XLNT TECH 10 Pieces & 10 Colors Cast Acrylic Opaque (no-Transparent) Plastic Sheet 8 x 8 Inch (.118 Thick), for Signs, DIY Projects.

What I needed

My application for this material was as a cabinet faceplate for an electronics project. I have found a lot of information online about using a diode laser to cut acrylic plastic, much of it contradictory. I used a Sculpfun S9 laser cutter/engraver with 455nm (visible), 5.5W diode laser and Lightburn software. I conducted a series of tests using this opaque, 118 XLNT assortment to determine which colors were suitable for laser cutting. I found that the Black, Yellow and Dark (Kelly) Green were most easily and quickly cut (50% power. 60mm/min, 4 passes). The Vermillion, Red and Light Green colors could be cut with a little more power (79% power, 60mm/min, 4 passes). As can be seen in the photo, there is a little dimpling around the openings, but this might be reduced by further optimization. However, I was unable to cut the Orange, Light Blue or Dark Blue acrylic sheets. It looked to me as if for those colors, the dye in the plastic turned white when hit with the laser.

Returned because the sheets were very small- read carefully at the dimensions there were other listings with larger dimensions

All the other colors absorb light so you have to use a coating to etch and even then it has bad lines

This was my first time using this type of product so I’m not a pro but it worked well with a beginner on the glowforge so it has to be a pretty solid choice.

Paid about $37 for these. That is 10 8x8 sheets of cast acrylic / lucite squares. Now, you are limited when it comes to color, but my Mira 7 does great with it. They pieces are already covered on both sides and my laser handles it well. Also, the outer sheets do not leave a gummy residue as some acrylic sheets do after using in the laser. I would definitely buy these again.

nice looking opaque colored plastic, however warps and bends when laser engraved and not suitable material. Probably good for other types of craft projects.

If you are planning on cutting this acrylic with a Diode Laser, you are in for disappointment. I have a Congrow 20 W module on an OM3 laser, and it had a great deal of trouble cutting through these sheets. The black cuts like butter in one pass but the other colors need some tweaking. I set my laser at 100 speed and 100 power. Some colors cut in 2 passes and some others in more. You end up with a ruined piece of acrylic. This is the second time I order these sheets; I returned the first time because at the time I had the 10W module that comes with my OM3 and it did not cut at all. I was expecting the Congrow to do the trick but Nah. Is not worth it and this material in not cheap. Best bet is to go with Extruded acrylic as opposed to cast acrylic.

Great starter pack for learning how to work with acrylic before investing in large pieces. Cuts beautifully with Glowforge (155/Full)

This variety pack of colored, opaque acrylic give a nice sampling of various colors. Nicely packaged and Excellent Quality Acrylic. It looks to be Cast Acrylic not Extruded which is a plus. The Cast Acrylic will Engrave, Cut and Mill better than Extruded. I bought this pack to determine what colors my Comgrow Comgo Z1 Laser Engraver can Engrave and/or Cut to produce items for sale. Those that the Z1 cant mark or cut I will be able to work with on my CO2 laser so they wont go to waste Diode Lasers like the Z1 wont be able to even scratch the WHITE acrylic at all and will have trouble with several of the other colors. So be aware of that if you only have a Diode Engraver, even at 20W of optical power. A CO2 Engraver/Cutter will, of course, be able to work with ALL of them.