Pro Tips for Engraving Acrylic Like a Pro
1. Engrave from the Back (When Appropriate)
When using clear or mirrored acrylic, flip it over and reverse your design in your software. Engraving from the back enhances polish and makes the final product easier to clean and display.
2. Defocus the Lens for Smoother Finishes
Slightly defocusing your laser can reduce harsh raster lines and create a smoother appearance. For example:
-
On ⅛” thick acrylic, manually set your laser focus to .3 instead of the default.
-
Compare focus levels: A piece engraved at .3 focus will typically have smoother, more even engraving than one at .12 focus.
👀 In the test shown, both sides of a crystal-clear acrylic sample were engraved at 1000 speed/full power—left with .3 focus, right with .12. The difference is clear in the engraving quality.
3. Ditch the Masking—Use Dish Soap Instead
Masking can protect your material during cutting, but it’s not always ideal for engraving. Try this method for cleaner results:
-
Remove the masking from the engraving side.
-
Apply a thin layer of liquid dish soap to the surface to reduce burn marks and help dissipate heat.
-
For full protection, you can remove masking from both sides and apply soap to both.
By understanding your material and fine-tuning your laser settings, you can consistently achieve professional-level engravings with acrylic. Whether you're creating sharp text, intricate patterns, or dimensional artwork, these tips will help you get the most from your laser and your acrylic sheets.
Have questions or want to share your results? Let us know—we’d love to see what you’re creating!
Leave a comment