Introduction: How to Make an Acrylic Pet Outline Desk Decor
Every pet has a story, and every story deserves to be remembered.
Imagine turning your pet’s outline into a simple yet heartfelt piece of art—an acrylic ornament that captures their presence in the most timeless way. Whether it’s to honor a beloved companion, create a meaningful gift, or add a personal touch to your home, this laser-cut ornament is more than decoration—it’s a reminder of the love and joy your pet brings every day. Ready to roll into your next creative idea with style and precision? Hold on and keep reading!
Supplies
Machine Used
Thunder Bolt 30W
Material Needed
3mm Acrylic
Settings
- Laser Cutting
- Speed:30mm/s
- Max Power:90%
- Frequency:20kHz
- Passes:1
Attachments
Step 1: Place the Acrylic Sheet
Put the acrylic sheet flat on the work bed and make sure it’s secured in place. You can use pins or magnets to hold it steady. Then, peel off the protective film from the acrylic surface to avoid burn marks during cutting.
Step 2: Import the Acrylic Pet Outline Decor File and Check the Settings
Import your pet line art file into the laser software (e.g., LaserMaker or LightBurn) and adjust the size and position to match your acrylic sheet. Double-check everything, and decide if you want to add or subtract elements according to your preferences. Ensure that the parameters are set correctly to achieve the ideal laser cutting results.
For the laser cutting layers, pay extra attention to the minimum power setting. If the min power is too low, it will cause the cutting corners will not cut through; if the min power is too high, the laser cutting will be bad at the corners.
Step 3: Focus Your Laser Machine
Accurate focusing is critical for achieving smooth, clean cuts on acrylic. The Thunder Bolt offers two focusing methods:
Auto Focus: With one click, the laser head automatically adjusts to the optimal focal distance. This is fast and convenient for flat materials like acrylic sheets.
Manual Focus: For more control or when working with uneven materials, use the focus stick. Lower or raise the laser head until the focus stick stands perfectly vertical against the acrylic surface—this indicates the correct distance.
Tips: If your material is slightly warped or not perfectly flat, manual focus is recommended for more precise results.
Auto focus
Manual focus
Step 4: Frame the Design and Start Laser Cutting
When we click the “Frame” , we can see red light show the outline of cutting area. It’s safe, and the frame will be on the surface of the acrylic. Once it isn’t, move your acrylic or design until they are at a proper position.
Once everything is adjusted, simply hit ‘Start’ to begin laser cutting the acrylic with the Thunder Bolt.
Step 5: Monitor the Laser Cutting Process
Keeping an eye on the machine allows you to spot unusual conditions—such as error alarms, smoke build-up, or unexpected pauses—before they become problems.
While observing, remember that the laser beam is extremely powerful. Even with the protective lid closed, avoid staring directly at the marking spot for too long. A quick glance to check progress is fine, but prolonged gazing should be avoided for safety reasons.
Step 6: Remove the Protective Film and Attach
After the job is finished and the acrylic cools down, peel off the protective film from the back of the cut piece. Use adhesive or double-sided tape to attach the outline to a photo frame—or any surface where you want to display it.
