I'm using 1/8" Extruded Acrylic Opaque White Sheets, painting them Gray, then engraving into the gray to expose the white for backlit aviation panels in my flight sim. I keep getting poor results and hoping to get some help from those more experienced.
Machine: I have a self-built Joe's 4x4 Leadscrew driven cnc with 420oz steppers. (Dual Y Axis Motors and leadscrews) 48"x40" work envelope
Spindle: Makita Variable speed palm router 10k-30k RPM
Engraver: 60 degree V-bit 1/8" tungsten carbide for plastics
Piercing Cutout Bit: Freud O-Flute 1/4" for plastics (Acrylic and Poly-carbonate)
I think I get the best results so far with air blower to remove chips and very shallow passes (0.01" per pass)
ENGRAVING: The engraved letters are very visible with back lighting present, but I can barely see the letters if not backlit. This is only for areas that have been milled/routed. The back of the stock is still brilliant white. Looks as maybe the routing process dulls the vibrancy of the white?
PIERCING CUTS: Hit or miss regardless of feed rate. I'm cutting mostly at 0.01" passes and 70IPM.
Here are my pitiful face plates and engravings thus far.
Attachment 410932
Attachment 410934