Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W Settings for Acrylic (PMMA)
Recommended speed, power, and pass settings for acrylic (pmma) on the Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W (80W CO2 laser, 10.6\u03bcm wavelength, 900\u00d7600mm work area). The Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W is a professional-grade CO2 laser with a large work area, high power, and industrial build quality for production environments.
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W is a 80W CO2 laser with a 900\u00d7600mm work area. CO2 lasers excel at cutting and engraving acrylic, producing flame-polished edges that look professionally finished. Below you will find tested starting parameters for cutting and engraving acrylic (pmma) on this machine.
Cutting Settings
| Thickness | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm | 25 | 35% | 1 | Clear and colored acrylic -- CO2 handles both |
| 6mm | 15 | 50% | 1 | — |
Engraving Settings
| Thickness | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 450 | 12% | 1 | — |
How to Set Up Acrylic (PMMA) on the Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W
- 1Secure your acrylic (pmma) flat on the work bed using clamps, magnets, or a honeycomb pin set to prevent movement during the job.
- 2Set your focus distance accurately — use the auto-focus probe if your machine has one, or measure manually with the focus gauge.
- 3Ensure your water cooling system is running and the coolant temperature is between 15–25°C before starting the laser.
- 4Enable air assist if available. A steady stream of air at the cut point removes debris, reduces charring, and helps prevent flare-ups.
- 5Enter the speed, power, and pass count from the settings table above into LightBurn. Use the “Cut” or “Engrave” layer settings panel.
- 6Run a small test cut or engrave on a scrap piece of acrylic (pmma) before committing to your final project piece. Adjust power up or down by 5–10% based on results.
What to Expect When Lasering Acrylic (PMMA)
CO2 lasers produce beautiful flame-polished edges on acrylic — the cut edges will be smooth, clear, and glass-like without any additional finishing. Engraving creates a frosted white appearance that contrasts well against colored acrylic. Expect some acrylic vapor during cutting; ventilation is important.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Running at full power on the first attempt — always start with a test piece at the recommended settings and adjust incrementally. Going straight to maximum power risks burning through the material or causing fire.
- ✗Forgetting to check the water cooling system before starting. CO2 laser tubes can overheat and suffer permanent damage if the coolant is not flowing or is above 25°C.
- ✗Not removing the protective paper masking after cutting — leaving it on too long can cause residue that is difficult to remove. Peel it off soon after cutting.
- ✗Cutting acrylic that is cast vs. extruded without adjusting settings — extruded acrylic melts differently and may produce uneven edges.
Tips for Acrylic (PMMA) on Laser Machines
- ✓CO2 lasers produce flame-polished edges on acrylic automatically.
- ✓Diode lasers cannot cut clear acrylic -- use dark or opaque colors only.
- ✓Leave the protective paper on while cutting to prevent surface marks.
- ✓Reduce speed for thicker sheets to ensure a full clean cut.
- ✓For engraving, use high speed and moderate power to get a frosted white finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed and power should I use for acrylic (pmma) on the Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W?
Can the Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W cut acrylic (pmma)?
Can the Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W engrave acrylic (pmma)?
Other Materials for Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W
Acrylic (PMMA) Settings for Other Machines
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