[TomJacks0n]

Hey guys!

Is there a difference whether I will cut acrylic on a milling cutter or on a laser. How will the product differ in quality and will it?

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
what sort of material is it?.....a textile or is it acrylic sheet?

Craig

[Dennis Rech]

Hey guys!

Is there a difference whether I will cut acrylic on a milling cutter or on a laser. How will the product differ in quality and will it?

This applies to sheet acrylic.
Laser will give a very smooth polished edge with no nicks or ripples.
It will also give a slightly tapered edge.
Using a long focal lens, 4 inches instead of 1.5 inches, will give a less tapered edge.

A milling cutter will give a straight edge unless you want a beveled edge, perhaps 45 degrees for a corner connection.
Lasers are not very convenient for bevels.
A milling cutter may induce a bit of chatter leaving a rough edge.
You may need to provide a spring pass to get edge quality.
You may need to flame polish the edge to get it to look like a laser cut.

A milling operation will need to have the plastic clamped down and you may have tabs to contend with.
Lasers do not need clamping.

Lasered plastic may get a bit of smoke coating that has to be polished off.
A laser kerf is .040 inches wide, a milling cutter is likely 0.25 inches wide.

Acrylic laser engraves perfectly, but you cannot V-Carve with a laser.
Milling with a v bit makes beautiful lettering.

I typically laser up to 1/4 inch thick and use a Shop-bot router for thicker stuff.
It you are 3d machining acrylic, you need a milling cutter.

Hope this helps.,

[allencncrouter]

1325 ATC cutting acrylic work with samples show
https://youtu.be/UcvJFoh_z64
ATC 3 tool engraing and cutting Acylic
https://youtu.be/CZiw_WnT8BI

- - - Updated - - -

China 1390 100w laser machine engraving and cutting 10mm acrylic logo sign
https://youtu.be/olBgrZzzR7g

Cutting 20mm thickness acrylic
http://youtu.be/PXd6_xo6lLw
Cutting acrylic letter
https://youtu.be/vHrjlWegbc4
https://youtu.be/9FxfvFW29vE

[allencncrouter]

Cutting edge , laser machine is still clean , smoth , cnc machine cutting will be white
2 D engraving , laser is better
2.5 D engravng , laser no ,cnc router is ok .
CO 2 laser tube can work rough 8000 hours ,power have a nature loose in the process . Tool bits is just wear parts for cnc router .
if your main work is sign making , laser machine is better ,
if you still also process other work ,such as furniture ,ACP panel etc , cnc router is better . contact with me +8618560201508 or [email protected] when you have more question