How to Engrave Mirror Acrylic
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- čas přidán 21. 10. 2019
- I get a lot of questions about how I machine mirror acrylic and decided to make a video about it. The key takeaway is to engrave the backside of the acrylic and machine it upside down. This will give you the cleanest finish.
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never imagined engraving mirror acrylic! great!!!
Great stuff man - engraving from the back totally makes such a difference!
Ethan Carter it definitely does. It’s much more noticeable in person.
@@MakerExperiment How deep do you etch into the acrylic?
Definitely worth the watch. Thanks for the lesson.
I’m glad it was helpful.
Great idea, it opens so many opportunities.
Really good video!
Olaf B. Thank you!
This answered my questions on mirrored acrylic. Thank you for an excellent video!
I’m glad I could help.
Thanks, I should have watched this first. I JUST got an Epilog Fusion and ran a test of mirrored acrylic. I lasered the front! I can't wait to try it this way.
It is your best friend to engrave it from the back on this material.
Great video, it's the same for store bought mirrors also. You can add another element by painting over the engraved area.
emailspam123829 I still need to try that.
Excellent video, very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for your advice!
Definitely the ones done on the back! 😍👌🏻👍🏻👊🏻
Fred McIntyre oh definitely!
Great video! Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Awesome!!!
I got this acrylic ... Thanks for the tip
Glad I could help.
I follow you on Instagram. Great stuff!
Thank you!
Just came across your channel a few days ago and really appreciate your insight and suggestions. I am looking into buying my first laser cutter and unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your point of view, you have caused me to consider more expensive cutters, lol. Keep up the great work!
Paul Weinberg I’m glad I could help the laser addiction lol. If you want to talk to anyone at Epilog, let me know and I’ll connect you.
@@MakerExperiment Well, it happened. Epilog ordered... Freaking out a little.
Paul Weinberg that was fast! Congrats!
@@MakerExperiment Well, I've been looking for a while, but I wasn't sure what to go for until today. Only problem is, I have to wait until January to get it.
Paul Weinberg that will give you time to read the online manual, learn about it, watch some videos and be able to get up and running quickly once you get it.
Loved this information! Very helpful. Would've liked to have some base laser settings and wattage of laser used. That's just me being needy, I'm sure.
I used a 60 watt Epilog Fusion M2 40 in this video. I don’t remember the settings off hand but every machine is going to be different. I’d suggest creating a settings grid on a piece of material.
liked your process machining from the back. Recently made a mirror with a scene that turned out great from your information. Not so lucky in making a laser cut figure, as the acrylic tends to re-knit or melt back together. Will have to dial in the heat and speed
If that happens, try cutting less at one time and pull out pieces early if you can pending the design.
very useful thank you:)
hiulaam chan glad I could help.
Pink! Though I love a RED (did my first cuts with it--but not an engrave) it made awesome looking lipstick red lip earrings! Thanks for the video.
I’m glad that you found it helpful.
Hi Trevor, I am learning a lot from you. Big thank you for sharing your knowledge. I like a laser cutter to be able to produce flame polished cut edges on acrylic especially on thicker acrylic. I don't have much success with my 40w laser machine running on arduino mega controller. I am getting bad cut edges with micro jaggedness if you know what I mean. Would you mind making a video to explore the acrylic edge cut quality on an epilog or whatever laser machine u can get your hands on. What settings need to be tweaked to get the best cut quality? Thank you.
Kwang Wei Ong it may be a while before I can make a video on that. I typically am able to adjust the frequency of my laser. This is how often it fires while machining. I have that set as high as possible which helps get that flame polished edge.
Thank you for the tips..
You’re welcome
Nice video. Thanks for showing both perspectives. It’s one thing to say it but to show it really makes it convincing. I would like to give feedback on the audio quality. I’m not positive of the cause but I have a good idea. I’m sure you noticed every time you began to speak it was soft and then cleared up. This happened on each new cut. This may be a “gate”. Usually found in audio software but also on hardware. Like a real gate it can open quickly or slow. Yours is set a little to slow. If I’m right, you might find you don’t even need it in this application. A good application is where you are using to mics as in drums and vocals but you don’t want the Tom microphone picking up sound until it’s hit.
So check out your camera to see if the gate is there and or your post AV edits if it’s in the audio chain. I hope this helps your future videos.
Chris
Thanks for the tips.
Thank you for keeping this video around - answered all my questions in under 30 minutes!
I’m glad I could help.
That’s work came out great 👍🏽!!! Good job what type of epilog laser do you use?
