This page describes a laser cutting setting published for Acrylique noir / coulé at 3 mm, tested on a Sculpfun S30 fitted with a Diode 5W source (445 nm blue diode, 5 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.
Why those four facts matter: a cutting setting that works on Acrylique noir / coulé at 3 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 445 nm blue diode rated 5 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.
Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.
No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.
Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Acrylique noir / coulé, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 445 nm blue diode, and never leave the machine unattended.
Sculpfun offers diode engravers with a good power-to-price ratio, extension kits and effective air assist. Their hallmark is the very fine focal spot on some modules, excellent for detail engraving but making focus critical when cutting.
Unlike clear acrylic, black or coloured acrylic absorbs blue light: it therefore cuts with a diode as well as a CO2. It is the most versatile plastic in the workshop, and the one that gives the most legible engraving.
For CO2 cutting the rule matches clear acrylic: one slow high-power pass for a clean edge. On a diode you often need two or three passes on 3 mm, and the edge stays matt — that is normal, a diode does not melt the material the same way.
When engraving, black acrylic gives instant contrast: the engraved area appears milky white on glossy black. Stay at low power: the goal is to frost the surface, not to carve it. Too much energy melts the edges and the artwork loses its crispness.
Cast acrylic whitens strongly, extruded much less: for an engraved plate meant to be read, choose cast.
Acrylic melts into burning drops and can ignite on a slow cut: supervision is mandatory and extraction must run. It does not release chlorine, unlike PVC — but never confuse the two: an unlabelled black sheet could be either.
Leave the protective film on while cutting. After engraving a dry microfibre cloth is enough: alcohol-based cleaners attack the surface and leave a permanent white haze.
To lift an engraving, a little acrylic paint worked into the recesses and wiped flat looks very clean on glossy black.