Clear/transparent acrylic has become an essential material in our daily lives since its invention, offering versatility and endless creative possibilities. With the rise of laser technology, acrylic-based projects and décor are evolving faster than ever.
While many people know that colored acrylic is easy to engrave and cut, what about clear acrylic? Can clear/transparent acrylic be laser engraved? What steps should you take to prepare for the best results?
In this article, we'll answer all your questions and walk you through the process of successfully engraving clear acrylic. Plus, we'll introduce you to some exciting and creative project ideas to inspire your next masterpiece!
In this article:
- Part 1: Can you laser engrave clear acrylic?
- Part 2: How to laser engrave clear acrylic in the right way?
- 🧪 Case Study: Laser engrave clear acrylic LED light with Spotify code
- 💡 More Inspiration: Two creative projects for clear acrylic laser engraving
Part 1: Can you laser engrave clear acrylic?
Not all lasers can effectively engrave clear acrylic. For example, 450 nm diode lasers and 1064 nm fiber lasers typically cannot engrave clear acrylic directly. This is because clear acrylic is transparent to these wavelengths—the laser light simply passes through without being absorbed.( CO₂ laser with a wavelength of 10,600 nm is highly effective for engraving and cutting clear acrylic)
For laser engraving to work, the material needs to absorb the laser's energy, generating heat to create a visible mark. Since clear acrylic doesn't absorb these wavelengths well, there's little to no visible effect.
So, can the clear acrylic be laser engraved with 450 nm diode lasers?
Don't worry. There are some techniques we will introduce you to some methods to help you engrave clear acrylic with diode laser.
Part 2: How to laser engrave clear acrylic in the right way?
Laser engraving clear acrylic can be challenging due to its transparency, which can cause the laser beam to pass through rather than effectively marking the surface.
To achieve crisp, high-quality engravings, you need to create contrast and absorb the laser's energy efficiently. Below are four effective methods to ensure the best results when engraving clear acrylic:
Option 1: Use black cardstock
Placing a sheet of cardstock beneath the acrylic helps improve the engraving process. Actually, any colored cardstock is okay, but the dark background absorbs excess laser energy and minimizes unwanted reflections. This technique is especially useful when working with diode lasers, which may struggle to engrave transparent materials directly.
To do that, you need to cut a piece of black cardstock slightly larger than your acrylic sheet. Then place it underneath the acrylic on the laser bed. Rember to secure both materials to prevent movement during engraving.
Option 2: Use marker pen
Coating the engraving surface with a black marker helps the laser beam focus and absorb effectively. This Option is quick and works well for fine details.
To do that, you need to use a black marker to color over the area to be engraved.(repeate it many times to ensure the acrylic is opaque) Then, let the ink dry completely before engraving.
After engraving, clean off the residual marker ink with running tap and a damp cloth.
Option 3: Use tempera paint
Applying a thin layer of tempera paint on the acrylic surface helps the laser beam interact more efficiently, resulting in sharper engravings. This Option is excellent for large or intricate designs.
To do that, you can use a brush or spray bottle to evenly apply a thin coat of black tempera paint. Then wait the paint to dry completely before starting the engraving process.After engraving, wipe off the paint residue using a damp cloth and be careful not to wipe hardly as the acrylic can easily get scratch.
Option 4: Use marking tape
A thin layer of marking tape (such as painter's tape) can enhance laser absorption and reduce the chance of reflections that may cause inconsistent engraving results.
To do that, you can Cover the engraving area with marking tape, ensuring full surface coverage. Thne, smooth out any air bubbles to ensure even engraving. When the engraving is done, wait the engraved acrylic become coll and then peel off the tape and clean any adhesive residue.
Extra Option: Choose a suitable machine
To get good performance with clear acrylic laser engraving, you'll require a suitable laser engraving machine, which can streamline the engraving process and ensure precise and durable results.
With numerous laser engraving machines available, some people may wonder What laser is best for engraving clear acrylic or What is the best laser engraver for clear acrylic?
Among these machines, diode laser engraver is well suited for home and small-scale clear acrylic laser engraving. So if you want portability, convenience and cost-effectiveness in coaster engraving, a diode laser engraver is a better option.