Edward olivares I use a Fusion M2 40
Awesome video, they turned out great. If I’m getting it right then machine mirror side down and flip the design vertically right?
Yes, that would be the best option in my experience.
Thx for this video. Was very helpful for me.
Glad it was helpful.
@@MakerExperiment Made a picture from Planet Saturn on a piece of mirror acrylic after watching your vid...- looks f... good... :-)
@@antariuswolfonso8035 that sounds awesome.
I like this video.. thank you ... 😍👍👍👍👍
You’re welcome.
This is good to know. Thank you. Backs it is
Glad I could help.
Great work brother, the blue one from the back looked the best. Keep it up.
En Sabac thank you!
Thanks for the Video......great stuff.. I"m going to try my logo with clear mirror acrylic.
Sounds like a fun project.
@@MakerExperiment Any chance I could get a link to the Blue material?
@@Bojammer you can find it at canal plastics online.
Well I got 3 pcs 12x12 . I have the Ortur Laser master 2 pro Lu2-4 sf. 5 watt Looks like I"ve overestimated the power needed for cutting......8 passes 100sp100power..It's not cutting thru. Maybe air assist would help? I sure think your keychains are cool..I'm not to give up easy. I really appreciate eveybody's feed back. Bo
@@Bojammer typically for cutting you’ll want at least 30 watts for thin materials. The 5w is really only good for engraving.
I've been engraving with the mirrored side down and it has worked wonders but lately I've noticed that after a few months some pieces develop spots around the engraved parts as of the mirror coat was unsticking from the acrylic but from the back the coating looks ok .
I haven’t had that happen before. It may be the quality of the acrylic.
@@MakerExperiment I also thought that, thank you for answering 😊
Very good video 👍 ! I have been looking for info on this kind of acrylic and there is not much out there . May i know the power and speed you use for this ?
christian fiech I don’t recall off the top of my head but I think it was 60speed 40 power but that may be slightly off.
I loveeeeeee you for this video
I’m glad that you liked it.
Great video. I was looking into making shadow boxes with cast acrylic. Your link to purchase acrylic mirror is for extruded, but you said extruded isn't good for engraving, only cast.
Mirror acrylic is extruded acrylic. Cast is usually solid colors.
use hatch fill, always gives the best results and you wont get the inconsistent melting intervals....
RC10CNC thanks for the tip.
thx for sharing
You’re welcome
Can you specify laser settings like power %, LPI, and Speed for a typical K40 Chinese laser? I've never done acrylic myself but Im sure I'll have a client in the future that needs it done!
Chris Brindley my suggestion is check out this video that I made. czcams.com/video/6B436Y-HXso/video.html
Settings are specific to your machine and that’s a good way to find what you need.
Love this:). What is a setting point to engrave thison 100 watt ? thanks
I’m not sure. You’ll have to do some experimenting to figure it out.
I liked the blue. Where do you get your materials from? I’m in the Vegas area also.
MONTGOMERY CEEKO I got these from clients who brought it to me but I’ve also gotten them from Johnson Plastics and Canal Plastics.
Hi, I have purchased the X-Tool 10w, would I be able to cut and engrave acrylic and get the same results you have with your laser?Thanks
Great tutorial.
To be honest, I doubt you’ll be able to cut it. I don’t know much about the X-Tool but 10w is really low for cutting.
Thank you so much for making this video. I own an XTOOL 5W my first laser machine. If I may ask you what power and speed do you think I can set my machine in when doing the same thing you did except I’m doing it in gold mirror 3 mm acrylic? Thank you 🙏!
For cutting I think it was like 100% power and 20% speed maybe on a 60watt. I don’t remember for engraving. If you’re trying to do that on a 5 watt machine, I doubt you’ll be able to cut through 3mm but I could be wrong.
Hi did you rater the center of the letters or is it all engraved?
Nice. The blue is the best. What are the speed and power settings for cutting and for engraving?
I’d have to look back at what I did. Cutting I think was 100% power and 40% speed on a 60 watt Epilog fusion edge. The engraving I would have to look. It’s all going to depend on the wattage and machine you are using. A good starting point would probably be 80% power 60% speed and adjust from there.
@@MakerExperiment But speed is not based on percentage but on either mm per second or inches per second. So I am lost when you say 60% speed. I am using ATOMSTACK 30W with 5.5W diode laser power.
@@cybercrimeconsultant that’s because of the brand you’re using. On my Epilog, it’s based on percentages. The max speed on my Epilog is 120 inches/sec which at 60% speed means it would be roughly 72 inches/second.
