introduce
You may not know that Plexiglass is another name for acrylic and is now very popular among DIY enthusiasts and the craft industry. Plexiglass is a thermoplastic material that can be molded, molded, and cut without any cracks. It's also very lightweight, very sturdy, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes, which makes it perfect for this era of making.
In the complete guide below, you'll learn how to cut plexiglass using a laser engraver machine, and how to carve it into crafts, along with our tips and tricks.
Why use a plexiglass laser cutting machine?
But there's a catch; Cutting and molding plexiglass can also be inaccurate and challenging at times, but with laser engraver machines, acrylic making is a breeze. Compared to hand tools, laser cutting offers a high degree of precision that is almost impossible to achieve using a result processing device or machine. This is due to the heat generated by the laser causing the acrylic acid to melt, resulting in a smooth edge that may not require further finishing.
How to use a laser cutting machine to cut plexiglass?
Before you get started, you need:
1. Laser engraver machine
The type of laser hardware and its performance will directly affect the results. They come in different types and power ratings, which you need depending on the size and design complexity of the project. In most cases, you can use a diode and CO2 laser cutter with a power range of 10W to 150 watts, which will cover the most common plexiglass thickness cuts, usually up to 1/2 inch.
Ortur's LM3 laser cutter is designed to be perfect for beginners and small business owners, with its 20-watt laser module paired with four 5-watt laser arrays. This setup ensures smooth cutting of plexiglass without multiple passes. The powerful air assist system, high ventilation, air-guided shutters, and high precision make it ideal for most DIY plexiglass projects.
2. Plexiglass/acrylic panels
They come in a variety of thicknesses, colors, and finishes. For most DIY craft projects that one can do for a hobby or small business, we recommend choosing sheets from 1/8 "to 1/4" thick. If you are using a laser cutter with a power rating of 10 to 20 watts, choose a paper between 1/16 inch (where the speed is higher) and 1/8 inch (where a lower speed is required). Keep in mind that thicker sheets require a more powerful laser to cut effectively, so do your research properly once you know the thickness of the sheet you're working with.
3. Design software
Your OEM laser engraver machine must be compatible with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or LightBurn. The software allows you to design or import images to make designs for your plexiglass, which can then be converted into files compatible with laser cutters. The Ortur LM3 comes with Inspiraesth, a fully optimized software for acrylic DIY projects that is very simple to use thanks to its intuitive interface.
4. Protective equipment and trial form
Although the latest generation of laser engraver machines is generally considered safe, it is still advisable to wear safety goggles when cutting plexiglass or any other surface. In addition, maintain a well-ventilated working environment. In addition, before starting to cut, we always recommend laser cutting on the spare sheet first to avoid the loss of the main plexiglass sheet for DIY projects.
Cut plexiglass with a laser engraver machine.
Now that everything is ready, here's how to cut plexiglass with a laser cutter to get the proper results:
Step 1. The first step is to clean or scrub the surface of the Plexiglass with a soft cloth to ensure that it is free of dust, fingerprints, and any debris.
Step 2. Import your design into design software compatible with laser cutters. Make sure it covers the right area of the paper so it can easily fit into the correct size. For beginners, it is recommended that they start with simple patterns, such as circle patterns, square patterns, or simple ornaments, before choosing complex patterns.
Step 3. Check the Settings on the hardware; The setting of the laser cutting machine will be based on the thickness of the plexiglass as well as the power of the laser used. For example, a 20-watt laser engraver machine for cutting 1/16-inch sheets requires only one cut at 5-15 mm/SEC at a power setting of 100 watts. Your results may vary depending on hardware and sheet thickness.
Step 4: After checking everything, run the cutting process and note if the acrylic glass has been exposed to excessive heat. This will melt the edges, so keep it under control.
Step 5: Once done, let it cool and avoid excessive contact during new cuts to avoid damaging the edges.
So now that you know how to cut plexiglass with a laser engraver machine, to avoid mistakes when choosing sheets of this material, we always recommend starting with simple projects and choosing capable laser hardware for best results, such as the Ortur LM3.