Cutting Acrylic with a Laser Cutter

Acrylic is a popular material for laser cutting due to its versatility, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Laser cutting is a precise and efficient way to cut acrylic into a variety of shapes and sizes, with minimal waste.

To cut acrylic with a laser cutter, the machine uses a high-powered laser beam to heat the material and create a clean cut. The laser can be controlled to cut intricate designs, curves, and angles, producing precise cuts every time.

However, it's important to note that cutting acrylic with a laser can release fumes that can be harmful to health, so proper ventilation is necessary. Additionally, the edges of the acrylic may become discolored or frosted due to the heat of the laser, so extra finishing steps may be required to achieve a polished look.

Overall, laser cutting is a popular and effective method for cutting acrylic, and it offers a high degree of precision and customization for a variety of projects.

Tim shows me how to use a laser cutter to make clean cuts from an Adobe Illustrator file in acrylic (plexiglass). This video was taken at the James Madison University's X-Labs.