How do I do laser engraving on acrylic?

Next to wood, acrylic is the most popular material to engrave using a laser system. It engraves and cuts very easily, comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be relatively inexpensive. Acrylic comes in two forms, cast and extruded.

Cast acrylic is used for almost all engraving purposes. This is because the frost produced provides a nice white contrast against the clear material.

Extruded acrylic remains clear when engraved but does not produce an adequate contrast. However, extruded acrylic is ideal if you are going to vector cut only. Extruded acrylic is less expensive than cast and also has a lower melting point. The lower melting point produces an edge that looks flame finished when cut.

What is the thickest acrylic that can be cut in a single pass with a laser engraver?

Here's a good rule of thumb on the maximum thickness of acrylic that can be cut in a single pass and the wattage of the laser needed to make that cut:
1/8"     12 Watt
1/4"     25 Watt
1/2"     40 Watt
3/4"     75 Watt
1"      100 Watt


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