Top 10 Laser Engraving Pro Tips - Acrylic
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- āđāļāļĒāđāļāļĢāđāđāļĄāļ·āđāļ 16 āļ.āļ. 2024
- In this episode of Laser Engraving 911 we delve into the world of laser engraving and laser cutting acrylic! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this video is packed with invaluable tips and tricks to take your acrylic projects to the next level. Special Discount Link In Description Below!
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_________________________________________________________________________
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:43 Tip Number 1: Choosing the Right Acrylic
1:41 Tip Number 2: Getting Glassy Cuts on Acrylic
3:01 Tip Number 3: Not All Lasers Can Cut the Same Acrylic
4:20 Tip Number 4: Acrylic Vapors and Fume Extraction
6:15 Tip Number 5: Masking Acrylic and Eliminating Hazing
8:41 Tip Number 6: Cleaning Up Scratches on Acrylic
9:35 Tip Number 7: Glueing Acrylic Together
11:17 Tip Number 8: Top 2 Favorite Acrylics That Make the Most Money
13:36 Tip Number 9: Exotic Acrylic and Where to Get Them
14:55 Tip Number 10: Dealing with Warping and Curling while Laser Cutting Acrylic
16:48 Outro
_________________________________________________________________________
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120 tooth Blade For Circ Saw To Cut Down Large Sheets Of Acrylic: amzn.to/4cuoRpk
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â Helpful Tutorial and Bonding Acrylic: Weldon 4
âĒ How to Glue Acrylic to...
âĒ How to Bond Acrylic
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ðĻFume Extractors and Inline Fans:
â Fumeclear Small Fume Extractor: amzn.to/3TKFwgU
â BOFA Professional Fume Extractor: bofainternational.com/us/find...
INLINE FANS:
â VEVOR INLINE FAN 8": s.vevor.com/bfQXvg
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I've been laser engraving / cutting since 1998. But there is always something new you can learn. My PRO tip. "Don't Think you know it all, even if you have been doing it for years or decades." :)
Well put!
Went out with the gang from HA Saturday night at LBX! Great folks and yeah, great products and service!!
Very informative. Thank you for this video.
you're ALWAYS an awesome teacher, so thankful
One of the best channels and tips for Laser engraving things, kudos man and thanks a bunch!
Wow, thanks!
Wow. Great video. Your listing of the products you use and where to get them is appreciated.
I got a huge amount of value out of this video. Thank you for your time.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!
one more great video and LOT of info, Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Omg this was so helpful, thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
Absolutely awesome! Great info for a beginner wanting to use acrylics. Keep up the great work and videos.
Thank you! Will do!
I like the way you delivered the info - very useful indeed... Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Great advice, as always ð will most certainly be putting these valuable tips to use
What's up Dave! Dude thank for watching as always!! Glad you dig it!
Thanks for the great tips!
You bet! glad you got some value!
Thank you for all your tips
You are so welcome! glad you got some value!!
Great tips, especially the Weld On 4. I get all my acrylic at Houston Acrylic, great people, and selection!
Right on!
Excellent video, very interesting, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great tips!
Wonderful vidio thanks âĪâĪâĪ
Great video thank you for the information
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
awesome video! Great info on all those different plastics..woow.
Thanks for watching!
Number 8 was an especially timely tip for me as Iâm preparing to reach out to photographers. Thank you!
Great!!! glad you got some value!
Super informative video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Cheers from Denmark ð
your welcome!!
Another fantastic video. So much great information. Thank you
Thanks!
Awesome video, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge. Greetings from Costa Rica
hey Costa Rica, thanks for popping over and taking the time to leave a comment
Love the color!
Me too!
I work with cast acrylic exclusively. This video is FANTASTIC! So much good info.Thank you!!! Weld-On 3 works well too.
You are so welcome!
Great info! Thank you!
your welcome!!!
Great advice! Will definitely be checking out your list of resources.
nice! Thx
Very good tips, thank you!
No worries!
Thanks for the tips
No problem!
Thank you for the faux metal acrylic recommendation!
You bet!!
Excellent video. Thanks
You are welcome!
