For budget-conscious users seeking laser cutters that handle acrylic professionally, the focus is on machines under $1,500 that deliver clean cuts and precise engravings on acrylic (both clear and colored). CO2 lasers are preferred for acrylic due to their ability to cut clear sheets and produce flame-polished edges, especially on extruded acrylic. Diode lasers are included for colored/opaque acrylic but require workarounds for clear acrylic. Below is a curated list of the best budget laser cutters that perform like higher-end models for acrylic projects, with key features, pros, cons, and approximate pricing based on recent data.

Top Budget Laser Cutters for Acrylic (Under $1,500)

1. OMTech K40 (40W CO2 Laser)
   • Price: ~$500–$700
   • Key Features:
     • 40W CO2 laser, cuts up to 5mm acrylic (clear or colored) in multiple passes.
     • 12x8-inch work area, compact for home use.
     • Compatible with LightBurn software (subscription ~$60/year).
   • Pros:
     • Affordable CO2 laser, capable of cutting clear acrylic (unlike diode lasers).
     • Produces clean, flame-polished edges on extruded acrylic with proper settings.
     • Upgradable with air assist (~$100) and exhaust systems for pro-level results.
   • Cons:
     • Small work area limits project size (e.g., small signs, keychains).
     • Requires technical setup (lens alignment, ventilation upgrades), not plug-and-play.
     • Basic safety features; users must add ventilation for acrylic fumes.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers or small businesses comfortable with tinkering, crafting small acrylic items like coasters or ornaments.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 3–5mm acrylic at ~10mm/s and 70–80% power; multiple passes needed for thicker sheets. Engraves cast acrylic with frosty white finish.
2. xTool D1 Pro 20W (Diode Laser)
   • Price: ~$1,000–$1,200
   • Key Features:
     • 20W diode laser, cuts up to 5mm colored/opaque acrylic in 5–10 passes.
     • 17x15.7-inch work area, larger than K40.
     • Supports LightBurn and xTool Creative Space (XCS, free) software.
   • Pros:
     • Beginner-friendly with easy setup and intuitive software.
     • Precise engraving for detailed designs on colored acrylic (e.g., jewelry, decor).
     • Larger workspace supports bigger projects than K40.
   • Cons:
     • Cannot cut clear acrylic without painting it (e.g., black spray paint on back).
     • Slower cutting speed for thicker acrylic (10–15mm/s, multiple passes).
     • Less efficient than CO2 for polished edges.
   • Best For: Hobbyists or small businesses focusing on colored acrylic projects who prioritize ease of use over clear acrylic cutting.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 3mm colored acrylic at ~15mm/s and full power; engraving is crisp but requires testing for optimal settings.
3. Gweike Cloud Basic (50W CO2 Laser)
   • Price: ~$1,499 (often discounted)
   • Key Features:
     • 50W CO2 laser, cuts up to 10mm acrylic efficiently.
     • 20x12-inch work area, suitable for medium-sized projects.
     • Cloud-based software and LightBurn compatibility; includes exhaust fan.
   • Pros:
     • More powerful than K40, cutting thicker acrylic (up to 10mm) in fewer passes.
     • Cuts clear and colored acrylic with flame-polished edges on extruded sheets.
     • Beginner-friendly with built-in ventilation and intuitive controls.
   • Cons:
     • Higher cost than K40, stretching the budget limit.
     • Larger footprint (requires ~3x2 feet of space).
     • Cloud software may feel limiting for advanced users preferring LightBurn.
   • Best For: Small businesses or serious hobbyists needing a near-pro CO2 laser for signage or larger acrylic pieces on a budget.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 6mm acrylic at ~8mm/s and 65% power; single-pass for thinner sheets. Engraves cast acrylic with high precision.

Key Considerations for Budget Acrylic Laser Cutting

• CO2 vs. Diode Lasers: CO2 lasers (OMTech K40, Gweike Cloud) are ideal for clear and colored acrylic, offering polished edges and faster cuts. Diode lasers (xTool D1 Pro) are limited to colored/opaque acrylic unless painted, requiring more passes for thicker sheets.
• Acrylic Types:
  • Cast Acrylic: Best for engraving (frosty white finish); budget CO2 lasers handle this well.
  • Extruded Acrylic: Yields flame-polished edges when cut, achievable with CO2 lasers even at budget levels.
• Settings for Pro Results: Use slow speeds (5–15mm/s) and high power (65–80%) for clean cuts. Air assist (available or add-on) prevents flare-ups and improves edge quality. Test settings on scrap acrylic to avoid melting or charring.
• Safety: Acrylic cutting produces strong fumes; all machines require ventilation (K40 needs upgrades, Gweike includes it). Remove protective film to prevent fires. Never cut PVC-based materials, as they release toxic chlorine gas.
• Software: LightBurn is the gold standard for precise control (~$60/year). xTool’s XCS is free and beginner-friendly but less powerful. Budget machines may require manual tweaks for optimal acrylic results.

Recommendations by Use Case

• Absolute Cheapest Option: OMTech K40 for DIYers willing to upgrade and tinker, capable of clear acrylic and small pro-quality projects.
• Easiest to Use: xTool D1 Pro for beginners working with colored acrylic, offering simplicity and a larger work area.
• Best Near-Pro Performance: Gweike Cloud Basic for small businesses needing thicker acrylic cuts and polished results without breaking the bank.

Tips for Pro-Level Acrylic Results on a Budget

• Optimize Settings: Start with manufacturer guides (e.g., OMTech’s Material EasySet Library) and adjust for acrylic type/thickness. For 3mm extruded acrylic, try 10mm/s and 70% power on CO2 lasers; diode lasers need ~15mm/s and multiple passes.
• Material Choice: Use 3–5mm acrylic for budget machines to avoid excessive passes. Source from suppliers like Inventables or local hardware stores for cost savings.
• Enhance Results: Add air assist (K40) or use masking tape to reduce burn marks. Overhead cutting (elevate material) prevents honeycomb bed reflections.
• Project Ideas: Create professional-looking signs, keychains, earrings, or illuminated displays. Budget CO2 lasers excel at flame-polished edges for signage, while diode lasers suit detailed engravings on colored acrylic.

For current pricing or deals, check OMTech, xTool, or Gweike websites, or browse Amazon for discounts. If you have specific needs (e.g., project size, acrylic thickness, or workspace constraints), let me know, and I can refine the recommendations!