Universal Laser Systems X2-600 - Manual (Page 69)

Sample Materials 6-5
COMMENTS
There are two types of acrylic available, cast and extruded. Cast turns white or frosted and extruded
remains clear when engraved. Use extruded acrylic for paint filled engraving and cast for regular
engraving. Cast engraves better without masking. Lightly engrave the surface to frost it with a low power
setting such as the first setting listed above. If deep engraving is desired, it is necessary to mask the
acrylic with transfer tape to prevent the smoke from damaging the clear surface of the acrylic. However,
another problem with deep acrylic engraving is that the intense heat creates a white, crusty, deposit that
accumulates along the edges of the area that was just engraved and is impossible to remove without
causing damage. Engraving lightly and without masking seems to be the better all around alternative.
If only cutting acrylic, extruded works better and is less expensive than cast. The cut edges of extruded
acrylic will appear to be more highly polished and clearer than cast acrylic when laser cut. When cutting
acrylic, it might be necessary to remove both sides of the original masking and re-mask with transfer tape
if cutting through the original masking produces flaming. The original masking is coated with wax and will
not absorb water. If cutting through very thick acrylic, re-mask both sides with transfer tape and dampen
the masking on both sides of the acrylic with water from a spray bottle. Elevate the acrylic off the table at
least 1/2 inch, re-focus, and then proceed to cut. Elevating the acrylic will allow the beam to completely
pass through the material which allows the smoke and heat to escape from underneath. If cutting directly
on the engraving table, the trapped heat might cause the bottom edge of the cut to pit and distort. Re-
masking and dampening with water will act as a heat sink to pull the laser heat away from the cutting area
resulting in less distortion or heat effected zones (HAZ). When dampening, be sure not to leave puddles
of water. Puddles of water will reduce cutting depth significantly. For the best results when combining
engraving and cutting on the same piece, first engrave lightly and unmasked. Then mask with transfer
tape, dampen, elevate, re-focus, and cut as a second step.
Paint filling the engraved area is possible by first masking the acrylic or leave on the original masking
then engraving through the masking. Before removing the masking, brush or spray on some acrylic
based or water based paint right on to the masking. When the paint is dry, remove the masking and the
paint will remain in the recessed area of the engraving. Remember to use extruded acrylic when paint
filling and cast acrylic when simply engraving.
Acrylic is extremely flammable. Do not leave the laser system unattended when cutting or
engraving.