Great video! Very informative.
Thank You!
@@LaserEngraving911 Iâm brand new to the awesome world of laser (GF Pro). I just made my first cut with acrylic and sadly made the mistake of using e6000. My cut was all of 2âw x 1âh. Im curious, how well does Weld On 4 work on small pieces such as the dot for a lower case âiâ? I hope that makes sense. Should I use something different on something so small?
What a great set of tips!
I have a marble slab that I lay the thin pieces on that have warpedâĶworks most of the time..sometimes need to hit it with a hair dryer.
Thanks for the support and for the great tip!
Great video. I liked the tip about the brushed steel and brushed brass name plates. I've used the Rowmark gold in 0.8mm for trophy plates, but never thought of using the thicker stuff for other things until this video. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing! and your support!
Really valuable advice. Love the channel! I spent a couple days of disappointment learning on extruded clear acrylic when I get my d1pro. It was one of the things I was really hoping to do. I think I will try some of the coloured cast acrylic now that Iâve watched this though thank you.
Awesome! Glad you go some value, def check out some of the great colors at Houston Acrylic! houstonacrylic.com/discount/LASERENGRAVING911
Great vid as always. I have been using Rowmark for a few years, game changer for Co2. Thanks for the link on the Exoticsð
No problem ð Im stoked to make some new projects with Houstons color line, they have re-inspired me to make more cool acrylic stuff!
Visited Houston Acrylics Houston location
today and bought several panels. They have a very large selection and were very helpful.
Nice, wish I lived close enough to just pop in!
Great Episod Mike! Laser Max silver and gold are truly huge money maker indeed. Red cap with white core also have a big use in Solar signage or any "Warning Labels"
ooooo nice bonus tip! That is a another great idea,, I might have to start carrying that color combo too :) folks listen to this guy! ðąâðĪ
@@LaserEngraving911 @oclaser can I use those materials on a diode laser, too or can they only be worked on with a co2?
Great tips, thank you!!! I always use a respirator with acrylic, even through Iâm venting out with an inline fan.
Glad it was helpful!
Super tips!! The hazing really annoyed me, so I took the time for weeding the masking tape. Now I will definitely try your dish soap tip.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to comment and watch :)
Thanks bro very useful information
Anytime glad it helped!
Awesome video!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome Vid.
Thanks for the visit
Great tips. Thanks
You bet!
Great information! I already knew quite a bit of this, but excited to hear about the Weld on 4 for gluing my acrylic... a lot of pieces we have done, we use 3m to stick them together, which seems to work well, but that's always indoor only signs. Also, I am in Canada so if anyone from Canada see's this, a good Canadian source for the metallic plastics is Trotec Canada... There is also a Canadian source for some very fancy acrylics similar to Houston Acrylic, called Lynde Creek Acrylic. Cheers!
Thank you! I think you will find that weld on 4 is pretty cool stuff once you get the hang of it, it very strong!
Great video.... would like to see a video example of using the dish soap as a way to prevent hazing.
Thanks! You mean and expanded video on this topic?, I did cover it in the video.
Thanks it was very informative content! I'll use the Houstonacrylic discount on the last day, 04/31 for sure :-)
ðĪĢ
Wow!
Thanks!
Thanks Michael! Great video and very timely too. I have a custom layered acrylic trophy project coming up and I have chosen to use oracal adhesive to stick some pieces of the acrylic together. I have WeldOn4, but I haven't practiced with it enough to make clean welds like you show. Would you advise against using oracal to stick layers of acrylic together?
Glad it was helpful! If you want to use 3M double sided tap on the back, or oracle to stick the parts together, I know that totally works, and you should be just fine, alot of folks do this, but like I said in the video Weld On #4 is the industry standard because it literally welds the acrylic together, creating a super strong lifetime bond. Just get yourself some scrap acrylic and start practicing with the weld on, once you get the hang of it, you will see how easy it is :)
Thatâs for the tips , Iâm new to answering but o love it and want to learn more.
1. What the best size to cut
That is going to depend on your laser bed size, and power of your laser, do you mean thickness?
