How to Laser Engrave on Acrylic
Laser engraved items make good keepsakes and presents to personalize or otherwise commemorate special occasions or items. Laser engraving isn't difficult, but does require the use of special software programs. Laser engraving can be done only on the cast type of acrylic and not the extruded. Acrylic is inexpensive and comes in many different sizes, colors and shapes, which makes it a preferred material for many engravers. Laser engraving acrylic is done by some people as a hobby and by others as part of their engraving business.
Instructions
-
-
1
Edit the image, or create the image, to be engraved. For photos, open pictures in photo editing software and remove any blemishes or other unwanted elements. Resize the image to the size to be engraved. If the background is not going to be engraved, make the background black. If engraving text, use the photo editing software to type the words onto the image in the size and font desired. This will render the text as part of the image to be engraved.
-
2
Mirror the image, or reverse it by flipping it backwards. Your photo editing software should have an option that allows you to do this. Alternatively, use a software program designed to work with laser engravers to perform this step. Save the file of the mirrored image.
-
-
3
Flip the acrylic over so that its backside faces up. Peel away the protective plastic layer from the back of the acrylic but leave the protective layer on the front in place for now.
-
4
Put the acrylic under the engraver and open the engraving program. Import the image into the program. Position the image in place where it will appear on the acrylic. Engraving on acrylic works best when the process is done at high speed and low power.
-
5
Clean the acrylic with a soft rag to remove any smoke residue created by the engraving. Turn the engraver off immediately after use.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Acrylic is flammable. Do not leave the machine unattended.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
