To determine the optimal laser cutting settings for different types of acrylic, follow these steps:

1. Identify Acrylic Type: Recognize the kind of acrylic you are using—cast or extruded—since each type has distinct properties impacting cutting.
2. Consult Documentation: Refer to the laser cutter’s user manual or guidelines, which often provide baseline settings for various materials including acrylic.
3. Conduct Test Cuts: Perform test cuts on scrap pieces of acrylic. Start with a conservative power setting (around 50% to 70%) and moderate speed (10-30 mm/sec), then adjust according to the results.
4. Check Results: Examine the test cuts for edge quality. Clear edges and minimal melting indicate optimal settings; adjust power and speed accordingly if you notice excessive charring or incomplete cuts.
5. Record Findings: Document the effective settings for each acrylic type and thickness for future reference and consistency.
6. Adjust for Thickness: Thicker acrylic may require increased power or slower speed to achieve clean cuts, while thinner acrylic may require lower power settings.

Regularly validate your settings as factors like laser age and lens condition can affect performance.