May i ask what glue/solvent can i use to bond mirror acrylic to other acrylic sheet? so far I've tried Genii Liquid Quartz Glue (the solvent ate into the backing of the mirror and the mirror side became blurry with dots) and Plastic Magic (this did not blur the mirror, but the bond wasn't strong, i was able to push the pieces apart with some force)...any help is greatly appreciated!! thank you!
ninjaguitar0 I don’t know if they’ll work but you can try weld-on 3 or sci grip 16.
@@MakerExperiment I will try to find them...thank you!
Any safety concenrs when engraving this material also can it be done with a diode laser?
There are no safety concerns as long as you’re taking proper precautions. I always have the lid closed on my machine. I’ve never used a diode but it should be possible.
What machine do you use? Really informative video Thankyou
I use an Epilog Fusion M2 40 and an Epilog Fusion Edge 12.
just found your channel; good stuff; is there math to help with settings? I have a glowforge bsic, so 40 watt; Thee settings I've tried don't give me similar results using a blue mirror acrylic. I'm sure you re using a stronger laser.. is there math that I could take your settings and wattage and convert to settings for a 40 watt laser?
I haven’t found a great way to do math as a conversion method. The best way to find the settings is to create your own material swatch. I created a CZcams video on how to do this: czcams.com/video/6B436Y-HXso/video.html It’s the best way that I’ve found to find settings for my machine. Even two identical wattage machines may have different settings that work best.
I know this is an old video......But
Vinyl transfer tape will help you engrave and cut
Just peel off that plastic liner and apply some transfer tape and it will come out great
Another great video
You can definitely do that.
Where can I get consistent mirrored acrylic?
I use Canal Plastics.
I always get charred marks from the gutter on the downwards facing side, any way to eliminate that problem?
I keep the masking on the backside when cutting it. That helps me prevent it.
How to prevent sharp edges on the frontside when cutting from the backside?
I don’t typically get sharp edges. Maybe try different settings.
Hey man love the content I'm new here by any chance do you have a video with the whole photoshop part on creating the logo and sizing on there and transferring it to the machine? sorry for asking so much lol
Not at the moment but I am working on a membership that will go into that level of detail if you’re interested.
@@MakerExperiment yes I’m very interested do you have an expected date by any chance?
@@eh1354 working to launch Monday but it is live if you’d like to sign up early. Feel free to email or message me on IG.
Where can I get these meer acrylic?
Can I use mirror acrylic instead?
It is mirror acrylic.
Good day buddy just seen your video on engraving and cutting mirrored acrylic. I am using a xtool d1 10watt diode laser can you help me with the engraving and cutting settings please 🙏
To be honest, without working with it I’m not sure. I don’t know that 10 watts will cut it without a lot of passes.
Hi! do you think I could do that with a diode laser? just the engraving! Thanks!
I’ve never tried but I think you can. Diode lasers don’t like clear and some other lighter transparent colors of acrylic though.
Would be a lot more helpful if you also included your machine power and speed settings
I hope you realize that the settings are going to be different for everyone depending on the type of machine you have, the wattage, and a lot of other factors. While they may be helpful as a guide, you’ll still have to test them on your own machine. I’m not in front of my computer to see what I would have used but I’ll attempt to update it in the description when I have time.
Hey man, I want to know the speed and force you use to engrave on acrylic, because I find it difficult to do so, with your permission.
I forget the exact settings. I’d have to look. I think it was something like 400 DPI, 80-90% power and probably 40-50% speed. I could be wrong as I’m not in front of my machinery.
We need acrylic coting uv coting machine for 6 h hardness machine please help me
Diode can do mirrored acrylic?
I’m honestly not sure. I don’t own a diode laser.
my wife really liked the pink
It is a cool color.
Can i use diode laser for engrave mirror acrylic?
I’ve never actually tried a diode laser. It’s worth trying. I know it struggles with clear acrylic.
@@MakerExperiment but in theory it can engrave from back sir for mirror sir.?
@@MakerExperiment and i know for clear diode can't wothout medium or other things
@06_farhanhakimulfadhli82 in theory. I’ve never used a diode laser so that’s a great question for someone who has. You can always try and see what happens.
you don't need to mirror/reverse your design when doing mirror side down?
You do if you’re engraving on the backside and you want your design to be a certain orientation.
@@MakerExperiment thank you clarifying! Your video was very helpful!
Can you tell me what machine are u using pls ?
