Laser cutting acrylic is a game-changer for hobbyists, small businesses, and professionals creating everything from intricate jewelry to sleek signage. Acrylic’s versatility, clarity, and ability to produce flame-polished edges make it a favorite for laser projects. However, achieving professional results requires the right machine, settings, and techniques. This guide covers the best laser cutting machines for acrylic across budgets, essential tips for clean cuts and engravings, and practical advice for maximizing your projects. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned fabricator, here’s everything you need to know to master acrylic laser cutting.

Why Choose Acrylic for Laser Cutting?

Acrylic, also known as Plexiglas or Perspex, is a durable, transparent plastic available in two main types:

• Cast Acrylic: Ideal for engraving, producing a frosty white finish. Slightly harder to cut but excellent for detailed designs like awards or decor.
• Extruded Acrylic: Best for cutting, yielding smooth, flame-polished edges perfect for signage, displays, or architectural models.

Advantages:

• Cuts cleanly with CO2 lasers, leaving glossy edges on extruded acrylic.
• Available in various colors, thicknesses (1–20mm), and finishes (clear, opaque, mirrored).
• Lightweight and shatter-resistant compared to glass, ideal for both artistic and functional projects.

Challenges:

• Produces strong fumes, requiring robust ventilation.
• Clear acrylic is tricky for diode lasers, which struggle to absorb the laser beam without workarounds (e.g., painting).
• Incorrect settings can cause melting, charring, or uneven cuts.

Best Laser Cutting Machines for Acrylic

Choosing the right machine depends on your budget, project scale, and whether you need to cut clear or colored acrylic. CO2 lasers are the gold standard for acrylic due to their ability to cut both clear and colored sheets with clean, polished edges. Diode lasers are budget-friendly but limited to opaque/colored acrylic unless modified. Below are top recommendations across budgets, focusing on performance for acrylic fabrication.

Budget-Friendly (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.
     • LightBurn software compatible (subscription ~$60/year).
   • Pros:
     • Affordable entry-level CO2 laser, cuts clear acrylic (unlike diodes).
     • Produces flame-polished edges on extruded acrylic with proper settings.
     • Upgradable with air assist (~$100) for cleaner cuts.
   • Cons:
     • Small workspace limits project size (e.g., keychains, small signs).
     • Requires technical setup (lens alignment, ventilation upgrades).
     • Basic safety features; add exhaust for acrylic fumes.
   • Best For: DIYers comfortable with tinkering, creating small acrylic crafts.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 3mm extruded acrylic at ~10mm/s, 70–80% power; engraves cast acrylic with frosty 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).
   • Pros:
     • Beginner-friendly with easy setup and intuitive software.
     • Precise engraving for colored acrylic (e.g., jewelry, decor).
     • Larger workspace for bigger projects.
   • Cons:
     • Cannot cut clear acrylic without painting (e.g., black spray paint).
     • Slower for thicker acrylic (10–15mm/s, multiple passes).
   • Best For: Beginners focusing on colored acrylic projects.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 3mm colored acrylic at ~15mm/s, full power; crisp engravings with testing.

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 projects.
     • Cloud-based software and LightBurn compatibility; includes exhaust fan.
   • Pros:
     • More powerful than K40, cuts thicker acrylic in fewer passes.
     • Handles clear and colored acrylic with flame-polished edges.
     • Beginner-friendly with built-in ventilation.
   • Cons:
     • Stretches budget; larger footprint (~3x2 feet).
     • Cloud software may limit advanced users.
   • Best For: Small businesses needing near-pro results on a budget.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 6mm acrylic at ~8mm/s, 65% power; single-pass for thinner sheets.