Hi there, which thickness of the Rowmark do you usually use for signs, 1/16 or 1/8? Thank you very much for being willing to teach so much about laser engraving!
I use 1/16th mostly with the 3M adhesive backing option, almost always! ð
Thank you.
You're very welcome and thanks for watching :)
Hello, thank you for your great work! Can I ask if you would recommend xtool smoke purifier machine to use with a xtool P2 co2 laser, specially wile using plexiglass? Thank you!
Hi There, I would recommend you not cut plexiglass, that is not acrylic. and regarding the fume extractor from xtool, I honestly cannot say if its good or not as I have no experience with it. But I can say it better be really good, because acrylic vapor is super smelly, and most cheap fume extractors cannot mitigate that smell. For good fume extractors I would look at BOFA and or FiltraBox!
About the Johnson plastic plus silver with black. Is a C02 laser necessary to cut and engrave? I just recently purchased a 40 watt diode and I'm curious. I checked your link and I didn't see anything descriptive on the type of laser required. I've cut dark acrylic with another diode I have. Thank you for your time,I love your videos as well!!!ððð
you can totally work with the silver and the gold from Johnson plastic plus the Romark laser max that I mentioned with your day of Laser itâll work great with it
great video i have a co2 80 watt and have cut and engrave Acrytic but i like a long ways from being good at it but i try. my question can i engrave signs with romark on a fiber laser
You can do it! I have successfully laser engraved the Romark laser max series using my fiber, however you cannot cut laser max with your fiber, just engraving, and you will be limited to the size of engraving you can do, depending on your fiber laser lens size. The cool thing about the fiber is your can get cool surface colors, like white, gray on the laser max that you cannot get with the co2. With the right fiber laser settings.
I have a project to do and need advice. Looking into engraving stainless steel charms the size of a quarter or maybe size 0f half adollar, they'll be engraved in both sides. Any videos I can watch to educate myself and minimize or avoid mistakes?
Any friendly suggestion is welcome. ððĪðŪð
Great Video, question on the Rowmark product. Which thickness do you use most (1/32", 1/16", or 1/8"? I assume 1/16"). Also, you mentioned to get it with the "3M" backing already on it. They have 4 different "Applied Adhesive" options (T467MP, T347, T330, and T468; which one are you using most or would recommend?)
def 1/16th is my favorite, and I use the standard 4mil adhesive ð
@LaserEngraving911 much appreciated I ordered some samples. But will def order a bunch, it's exactly what I've been looking for (mostly family and friends, jist hobby level)
Hey Great video and tips. Iâm thinking of taking advantage of the Omtech sale that ends in 2 days to get a Omtech polar. I dnt have a workshop outside. Its in my office. From a safety point of view, will sticking the hose out of a window be sufficient? I definitely want to be safe for myself and my family. Also what are your thoughts on the polar? I see your recommendationed co2 list is more expensive than my budget. ðĒThanks a lot. New Sub!
Hey Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and sub! Your not the only one who has to exhaust this way, sometime you have to start simple, I would try to get a longer exhaust hose to get it through the window, and out and away, and get a strong inline fan, Ill list some links below to some fans I recommend. As to omtech.. I would not get that unit, or any unit from them, I feel the build quality, and overall performance is sub par, and the customer support is just as bad I hear. I've seen a few of the units from them and I was NOT impressed at all. My first recommendation is that you spec a bit more, and get the Xtool P2 (link) Co2shrsl.com/4grfc Laser as your first unit. You want to have a solid Co2 laser so you can engrave and cut all the types of material and colors. The software is very user friendly and there is a ton of support from xtool and FB groups on this unit, and over all its a reliable machine for the price point. If the Xtool P2 is still outside your budget then I would highly recommend you look at the Xtool S1 diode based laser. You can see my full review on this unit and rating on my channel, while it is a bit slower than I like to see , it is overall very nice entry level unit with easy features that I love. Because its a diode laser you will not be able to cut every single color material, like clear acrylic, and whites , you can pretty much engrave and cut anything else. Here is the link for the Xtool S1 shrsl.com/4d8q2.. and here is a link to a strong inline fan I recommend and window adapter that may help. amzn.to/3POLif1 and window adapter. amzn.to/3TLVYMt hope this helps.
do you recommend "no mark plus" coating for the Johnson plastics products?
