I finally got some cast acrylic to try out and I am having some

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I finally got some cast acrylic to try out and I am having some serious issues trying to cut it. I have no problems cutting 1/4" extruded acrylic, but I can not cut the 1/4" cast acrylic even with multiple passes, it actually looks like it is burning the acrylic, , it has blackened areas and a very ragged kerf cut, as if the acrylic is melting back upon itself. Any ideas out there on how to fix this issue?

Thanks in advance.

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I have the same issue and a stack of acrylic that i cant cut. just burns and gets black-yellowish and smells like crap.

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Sounds like you got polycarbonate … Try an engrave if it turns yellow,brown,black or any color but frosty white then it’s Polycarbonate

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That appears to be what I have then. Thanks for the info Alex, time to open a dispute with paypal then. Do you have a reputable source for cast acrylic @Alex_Krause

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Who did you get you materials from? And did it start anything like makrolon or Lexan on the protective sheet?

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@funinthefalls ​ this is where I got my last sheet of 1/4" from and it cut and engraved nicely… Normally I order 8 packs of 1/8" inch

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Cast Acrylic Sheet 0.25" Thick 12"x12" Clear ( One Sheet ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LLRK59Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HOMgzbR1Z27G4

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Thanks Alex.

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In my experience polycarbonate that I found from home depot is like plastic with embedded gasoline in it. It’s just catches fire so easy so I included it in my ban list of materials

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It was polycarbonate, they tried to get rid of all references to pc but missed the word in one spot of the clingwrap. I took pictures and started a paypal dispute, it was not the cast acrylic I ordered and paid for. Not a total loss though, I am sure I can cut it with my OX.