Mid-Range ($1,500–$3,000)

4. OMTech Polar 50W CO2 Laser

   • Price: ~$2,000–$3,000
   • Key Features:
     • 50W CO2 laser, cuts up to 10mm acrylic efficiently.
     • 20x12-inch work area with four-way passthrough for larger sheets.
     • Autofocus, motorized Z-axis, Ruida controller (LightBurn compatible).
   • Pros:
     • Fast and powerful for small-batch production.
     • Cuts clear and colored acrylic with polished edges.
     • Enhanced safety (ventilation, auto-shutdown).
   • Cons:
     • Larger footprint needs dedicated space.
     • Higher maintenance (e.g., laser tube replacement).
   • Best For: Small businesses or serious hobbyists making signs or awards.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 10mm acrylic at ~6mm/s, 70% power; excellent for engravings.

5. Flux Beamo 30W CO2 Laser

   • Price: ~$1,995
   • Key Features:
     • 30W CO2 laser, cuts up to 7mm acrylic effectively.
     • 11.8x8.3-inch work area, desktop-friendly.
     • Touchscreen and app-based control.
   • Pros:
     • Beginner-friendly with minimal setup.
     • Cuts clear and colored acrylic with high precision.
     • Compact for small workshops.
   • Cons:
     • Smaller work area than competitors.
     • Less power for thicker acrylic.
   • Best For: Intermediate users needing a user-friendly CO2 laser.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 5mm acrylic at ~10mm/s, 65% power; precise engravings.

High-End ($3,000–$6,000+)

6. xTool P2S (55W CO2 Laser)

   • Price: ~$4,999
   • Key Features:
     • 55W CO2 laser, cuts up to 20mm acrylic in a single pass.
     • 23.6x13.8-inch work area with automatic passthrough for 118-inch projects.
     • Dual 16MP cameras for precise placement and batch processing.
   • Pros:
     • Fast and powerful for professional signage or models.
     • Cuts clear and colored acrylic with flame-polished edges.
     • Advanced features like curved surface engraving and Smart Fill.
   • Cons:
     • Expensive; large size (99 pounds, 39 inches wide).
   • Best For: Professionals with high-volume acrylic projects.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 15mm acrylic at ~5mm/s, 75% power; flawless engravings.

7. Epilog Fusion Maker (40W CO2 Laser)

   • Price: ~$5,000–$6,000
   • Key Features:
     • 40W CO2 laser, cuts up to 10mm acrylic cleanly.
     • 24x12-inch work area, ideal for medium projects.
     • Print-like interface, LightBurn compatible.
   • Pros:
     • High-quality engraving (frosty finish on cast acrylic).
     • Reliable for cutting and engraving with polished edges.
     • Excellent support and resources.
   • Cons:
     • Premium price; slower for thicker acrylic.
   • Best For: Professionals fabricating awards or signs.
   • Acrylic Performance: Cuts 8mm acrylic at ~8mm/s, 70% power; superior engraving quality.

Essential Tips for Laser Cutting Acrylic

Achieving professional results with acrylic requires attention to machine settings, material preparation, and safety. Here are key tips to elevate your projects:

1. Choose the Right Machine and Settings

• CO2 Lasers: Best for clear and colored acrylic, producing flame-polished edges. Use 10W per 1mm thickness for single-pass cutting (e.g., 50W for 5mm acrylic).
• Diode Lasers: Limited to colored/opaque acrylic unless painted (e.g., black spray paint on clear acrylic). Expect multiple passes for thicker sheets.
• Settings:
  • Cutting: Slow speeds (5–15mm/s) and high power (65–80%) prevent melting. For example, 3mm extruded acrylic on a 40W CO2 laser: ~10mm/s, 70% power.
  • Engraving: Higher speeds (50–100mm/s) and lower power (20–40%) for crisp designs on cast acrylic.
  • Test on scrap acrylic to fine-tune settings for your machine and material.

2. Optimize Material Preparation

• Remove Protective Film: Peel off both sides to avoid fire hazards or residue. Clean surfaces with isopropyl alcohol for clarity.
• Acrylic Type: Use extruded acrylic for polished cuts (signs, displays) and cast acrylic for fro