Laserable Acrylic Sheet for your Glowforge
Best Acrylic for Glowforge
Acrylic Thickness Guide
- 1/8" (3mm) Acrylic — Most Popular: The sweet spot for Glowforge users. Cuts quickly, engraves cleanly, and minimizes the need for multiple passes.
- 3/16" Acrylic — Works well for slightly more rigid projects. May require slower speeds depending on your machine and color selection.
- 1/4" Acrylic — Possible on all models, but typically requires slower speeds or multiple passes. The Glowforge Pro handles thicker material more comfortably due to increased power and cooling efficiency.
Glowforge Laser Settings
- Starting points vary by material color and thickness, but generally 1/8" cast acrylic cuts cleanly with standard Glowforge settings Thicker materials may require slower speeds or additional passes Always test on scrap material before full production runs
(Use these as starting points and fine-tune for your material.)
Having trouble cutting your acrylic?
- Not cutting through completely? Try slower speeds or an additional pass.
- Edges look cloudy? Check masking and airflow.
- Engraving not turning white? Make sure you're using cast acrylic.
- Cutting clear acrylic? All Glowforge CO₂ models handle clear acrylic well.
Shop Glowforge Acrylic by Color Category
Troubleshooting Help
My Glowforge Isn’t Cutting All the Way Through Acrylic
- Speed too high
- Material thicker than expected
- Dirty lens or mirrors
- Acrylic not laying flat
How to Fix It:
- Reduce speed slightly and test again
- Add a second pass for 1/4" material
- Clean your Glowforge lens and optics
- Ensure the sheet is fully flat on the crumb tray
- Verify you’re using cast acrylic (extruded can behave differently)
👉 Tip: 1/8" cast acrylic is the most reliable thickness for consistent single-pass cuts.
My Edges Look Cloudy or Hazy
Possible Causes:
- Cutting extruded instead of cast acrylic
- Incorrect speed/power balance
- Protective masking removed before cutting
- Poor airflow
How to Fix It:
- Use cast acrylic for cleaner, frosted edges
- Keep the paper masking on during cutting
- Ensure your air assist is functioning
- Test slightly slower speeds for smoother edges
Note: Cast acrylic typically produces clearer, more polished-looking edges compared to extruded.
My Engraving Isn’t Turning White
This is one of the most common Glowforge acrylic questions.
Most Likely Cause:
You’re engraving extruded acrylic instead of cast.
Why It Happens:
- Cast acrylic engraves frosty white.
- Extruded acrylic engraves clear or translucent.
Fix:
Switch to cast acrylic for high-contrast engraving results.
The Acrylic Is Warping or Lifting During Cutting
Possible Causes:
- Thin material overheating
- Multiple passes on thicker sheets
- Poor airflow
- Sheet not fully flat
How to Fix It:
- Use hold-down pins if needed
- Improve ventilation and airflow
- Reduce power slightly
- Start with 1/8" material if you’re new
My Cut Edges Are Melting or Bubbling
Possible Causes:
- Speed too slow
- Power too high
- Improper material type
How to Fix It:
- Increase speed slightly
- Reduce power incrementally
- Confirm you're using laser-safe cast acrylic
Can Glowforge Cut All Acylic?
Yes. All Glowforge CO₂ models (Basic, Plus, Pro) can cut all acrylic effectively. Generally, cast acrylic cuts best, and absolutely engraves best.
If cutting is inconsistent:
- Check focus
- Confirm material thickness
- Clean optics
- Test with slightly slower speeds
Some acrylic may show minor edge haze depending on speed and airflow. Make sure to keep your acrylic maskes to avoid this.
My Design Isn’t Lining Up Properly
Possible Causes:
- Material shifted during cut
- Inconsistent placement
- Camera calibration issue
Fix:
- Recalibrate the Glowforge camera
- Use consistent sheet positioning
- Ensure masking is smooth and flat
Acrylic Smells Strong After Cutting
This is normal. Acrylic produces a noticeable odor during laser cutting.
Best Practices:
- Use proper ventilation
- Allow pieces to air out briefly
- Keep masking on until cleaning