I have never seen a reason to get that coating in all my years.
Out of all the Houston Acrylic options witch ones works well with the Blue light lasers (Xtool ) .
Thanks
Well, I would stick to dark colors and shy away from the light colors like white, clear, pastel, light yellow, and blue, check out this guys video on cutting colors and engraving colors. th-cam.com/video/O1-4wORy0Rw/w-d-xo.html
@@LaserEngraving911 thanks for the replies. They have a section for Diode Laser tested acrylic
Hey these are great tips man thanks for sharing.. I'm using an Epilog FusionPro 32, downside of it is that I have no control over the air assist pressure (or the ability to turn it off for that matter).. really bugs me. I do have those striation lines along the edges of my acrylic cuts.
Does that unit not have an external air compressor?
Unfortunately no, the air assist pump and assembly are all enclosed within the machine and automatically controlled during every run.
@@LaserEngraving911
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
I am new to this great adventure of creating objects with the laser, little by little I have been learning to engrave and cut wood, finding the best settings for engraving and cutting. But I have only tried a single cut and engraving in acrylic and it was terrible (following the instructions and settings on the group's website where I share the use of the laser.) The engraving looks very ugly and to cut the 4 mm acrylic required almost 5 passes.
It is a CO2 Laser, 80W (Mod. Redsail CM1080 Laser Cutter).
Could you please give me some advice (settings) to improve it, since I was surprised when you mentioned that in a single pass it could cut.
Thanks in advance
You should have no problem cutting all kinds of acrylic with an 80 W CO2 laser. I suspect that it Hass to do with your assist not being correct or youâre not in focus. I would definitely check the focus when youâre using your laser and make sure that you are focusing to the material properly. See if that helps.
nice one !
Thanks!
craving donuts for some reason now
Can you tell I have a thing for Doughnuts? Is it too Obvious? ðĪĢðĪĢ
Thankfully I live in Winston-Salem NC where Krispy Kreme started, I grew up eating them
Do you recommend elevating acrylic or wood off the honeycomb to keep the backside clear?
That is for sure an option that you can try. I have some risers I have used for that in the past, but I have found over the years that masking is cleaner. The risers I use are actually these spikes amzn.to/3voeH8L
Is there any kind of protective clear coat that can be applied to the finished product?
I dont see why not! I've never had a need to do this with acrylic, but if I did I would pick something that bonds all to plastic and is UV stable.
Hi. I'm interested in starting laser cutting which you recommend for a newbie?
For sure check out the Xtool S1 and Or P2 for your first venture in to laser engraving and cutting. P2 shrsl.com/4fnxt S1 shrsl.com/4d8q2 these machines are new user friendly and are priced affordably
Great tips. Iâm just starting out. Thank you. You mentioned the LBX show. What is the name of that?
It was the LightBurn Expo, they will have another this year Iâm sure
@@LaserEngraving911 thank you.
What is the thickness of the acrylic used to cut that letter G? We have a 60watt Co2 Epilog Fusion Pro.
1/2â I am using a 120watt Epilog
@@LaserEngraving911 Makes sense. We cannot cut that thick with a 60watt. Unless you know a secret.
Hi! Greay video! Do you know how to paint the engraving? Like a qr code ?
yes, you can backfill in the engraving on acrylic. I have two videos on my channel one is using Powdercoat to backfill engraving on acrylic with color and the other one is just general color filling using a mask in acrylic paint.
Merci beaucoup, votre vidÃĐo m'a beaucoup plu. Pouce en l'air et abonnement bien mÃĐritÃĐs !
Thank you kindly!! appreciate your support!
Doesnt Weld-on cause crazing and cracking on laser cut pieces?? Ive read this and experienced it.
No , I have not experienced this, but if someone is using it on extruded acrylic, possibly, I only use it on cast acrylic.
