SafetyFlare-prone when cutting — air assist and constant fire watch. Fumes are irritant: extraction on. Verify anything 'acrylic-like' isn't polycarbonate or PVC before it goes near the laser.
LearnMatching tutorials
All values are starting points at the stated reference wattage. Run a test grid on your own machine and material batch first.