Discover how to Master Clear Acrylic Laser Cutting!
Welcome to another episode of “Material Minute”! In this post, we showcase how the Monport Onyx laser engraver performs a cutting test on 3.175mm acrylic. Using a range of power and speed settings, we evaluate how this machine achieves precise and clean cuts. Whether you’re a laser enthusiast or a creator perfecting your craft, this guide will help you discover the ideal settings for cutting acrylic. Scroll down to see the test results and recommended settings in action!
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| Setting | Value |
| Material | 3.175mm (1/8 inch) Acrylic |
| Power | 20% to 100% |
| Speed | 5 mm/s to 50 mm/s |
| DPI | 254 |
| Line Interval | 0.1 mm |
| Air Assist | 5 PSI |
| Frequency | 20 kHz |
| Passes | 1 |
Final results of cut test on 3.175mm Acrylic.
Analysis & Observations on Cutting 3.175mm Acrylic
Successful Cuts:
The best results for fully penetrating cuts were achieved with power levels between 50%-80% and speeds of 5-10 mm/s, as shown in the red-outlined grid sections. These settings consistently produced clean, smooth edges with minimal frosting, making them ideal for high-quality acrylic cutting projects.
Excessive Melting and Overburn:
At higher power levels (90%-100%) and slower speeds (5–10 mm/s), the acrylic experienced significant melting, resulting in distorted edges and warping. These settings are not suitable for clean cuts.
Incomplete Cuts:
Settings with higher speeds (20+ mm/s) failed to cut the 3.175mm acrylic completely. These settings left shallow marks or incomplete cuts, which may be better suited for engraving or scoring.
Air Assist Impact:
Using 5 PSI air assist helped maintain edge clarity by reducing the buildup of melted material and blowing away debris during the cutting process.
Line Interval and DPI:
The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI setting ensured precision and consistency, showcasing the Monport Onyx’s ability to handle detailed acrylic cutting tasks effectively.
Recommended Settings for 3.175mm Acrylic Cutting:
- Power: 50%–80%
- Speed: 5–10 mm/s
- Line Interval: 0.1 mm
- DPI: 254
- Air Assist: 5 PSI
- Frequency: 20 kHz
These settings deliver the best balance for clean, smooth cuts, fully penetrating the 3.175mm acrylic without excessive melting or distortion.
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