So I am trying to engrave 2 layer acrylic and my first project came out fantastic but my next one not so much this one has a lot more engraving in it and iv played with my interval but I’m getting problems from a different area it’s more left to right then up and down if that makes sense thanks as always
Okay update, I believe it is melting the protective cover to the acrylic, so do I up my speed if I need to adjust my interval?
If it has the clear plastic protective film you need ot remove that before engraving. I recommend using paper masking before engraving then. If you leave it bare you will likely get hot particles on the surface that isn’t being engraved and that ruins the finish.
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So could you elaborate what you mean by paper masking? Like masking tape?
Yes, masking tape works, but you need to be careful how you apply it. Overlaps can cause underburning because you need to go through 2 layers at that point, and gaps, well, they don’t cover, which is why you mask to begin with. An actual paper transfer tape is better in my opinion. I purchase it in 12" wide rolls so I don’t have issue with gaps or overlap.
I also don’t purchase acrylic from a supplier that doesn’t include paper masking. I have purchased some in the past and won’t purchase from them again.
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That is very good advice haha this is my first experience with acrylic because I wanted to see what LoneStar adhesives product was like but I’ll be buying some transfer paper, I appreciate you!
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One thing I’ve tried, and has worked occasionally, is not to engrave bidirectional. Only engrave on one pass, not the return pass. Gives the material you’re engraving on time to cool before the next pass. I had one mirrored acrylic melt and blow all over the place the next time the laser passed by. I turned down the air, but that only prevented it from blowing into the previous line. It made rough mountain like ridges on either side. The single pass gave it time to level out so to speak before it heated and blew over.
Didn’t work for all of the sheets, but that one order was a real PITA to get right.
Yeah, it doubles the work time, but the end result ‘paid’ for itself. Out of the 750 that were contracted, and the 800ish ornaments I made, there were less than 25 that ended up in the trash. All from that one sheet.
Lots of trial and error in our hobbies. Might take a while to find your best method.
(I use the same method on glassware. The double pass seems to melt a layer over the engraved area, and I need to take micromesh or sometimes a wire brush to them to get that layer off. The single pass only needs the micromesh to take off the rough spots)
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