Can you cut acrylic with a diode laser? No, with a diode laser you cannot cut transparent acrylic, with the exception of black and red. Below, you'll read exactly why, and what is and isn't possible.
What is a diode laser?
Laser cutters work with a laser source. The laser beam is generated in the laser source, similar to an incandescent light bulb. There are different types of laser sources, and they produce laser beams at different wavelengths.
The most common lasers among our customers are diode lasers, followed by CO2 laser cutters, and a small portion have a fiber laser. We will elaborate here on diode and CO2 lasers because they are the most prevalent.
CO2 lasers can cut through all materials in our assortment, provided they have sufficient wattage. Diode lasers cannot cut through translucent plastics.
Diode laser beams consist of blue light at a wavelength of 450nm; this blue light is not absorbed by transparent plastics. This laser beam passes straight through the material, meaning it doesn't cut into the sheet.
Which types of acrylic CAN I cut with a diode laser cutter?
Black and red acrylic you can cut with a diode laser. Black because these sheets are so dark that they absorb the light. Red because this color is on the opposite side of the light spectrum compared to the blue laser beam, which allows the laser beam to 'grab' onto this material. Unfortunately, this does not work for other colors of the same material.
Keep in mind that cutting acrylic requires some experience with laser cutting.
Is cutting acrylic with a laser safe?
Acrylic is suitable for laser cutting, but it is susceptible to fire. Always stay next to your machine when it is laser-cutting acrylic.
It is important that you always observe the standard safety rules and machine regulations during laser cutting. Every laser workshop should have a fire extinguisher within reach of the machine. You can find more about safety here...
How do you recognize fire hazards with acrylic?
If you see a constant orange glow around the laser cut, or if you see flames that do not extinguish on their own. Stop the machine immediately and adjust your settings.
A flickering glow around the laser beam while cutting acrylic is not problematic. This is caused by the laser hitting the honeycomb underneath. As long as the light or glow extinguishes intermittently, like a blinker, it's okay. If the glow does not extinguish intermittently, or if it grows larger? Then there is a fire hazard. Stop the machine immediately and adjust the settings.
Acrylic overheats if the laser passes over it too slowly. If you can't cut through it when you go faster? Then your material is probably too thick for your machine's power. Use a thinner material.
Are there tricks to still cut transparent acrylic?
Multiple sources can be found online with tricks that allow you to cut transparent acrylic with a diode laser. These methods have not been validated for our machines and materials, so we advise against them.
How do I know which material I can and cannot cut?
On the product page of a material, you will see which laser type and wattage you minimally need to be able to cut a material. You will also see our LaserGrade seal of approval here. LaserGrade indicates whether a material is approved for laser cutting; also check out the collection LaserGrade materials suitable for diode.