🧪 Case Study - Laser engrave clear acrylic LED light with Spotify code
Combine laser engraving with LED lighting to create a personalized acrylic display featuring a Spotify code. Engrave the code along with a song title or album cover onto clear acrylic, then mount it on an LED base. When scanned with a phone, the code instantly plays the song—making it a perfect customized gift for music lovers!
Items Required to Engrave Clear Acrylic:
- Engraving Material: Clear acrylic sheet
- Engraving Machine: Diode Laser Engraver
- Engraving Design: Text, Images, Patterns, etc
- Assist Tool: Cardstock, marker pen, tempera paint or marking tape
Step 1: Choose your material - Clear Acrylic Sheet
Choose a clear acrylic sheet that not be so thin, otherwise, it would bend when it absorb the heat from laser.
Step 2: Choose the clear acrylic engraving machine
Ensure that your laser engraving machine is compatible with clear acrylic sheet engraving. Evaluate various usage scenarios and select the most appropriate machine accordingly.
Here, we choose LaserPecker 5 (LP5), which is a dual-laser and multi-functional laser engraver.
Don't have LaserPecker 5? No problem at all! You can use LP4, LP2, or any other laser engraver that works well with acrylic engraving and continue with the following steps.
Step 3: Pepare your engraving design
Use a free graphic design app/software to create and then save it in the svg, png or other format. Consider size, shape, and other details.
Source: Design for Clear Acrylic Laser Engraving
Step 4: Set up the laser engraving machine
Firstly, Connect the laser engraver to your computer or mobile devices and then open the LasePecker's design app/software or LightBurn to load your design.
Secondly, Place the items within the designated working area and check if the laser lens is properly focused. When the two red dots overlap, it is well-focused!
Thirdly, You need to turn on the "Preview" mode to see if the design fits properly on the acrylic sheet. If it doesn't, adjust its size and position to match the dimensions of your material.
Finally, Access the software's laser settings to adjust parameters like power, speed, and resolution. You might be wondering, "How much laser power is needed to engrave acrylic sheet?" Rest assured, I've got you covered!
Here are some recommended parameters to engrave clear acrylic sheet:
LP5 (20 W 450 nm): Resolution: 2k; Power: 28%; Depth: 26%; Pass: 1LP4 (10 W 450 nm): Resolution: 2k; Power: 100%; Depth: 15%; Pass: 1
To explore the recommended LaserPecker engraving and cutting parameters, refer to the settings table that applies to any LP machines, including LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4 and LP5.
Step 5: Engrave Your Clear Acrylic Now
Double-check everything to avoid mistakes. Then, hit the start button and watch the magic happen. The laser brings your design to life. Keep an eye on it, and you're all set!
When operating a laser engraving and cutting machine with a 450 nm blue laser, it's important to wear protective goggles, use a laser safety cover, or work within a Safety Enclosure to protect your eyes and body from potential harm, as blue lasers can pose risks.
During the engraving process, smoke and odors may be generated. To minimize potential respiratory risks, it's recommended to use an Air Purifier for better ventilation and air quality.
Once the engraving is complete, rinse the acrylic under running water or gently agitate it. Avoid rubbing the surface, as it can scratch easily
💡 More Inspiration - 2 creative projects for clear acrylic laser engraving
If you're looking for unique and eye-catching ways to use clear acrylic in laser engraving, here are three creative projects to inspire you:
Clear Acrylic with Laser Engraved Photo
Source: LP5 Official Facebook Group
Transform your favorite photos into stunning, engraved keepsakes on clear acrylic. By using a backing technique—such as black cardstock or a temporary coating—you can create high-contrast, detailed engravings that stand out beautifully. These engraved photos make elegant gifts, home décor pieces, or even memorial plaques.
Laser Engraved Clear Acrylic Sign
Acrylic signs add a sleek, modern touch to any space. Whether it's for a business logo, a welcome sign, or a decorative quote, laser engraving on clear acrylic ensures a professional, long-lasting design. You can enhance the visibility by placing the sign against a dark background or using paint-filling techniques for added contrast.
