How To Make Easy Money With A Laser Engraver - Acrylic Edge Lit Signs!

Today we learn how to make Easy money with a laser engraver! These edge lit led acrylic kits are so easy to burn on the Gweike Cloud Pro, but can be done on just about any laser. If you have a diode laser, you will need a couple extra steps, and I will do another video soon about that.
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[@TheEdgeofTech]

Gweike Cloud Pro Machine: shop.gweikecloud.com/?ref=crRINcfr Acrylic LED Sign Kit: amzn.to/3H0wVPq Acrylic LED Sign Kit 2: amzn.to/3XPgSuu

[@robertsparhawk5721]

I have made a few of these. I actually mirror the image and put it on the "backside" of the acrylic per say so that the person looking at the image is looking at a smooth front. I think either way looks great and its all personal preference.

[@markgaither5635]

Great video. Ive done a few of these on my CNC with a drag bit. I like to find people who have cool cars then engrave it for them. It makes a very personalized gift

[@joybidwell9487]

Great tip on sanding edges! Thank you!

[@dfortin0011]

Love everything you make 3dprinting, laser engraving !!!! sucha cool follow and get so much from every videos

[@ffmcmav40]

The real problem making these is preventing bubbles from appearing which is what I had hoped he was going to share. It looks like he used 2mm acrylic which I think is easier to use with less bubbles but doesn’t look as good as the 4mm. Tracing works great but it’s tough to get a perfect trace. So if you wanted to do a pic tracing is not going to cut it. I have used ImagR with some success but there’s those bubble problems. I know the bubbles occur because the laser causes gases burning the image and occasionally ignite the gases causing the bubbles. The only thing I have found to decrease the odds of this happening, is to raise the laser so that it isn’t all the way focused. You can still get a good image and it’s far less likely to ignite the gases and cause a bubble

[@signptr]

Thank you, I for one appreciate your sharing some of your knowledge.

[@thesentinel6225]

Just wanted to thank you. These LED signs are selling very well. I sold 2 within 2 hours. And possibly more here shortly Bill

[@kimo5466]

This is awesome! I love seeing the laser videos since I just got my own OMTech Polar. I hope we can get a tutorial of how you made the pictures into files to engrave

[@pascalauandrei1326]

Basically, he showed you in this video , just import an image into lightburn , select it > trace image > delete the original image and you're left with the trace just like in the video .

[@chootrain57]

Thanks for the great ideas

[@owatagi]

Brilliant idea, thanks.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Glad you like it!! Thanks for watching!

[@herbertliedel7019]

Try reversing the image and have the engraving on the back side of the acrylic.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

A lot of people said that, and I am going to try it!

[@arthurtotherow8208]

Does that make it show better? Or show brighter because you see the flat side?

[@AndrewR74]

@@arthurtotherow8208it doesn’t make it look better, ( as in the glow ) but it looks better when you see it as it’s smooth and not engraved

[@leifhorn4909]

Wouldn't you have to reverse the image for that too?

[@AndrewR74]

@@leifhorn4909 Yes

[@kevinjones6924]

As always Jim, excellent video! Thanks for the cool idea! If only I could stop 3d printing and get engraving 😂🤣😆

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Haha 😂

[@olafb.2929]

I know this problem too 😀

[@fsj197811]

Very cool, thanks for sharing.

[@jrzombeast6477]

First time ever seeing one of your videos and i have to say.. you kept it clean and simple. got a like and new sub from me.. thanks for being you and sharing the love. much blessings to you and yours always.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Awesome! Thank you!! Welcome to the channel!

[@MakrTheory]

Those little signs are great. I have made a few myself and everyone is always impressed by them. I will have to try the sanded edge trick on the next one I make.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Awesome! It really helps them glow, but I highly suggest you do it while the plastic is still on or be very careful because it will scratch if you don't be careful.

[@bmac6721]

How much do you usually sell them for?

[@MakrTheory]

@@bmac6721 I have not sold any. I have only made them as gifts or for my own decor.

[@deonbaptiste1991]

Awesome video.

[@saasaasaasaa9926]

Excellent

[@brucebaldwin1362]

I am very new to laser engraving. Like your videos because they are easy to follow. Can you do this process with a photograph, and what would be the process. Thanks for your help.

[@smittysbuilds]

books nooks are also really popular, more complex to design but material is cheap and profit margins are nice. also use diode laser to cut them.