Epilog Fusion M2 40
If i removed the plastic cover how can i laser cut now? It’s worse with reattached cover
I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I don’t remove the plastic cover on the mirror side until I am finished machining it.
Will it be ok if i cut without the cover?
@@mariamnersisyan9047 your surface finish may not be as good. The plastic cover helps protect it from scorching and marring the mirror side.
Well, thank you very much)
@@mariamnersisyan9047 you’re welcome
Having seen your video on mirrored acrylic I have been playing around with some mirror acrylic on my machine (150w CO2) and am really struggling to get a clean cut, I have done various power/speed tests to try and nail down the best settings. But I always get a slight haze in the reflective surface close to the cut edge, I am cutting from the rear through the grey coating on the back as suggested. I am getting a few sparks of the surface when cutting, and I'm beginning to wonder if it just the brand of acrylic I am using.
Have you any tips on what to look for when it comes to mirror acrylic? this brand seems to have a very slightly textured grey finish on the rear, I wonder if there are any smoother surfaced which cut cleaner and don't effect the reflective surface
Any advice gratefully received
James
Have you tried elevating the material off the table a little bit with standoffs or anything? Have you tried running the grid of various powers and speeds? Are you leaving the plastic coating on the mirror side during machining?
@@MakerExperiment Many thanks for the response.
I finally got some OK results by lifting the material a few mm of the bed, that stopped the heated bed marking the surface which was certainly one of the issues I was seeing.
I might still try some other brands of acrylic, but I at least got to a useable part after a bit of experimenting (but then that's half the fun!)
James
@@jamesrguk best of luck!
I perfected my finish by applying transfer tape to the grey surface (the stuff signwrighters use to apply vinyl graphics) it's like masking/painters tape but only slightly sticky. I use it alot when engraving wood.
Anyway, cutting through that really sharpened up the edges on the mirrored acrylic.
@@jamesrguk glad you found a way to improve it.
I get a very bad smell when I cut the acrylic, how do you get rid of it?
I use a dime extractor that gets rid of the smell. Some people use inline charcoal filters.
I am using a chorcoal filter but that does not seem to help :/
@@vidipulseproduction have you looked into Purex filters?
What is the thickness of the mirror?
1/8”
Boy, I'm just getting into lasers, I bet a lot has changed in 3 years. So if I invert the image in my software will that satisfy your "backwards" requirement?
It should. The process hasn’t changed since I made this video.
Silver engraved from the back was my fav. Thanks for the good content. Oh and get a better mic you have good content but your audio is in and out at times.
diversq since this video as made, I have gotten a better mic.
sorry - autocorrect.. did you RASTER the letters or just engrave?
They are raster engraved.
Trevor is that casted or extruded?
Mirror acrylic is usually extruded.
@@MakerExperiment Thanks
@@PNino2009 you’re welcome!
Totally different effect. I can see an argument for both...whatever effect desired
That’s very true.
What is the machine called?
Epilog Fusion M2 40
@@MakerExperiment thank you!!
@@MakerExperiment where is the sample templates also can you teach us step by step on how to do this lol
@@saintadi I'm not sure what exactly you mean.
Sound?
The video has sound.
Great video! Relly hope to cooperate with you! We are manufacturer providing Cut-to-Size ACRYLIC sheet and Relative Products. Looking forward to your reply!
what about leaving the film on and then painting the back black after you engrave the back side? hmm....
You can easily paint the back side.
1. Please get a wireless mic
2. Every time you cut it seems you’re fading audio in- don’t do it or shorten the duration
This video is from 4 years ago. If you watch a more recent video those problems should be fixed.
Somethings up with your audio.
Kennui Muffins can you be more specific? I don’t have the best microphone so I’m working with what I have.
Audio keeps dropping out throughout the whole video. Just play it back and you'll see.
Kennui Muffins I’ll have to look at the editing file and microphone. Both have been dying and it may have caused something funny to happen. Thanks for letting me know.
Yes.. I noticed that too..
Maybe it's something about the microphone's feature..
It's kinda auto-compress or auto-focus..
Something like that..
Don't show us how not do it.
What’s wrong with your sound?
Is there a specific time stamp? On my side the sound seems okay but there are small issues. This was also an older video and I’ve made sound corrections since. I didn’t find it until this video had quite a few videos and my original files got lost.
Cover the mirror with blue painters tape, Then cut or engrave.....Oh and your Mic sucks..!!!
You’re welcome to use whatever method you want. This video was a while ago and I’ve since bought a better mic but thanks for your concern.