Thank you for all the tips! Iâm new to engraving using a LaserPecker LP2 and also an LX-1 Max. Your channel really helps. ð
Welcome aboard!
I have a diodes laser. Can I cut and engrave the brushed brass or silver acrylic?
yep you sure can
@@LaserEngraving911 thank you ð
What material is acrylic? Glass, plastic, some type of resin?
Its not glass or , its its own material:
Cast acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is made from a synthetic resin derived from the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). MMA is a clear liquid monomer, which undergoes a chemical reaction called polymerization to form the solid material known as acrylic. The polymerization process can be initiated by various methods such as heat, light, or chemical catalysts. During polymerization, the molecules of MMA join together to form long chains, creating a clear and durable plastic material. This process allows for the production of sheets, rods, tubes, and other forms of acrylic products used in various applications such as signage, displays, aquariums, and architectural applications.
hey!!! Please, Can you teach me how to make that krispy kreme ad you showed? please!!
Hey! I just released this short on how to make the Krispy Kreme sign! Thanks for your support!
th-cam.com/users/shortsCXoo0RmiOOo?feature=share
@@LaserEngraving911 super!!! thx so much!!
I've been using acrylic in one form or another for 20+ years and from dozens of sellers and mine always came with paper mask unless it was calendared.
Thanks for sharing!
Krispy-Kreme Download file link does not work. ðĒ please send to me, thanks
Another one regarding welding. Where I live, its hard (and expensive) to get Weld-On products. So we found another chemical that actually does just as well. Chloroform. Yes it is extremely dangerous, but provided you use an organic respirator you're good.
Yikes! not sure if I would recommend that to anyone, but I guess as long as your following safety precautions, and that all you have, it what you gotta work with.
Do you have an email for people to get ahold of you if they have questions on idea's for the laser engravers
www.laserengraving911.com
Nice, $250 in shipping to sweden :)
:(
Can diode laser cut pro max acrylic ?
Sorry I wasnât specific . Meant by the pro max silver and gold mirror finish acrylic
Ever had any success cutting through 1" cast?
with 100watt and 120watt you can, yes, consider using a 4" lens and focusing down 1/4" past the material...and good air assit.
Also is there a video on how you made that light up sign behind you
You saw that, I might make a quick video on how I did that, great idea. It is was fun project! and has and LED system in that is bluetooth controlled and I can change the color scheme on it using my phone.
Hey! I just released this short on how to make the Krispy Kreme sign! Thanks for your support!
th-cam.com/users/shortsCXoo0RmiOOo?feature=share
ððžððžððžððžððžððžð
Thanks!!
Hi, can you show me how to engrave Acrylic with an S1 40w diode laser - This is possible, but some youtubers say black base, some they say black top layer and others say correct setting... see www.youtube.com /watch?v=s8lijXNkWCE just cardboard underneath ðŪ - I just purchased my first laser and I find your TH-cam videos to be the most understandable and they are always very well explained for a beginner. thank you for this.. ð
You will always be limited to the colors you can laser cut and engrave using a diode laser, without serious work arounds. Stick to darker colors and you should be fine, to cut all the colors without using hacks and work arounds, you will need to get a CO2 laser like the P2.
Its acetone ,nail polish remover . So there i saved you a bunch of money , a BUNCH if you work with it , so much you should send me a small CO2 laser .
Nice tip! Thanks!
@@LaserEngraving911 i guess no CO2 laser then come one you have a bunch .
Thank you very much. That was a great educational video.
Is there an educational book on doing maintenance and repair for laser machines?
Not yet... Me thinks good idea Though! Ill have to look into that! The guys over @lasereverything love to geek out on the internals of lasers, might want to check them out!
@@LaserEngraving911 Thanks for your reply. I have to say that everyone who owns a lasercutting machine has a serious problem finding an honest technician.. My laser machine has been broken for three weeks now and none of these technicians would answer his phone or stick to the time they promise to come.. So, I have started learning everything about these machines.. and you, Sir, are very much appreciated for all the info you are offering.. thank you for your time, effort, dedication and being a real gentleman.
Aziz