[@joedavis60]

A nice, clear presentation. I will try this soon. I have an XTOOL D1Pro 40W laser. Can Lexan, which is polycarbonate, be used?

[@robr4379]

This looks awesome how would you recommend the settings for this on the xtool d1pro with there software

[@muddy250]

I engrave on the back of acrylic with a reversed image for a clean front side. Way sharper :)

[@bruceyoung1343]

I wish I could afford a 2.5k laser burner. I’m gonna research one of those made from an old CD burner and see if possible. But a BIG thanks for turning me on to this

[@TheEdgeofTech]

There are a lot of options out there, and a lot of different price ranges!

[@DavidALovingMPF102]

Thanks! I'll try it, right after Jeopardy.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Sounds great!

[@BallBusta]

Would it be possible to adapt this to make something along the lines of an external Gaimglass crosshair? Maybe with a longer piece of acrylic and a mount for a monitor? A Gaimglass is like $50, but I imaging something like this would be significantly cheaper to customize and manufacture.

[@BitSmythe]

2:25. In the trace function window, there is also a button to delete the original image at the same time.

[@waynegutschmidt7586]

A new subscriber toady. Hello from Australia

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Awesome! Welcome to the channel!! Thanks for the sub!

[@UYC.]

Cool

[@annabrydges4620]

My produced a residue on acrylic round lettering and picture. I use rdl4040. I followed your settings. Is there anything I should change ?

[@Ziplock9000]

You might want to mention that you can only cut or engrave clear acrylic on relatively expensive CO2 lasers, not the usual diode ones.

[@hussar510]

I also believe yoy need a dark background underneath the acrylic?

[@t1czer]

Wrong. You can if you darken it. Soap helps too.

[@Ziplock9000]

I'm not wrong, you absolutely cannot cut clear acrylic with a diode, you can only engrave it. Darkening it with paint or black backing is for engraving, not cutting. @@t1czer

[@PickUpGaming]

​@@Ziplock9000 is that as it will get burned and discolour. For engraving does it remain colour?

[@GratefulOverlander]

​@@Ziplock9000you are 💯 wrong. You just haven't figured out the tricks yet. We cut clear acrylic everyday with the S1

[@BitSmythe]

2:43. You don’t have to calculate the millimeters. Just to the right of the size fields, is a button to select inches/millimeters.

[@bmac6721]

Can you do a video on setting up the photo like you did of your niece? Also did you focus to the top or bottom layer of the acrylic?

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Is that the largest size acrylic you can use with that base?

[@JLHahn]

What would be a good starting speed and feed to etch acrylic with the OLM 2 Pro with the 5 watt laser. I do a search for 5 watt and it usually shows up with bigger lasers. Thanks.

[@BC-sk6pn]

Any idea what the settings are for a 20 watt diode laser thank u

[@freekdebruin2642]

What colour of cast acrilic can diod lasers cut and engrave, for instance mirrow rose gold acrilic

[@KingersWorld]

Am I able to make these with the Xtool D1 Pro 20W?

[@JackInTheShop]

I have made a good many of these. I put photos on them.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Awesome!

[@SageCrispin]

I'm ready for the "...couple extra steps...". Any hints in the meantime?

[@hankyknot]

Did you ever make the video you mention in the notes about the extra steps for those of us with diode lasers?

[@robr4379]

Do you have to paint the acrylic before engraving I've seem alot of videos that says you do with clear

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

Can this process be done with a diode laser? Or do I have to do a bunch of other prep work?

[@user-ve7dk4pr8h]

Do its the samesteps with the ortur laser pro? i want to engrave on glass !

[@SothpawDesigns]

Great video. How did you get it to engrave without having a black paper or background under it? Following your tutorial on my own laser, it won't engrave on my honeycomb bed, unless I put black paper under it.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Hey! I was using a C02 laser as described in the video. You can do it with a diode too, but need something on it like the paper or paint.

[@SothpawDesigns]

@@TheEdgeofTech Gotcha. Thanks. That makes sense. Appreciate the tutorial.

[@arthurtotherow8208]

Was wondering also. Would that be the same if you wanted to cut it with a diode?

[@wileycovington4497]

What is the thickness of your acrylic? I've done these but have to end up gluing a piece I cut to add to the bottom to keep it from wiggling.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Acrylic that comes with the set in the description is 4 mm thick. But I think there are different sets that require different acrylic thicknesses.

[@borisbadinov7757]

will this work with a roly lasermatic 10w? I tried and I dont think it likes clear acrylic.

