Acrylic - Epilog Fusion M2 32 Manual

SECTION 14: MATERIAL ENGRAVING TECHNIQUES
it. What it doesn't describe is the difficulty that most users will have in creating acceptable 3D artwork. Creating a 3D
image that will look good after engraving can be very difficult to achieve because most software packages do not provide
the necessary tools to take complex objects and blend them in more than one direction from dark to light (or, visa versa).
There are some 3D graphics software packages available that will create 3D images, but they generally cost between
$3,500 and $10,000 USD. Ask your Epilog representative if you would like more information on these software packages.

Acrylic

Fire Warning: Your laser system uses a high-intensity beam of light that can generate extremely high
temperatures when it comes into contact with the material being engraved, marked or cut. Some materials
are extremely flammable and can easily ignite and burst into open flame setting the machine afire. This
open flame is very dangerous and has the potential to destroy not only the machine, but the building in
which it is housed.
Experience shows that vector cutting with the laser has the most potential to create an open flame. Many materials are
susceptible to igniting, but acrylic -in all its different forms - has been shown to be especially flammable when cut with
the laser.
For more information on fire hazards associated with lasers, please read the full "Fire Warning" on page 1 of the
manual.
Choosing the Right Type of Acrylic
There are two types of acrylics and each is suitable for different applications. Cast acrylic sheets and objects are made
from a liquid acrylic that is poured into molds that can be set into various shapes and sizes. This is the type of acrylic
used for the awards you see on the market. Cast acrylic is ideal for engraving because it turns a frosty white color when
engraved. While it can be cut with a laser, it will not give you flame-polished edges.
The second type of acrylic that you will use with your laser is formed into sheets by a machine and is called extruded
acrylic. It is formed through a higher-volume manufacturing technique, so it is typically less expensive than cast, and it
reacts very differently with the laser. Extruded acrylic will cut cleanly and smoothly and will have a flame-polished edge
when laser cut. But when it is engraved, instead of a frosted look you will have a clear engraving.
Acrylic Engraving Techniques
• Most acrylic is engraved on the backside to produce a look-through effect from the front surface.
• Remove the protective adhesive paper from the back of the acrylic before engraving. Leave the front protective cover
layer on to prevent scratching while handling the acrylic. Since you are engraving the backside of the acrylic, you
will need to reverse or mirror your artwork before sending the job to the laser.
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CO2 Laser Materials/Techniques