Cutting transparent acrylic, passes and power

[NewbDudey (Bryan)]

Thanks for replying guys!

@adammhaile

9 passes? at what power? A 50W laser should cut through 2mm acrylic like butter in one pass. I run my 80W through 3mm acrylic at 80% power, 25mm/s.

I figured I was messing up somewhere as the youtube videos showed the K40s doing a better job than what I was getting… I’ll post pics of my settings in a bit.

@adammhaile

This generally only matters for engraving. I almost always leave min and max the same when I want to cut.

I think this is where I screwed up…

@adammhaile

If the protective coating is plastic, absolutely remove it. It will just melt onto the acrylic and you’ll have a hell of a time removing it later.

Makes sense, and thanks for the link

@joel1

9 passes does seem wrong. With my 80W tube I’m cutting 6mm acrylic at 20mm/S and 50% power.

Yep, feels like I’m screwing up somewhere. Is that one pass?

@DanoInTx

Do you have a mA meter on your machine?

Not that I know of, this is my machine:
/t/connecting-to-ruida/12255
I bought it after I was advised that these ruida controllers are most compatible with LB…

@Bonjour

I prefer one cut, with air assist.

I have air assist on this…

@Bonjour

You should be able to cut 5mm in one pass.

That’s what I wanted to hear as thats the main purpose of this buy; 5-6mm cuts!

@Bonjour

Having min/max allows it to drop the power as the head slows over the material during cornering.

Going to have to play with these settings a bit…