[@iraqsarmad]

can I do the same with my Laser S9 pro Sclupfun?

[@mauguspuggles537]

Looking for something new, as music just ain't cutting it for me any more... getting too old I guess, but I am looking at etching/engraving as a pretty neat challenge for a retiree. Just finished this vid on Acrylic Edge Lit signs and the cost of materials and equipment don't seem outrageous. As a former programmer, I lust after challenges that produce a great result by setting the machine up to do the work! Meanwhile, I'll sit back and have a cold one! I have lots of ideas of subject matter for engraving and your results are inticing! I do have one question, how do I get colors into my result? Looking at a coat-of-arms, for example, I would expect it would have 3 or 4 colors as part of the history the emblem is trying to tell. I'll check back in a few days to see if you han help me work this magic. Enjoyed this and will probably collect many more of them. You have a good way of deliviering your msg without overlooking this or that important detail(s). Looking fwd to it!

[@nebulous962]

is there a way to like make the whole acrylic sheet light up? just engrave the whole thing? is there other way that don̈́t require engraver?

[@wileycovington4497]

You can cut vinyl from a die cutting machine. You can order bases with the acrylic so you won't need to cut anything.

[@sus8e462]

So glad you're not violating any copyrights. Tip: if you don't have the rights to use registered artwork, don't use it in your videos!

[@sus8e462]

@@yourlifeisyourfault.4212 Yes, see it a lot--shows/cons less likely to be caught (I admit use some similar stuff at a few small shows I sell my work at), but on-line, like Etsy, big companies who can afford lawyer teams will "sweep" thru listings--easy to search titles/description s/images--first is a notice to remove listing, but can quickly escalate & indeed if business appears to have big sales, response will also be big... And many artists selling their original work on sites often have theirs copied by others, but even with copyright, when you can't afford the lawyers to stop them, it continues...

[@jericteves6126]

can i do this with laster master 2 pro s2 with lu2-2 laser?

[@GrizzLeeWorks]

I have the xtools d1 pro 20W which is a diode. But I also have an IR module for it. Would that work?

[@spermdizzle]

Xtool should definitely be able to get it done as well

[@damienmarc4909]

is this product available on aliexpress or shein ( the lamp kit )

[@storageaddict]

For personalized one-of's like the local sports teams, etc I can totally see this. However, how would one get around the copyrighted stuff like Marvel, DC, Lighting bolt forehead boy, etc? I've seen SO many postings on FB groups of their Etsy stores being wrecked over takedown orders recently. Thoughts?

[@TheEdgeofTech]

This one is for personal use, and I actually bought the file from Etsy. Anything local is Super easy because likely they gave you files. But with licensed material, make sure you're following all rules and laws because you definitely don't want to get in trouble or have your store taken down. Definitely look up fan art and the rules around that as well because there's a lot of loopholes 🙂.

[@AndrewR74]

You’re going to want to contact each entity and pay a license fee to become a merchandiser. That is the only way to protect you, if you don’t you’re breaking copy right rules and could get a cease and desist, confiscation of product, and possible lawsuit/ fines/ jail time.

[@donnajean2582]

I would really like to try this. I have an ortur lm2 will that be strong enough, is the acrylic from amazon the right kind for laser. I just want to make sure before I order the kits. In Canada the cost is almost double so want to be sure. Thanks for your great videos.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

With a dialed laser it is possible but a different process needs to be followed. Diode Lasers don't do well with clear acrylic. But it can be done! If you check out KZbin, there are other people who are doing it with diodes 🙂 🙂 I also will do a video soon showing that process!

[@sonictails6458]

Just tried it with mine. Have to apply a paint like you do with tile. I found applying on back and front works best. 100 spd 30 power. Looks good with my ortur LM2 S2

[@Nobel0]

Thanks Jim for the video, does this will work with atomstack hobby laser engraver that is 5 or 10W ?

[@TheEdgeofTech]

You can do it with the diode lasers, but it will be a little different because they don't like clear acrylic. Video coming soon!

[@Nobel0]

@@TheEdgeofTech thanks a lot, i will be waiting for the video. Much appreciated

[@pennyeure9590]

@@TheEdgeofTech I just got the atomstack x20 (20 watt) I want to do this for my grandson as a fund raiser!! SOOO please please do the video for the diodes. I am a newby so I need all the guidance I can get. Love the video!!

[@TarunSonga]

is there anyway to prevent smudges on the acrylic after engraving and got a slight problem where some bits are not engraved properly where they appear to be half engraved and half blank, can anyone help?

[@Perseids64]

So, it is not necessary to 'paint' the acrylic with tempera paint or a soap solution on the side to be engraved? I have an Aufero Laser 2 on the way with the 4.5 - 5 watt SF module.

[@Perseids64]

NVM... I now realize you are using a CO2 laser and not a diode laser, my bad!

[@pethuds]

This may seem a silly question but when I try to engrave the acrylic in just goes right through do I need to coat it with something.

[@DarkSideOfTheMoon617]

im having the same issue. have you had any luck? I have a longer ray5 10w

[@BGeorgeVideo]

Is there a CNC where you can do multiple laser prints … can I sit down 3-4 of them and walk away

[@anonitachi7488]

I think i already know the answer but more insight is welcome - can the FoxAlien 20w (5.5w) cut clear acrylic? I have the LED base's (happily weird that this vid has just came out!) and have a bunch of clear plexi cuts left from a greenhouse project, but when doing a few test engravings I discovered that I can't cut, and after looking into it, looks as if I won't be able to. Can my wee diode cut, or is a Co2 needed? Are there any other methods to get a clean cut? Cheers as always

[@TheEdgeofTech]

I probably can't cut it, but can engrave it with a little different process!

[@anonitachi7488]

@@TheEdgeofTech different process?

[@anonitachi7488]

@@TheEdgeofTech engraving is grand, just the cutting. Are their any spibke bits specially designed to cut plexi without melting/clumping?

[@andrewhughes7382]

Hi Jim every time i try to frame something in lightburn the laser module slams into the frame i have the bed size set correctly. Any ideas how to stop this? I have a creality Falcon 10 w

[@LarryDMitchell]

I have an Ortur LM3 and I read or saw this on a video...BEFORE you tell it to frame you should hit the HOME button so the machine can frame from 0.0

[@mommamiap]

Always HOME your machine. :) Then start your framing

[@reefstock8330]

Can this work with neje laser ?

[@derekjenkinson8014]

😂😂😂😂 love the aVe clip! 😂😂😂

[@davidjelinek2038]

I have the same exact machine and I tried your settings for the same exact thing. But my engraving is very deep, it burned down around 0.3 mm of the material. What am I doing wrong? The only difference I did is using 3mm acrylic.

[@Silvermoore]

That's what you did wrong. It's deeper because it's thinner. You're vaporizing the acrylic. Just back off the power or increase the speed. For these, you're really just trying to get below the surface, not gouge it out. also, there is a slight difference in results between cast acrylic and extruded acrylic.

[@poolpilot07]

Bro i followed the video step by step i got atlmstack and i can’t seem to get the framing from the computer ?

[@DesignCutters]

You started with a bitmap image which could have been engraved as is without tracing/vectorizing it. The only time you would want to vectorize that kind of file would be if you were going to increase the size and did not want it to become pixelated.

[@GildedSpirit2]

Can I do this with my Ortur LasterMaster 2 20w or is this only for co2 lasers?

[@TheEdgeofTech]

You definitely can't! The process is a little different because of the clear acrylic, but it is definitely possible!

[@bobblefish]

​@@TheEdgeofTech I assume, based on context, that you meant "can?" Could you make a video explaining how to do cool things like this that are diode laser compatible?

[@mandirees5790]

In your description above you mentioned doing another video showing the additional steps necessary for diode lasers. Have you done this?

[@olafb.2929]

You can do so many things, just lacking time 😞 With your sports sign you gave me an idea for another project though...

[@TheEdgeofTech]

I agree. It's always time holding us back! Can't wait to see the project!

[@brunoferro5440]

Please give me settings for 10w laser diode atomstack s10 pro😊

[@chaux13]

Great video, thanks for all the info, im new in the Laser engraving hobby, just wondering if im using the Xtool D1 Pro 20w , what settings can I used l?

[@sirbunny]

x2

[@TheEdgeofTech]

I don't know the exact settings but I will get a video out soon to do this with a Diode!

[@chaux13]

@@TheEdgeofTech thanks.

[@woodwaker1]

Great video, If you do enough you can pay for another printer to give away. Another idea is to do what Tripod does and engrave meat!

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Haha 😂

[@artbykristylalonde4165]

What wattage is your machine?

[@themunce1]

is this done on a diode laser or C02?

[@MrJfrutuoso1972]

that's a great project for CO2 Laser but what about the diode laser that hobby people like me have

[@Kracov_the_Madman]

I don't see how you're able to do this, but I hope you can help. I tried 2 different LED strips and they just can't properly light up my acrylic sign. Mostly it's a faint light near the top where the strip is.

[@harrygithens3908]

I am thinking of getting a laser. The one I am looking at Is an Ovsuqu Galvo Laser JPT M7 MOPA 100W Fiber Laser Machine 300x300mm will this cut and mark wood, Glass, Marble, and other nonmetal materials If I adjust the power, frequency, and other settings? My main thing is that I will be Engraving on gun parts.

[@gojfert]

Hi can you please tell me what kind of acrylic you use...I have bought som Cast acrylic and when I use my Co2 Galvo 40W it just melt..I have some other acrylic where I can engrave it white...People say BUY ACRYLIC CAST but it is melting ,,The acrylic that is called Acrylic/Glass can I engrave white------Can you help me

[@stacyrethman9532]

Did u ever do the signs with a diode laser video? i did a quick search on you youtube page and didn't see it..

[@campinggadgets]

How come you laser engraved onto the clear perspex without either painting it black with tempura or placing it on black card!! I use a 10 watt engraver by wainlux

[@sharondavis6322]

I have the 10W Longer RAY laser and have had zero success with acrylic engraving. It seems to burn/melt from underneath instead of engraving into the front. I dont know what I’m doing wrong.

[@wileycovington4497]

Is it a diode laser? If so you won't be able to cut clear acrylic. You need a co2.

[@iancarey6239]

Wicked! What are the bases called?

[@TheEdgeofTech]

I think I linked them in the description.

[@robgonzalez816]

I have an Omtech k40 laser. I can't download Liughtburn to run my laser. I have use k40 whisperer. I feel overwhelmed by some of the videos I've seen so far about lasers.

[@ottersdangerden]

Looks like I gotta add another option to my test thing I made. Also dont hit the acrylic with alcohol it will crack, also if you need to get new acrylic take note on the type of acrylic, some work better than others. AKA do a bit of research.

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Great advice!

[@user-jh2cc7pi4z]

Can I burn any pictures?!

[@DaniTanase96]

Cand do one video with Atomstack A5 Pro 40W???

[@ligaxthewolf]

What are the extra step with a diode laser?

[@MrJimpurvis]

Can you burn photos?

[@TheEdgeofTech]

Absolutely!

[@billieb]

but.... you did not address that the laser just goes through the acrylic. Is the backing preventing that?

[@timfrench483]

has anyone used an Otur Laser Master Pro 2 to make these? i Can't seem to find the right settings.

[@jakerazmataz852]

I'm new to lasers, but from what I've read, every laser is different. Even the same wattage. It's suggested you run one of the test files on all the different materials you will be using.😉

[@myshootinggallery3703]

what about intellectual property and copyrighted material, isn't sport teams logos and harry potter material copyrighted?

[@ChildOfAsura]

Just curious, cause I wanna do stuff like this.... How do you sell stuff (or name) that is made/owned by another company? I truly and genuinely wanna know. Cause I have ideas, just don't wanna be sued. I really appreciate any feedback.

[@offsetmakerlab7514]

Lightningbolt Forehead Boy 🤣

[@TheEdgeofTech]

🤣 Right! Caleb had some good ones on this video!

[@alainhilson9560]

Bonjour, je voudrais faire ces réalisations avec ma X-Tool F1 donc graveur à diodes. Avez-vous réalisé une vidéo avec des apports supplémentaires pour graveur à diodes. Merci de ma répondre.

[@1swellguy]

I notice you never mentioned that you are leaving the removable film on for the engraving, then you didn't mention that you remove the film after you wash it in the sink. Might be an important detail to mention.

[@leetay4771]

Why is he against 3x aa batteries. I feel like it'll be better for portability

[@TheEdgeofTech]

I'm not at all! I like to have both options! :)

[@leetay4771]

@@TheEdgeofTech thanks for your reply. I thought there might be something wrong with doing it with batteries

[@AlexHaan]

Looking for acrylic edge lit sign tips before trying to attempt something myself. I'm disappointed you're suggesting to rinse the acrylic 'dust' off into the sink. Way to go to add micro plastics into the sewer system!

[@nickm324]

Should be mirrored and put on the back of the acrylic