Acrylic Jig
![laser engraved data plates in the acrylic jig](/static_processed/f940fa5e6682a9a40661c3a4decebfbe/.jpeg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/acrylic-jig/Finished_product_in_jig.jpeg","edits":{"resize":{"width":1280,"height":640,"fit":"cover"}}})
Custom jigs are very useful when cutting and/or engraving large workpiece quantities. Used in tandem JobControl®'s ability to save and reuse templates, you can quickly and accurately process identical jobs in just a few mouse clicks.
Preparation
Required Material
- TroGlass 3 mm, but you can use any material to produce this jig.
Machine used
- Speedy 360 80 watt with a 2" lens
For this application sample you can use any laser machine from the Speedy laser engraver series.
Tip
We suggest using a measuring caliper for measuring the item that the jig is being created for. If working with acrylic make sure your bed is complete sealed off to create a nice clean edge.
Step by step
Step 1: Import file design into Software
Create your own design or use our template. Send it to the laser with the recommended laser parameters. The parameters might vary depending on the machine used and the available laser power.
Print settings:
| Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 500dpi | None |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| Color | None |
Step 2: Laser process
Depending on the material that you are planning to use for laser processing to create a jig, make sure you are processing it accordingly. Such as masking off your bed, activate the exhaust system or select the laser table.
Laser Parameters:
| Color | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Cut | 90 | 0.40 | 5000 |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ON | - | - |
Tip:
We used standard laser parameters from JobControl.
![assemble acrylic jig](/static_processed/bfdd2e8466a48d2fe2aaa5073bc4e155/.jpeg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/acrylic-jig/assemble-acrylic-jig.jpeg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}}} "assemble-acrylic-jig.jpeg")
Step 3: Post-processing
Using glue or a premanufactured material with an adhesive backing adhere the two material together.
Preparation
Materials
- Two sheets of TroGlass Color Gloss (1/8") that are large enough to cover your laser's work area; one sheet having an adhesive backing
NOTE: You can use any material to produce this jig.
Trotec Laser and Accessories
NOTE: You can use any laser system from the Speedy series for this application.
Tip
To ensure that your measurements are as precise as possible, we suggest using a caliper to measure the workpieces for which you are creating the jig.
Step by step
Step 1: Import the Jig Design into JobControl®
Create your own jig design or use our template for data plates (below). Send the file to JobControl® using the recommended Print settings below.
NOTE: The parameters might vary depending on your specific laser system and its wattage.
Print Settings
| Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 500dpi | None |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| Color | None |
Step 2: Prepare the Materials and Adjust the Processing Settings in JobControl®
Make sure to use the appropriate processing parameters to process the materials you will use to create your jig. The settings specified below were used to cut 1/8" TroGlass Color Gloss.
The following factors are also key to obtaining the best results:
- Use the correct lens
- Choose the right nozzle
- Select an appropriate work table
- Activate your exhaust system
- Cover any remaining space on your laser's work area (e.g., with printing paper) to maximize the exhaust system's suction force on your materials (this trick prevents the sheets from shifting when being processed)
Material Settings
| Color | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Cut | 90 | 0.40 | 5000 |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ON | - | - |
Tip
We used the standard TroGlass processing parameters from Trotec's JobControl® database.
Step 3: Stick the Processed Sheets Together
Remove the sticker from the sheet with the adhesive backing. Then affix this sheet (i.e., the "top" layer) on top of the other processed sheet (i.e. the "bottom" layer) to complete the jig.
You may use glue if you are using a "top layer" material without an adhesive backing.
Important!
Ensure to correctly position the top layer on the bottom layer. Depending on the strength of the adhesive, it may not be possible to adjust the the top layer's placement if an error is made.
![](/static_processed/b2ec6aa144c6b857cf32bae2399591d7/templates-for-dog-tags-1e1.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/acrylic-jig/templates-for-dog-tags-1e1.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":640,"fit":"cover"}}})
More Ideas
- If you are creating kits, you can make jigs with spaces for different parts
- Create drawer liners using Trotec's laser-safe foam
![](/static_processed/fc17f3f08cabee36be9428851f6288f3/laser-engraver-speedy-400-left.png?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/Laser_Machines/Speedy_Series/laser-engraver-speedy-400-left.png","edits":{"extract":{"top":142,"left":497,"width":933,"height":393},"resize":{"width":470,"fit":"cover"}}})
![](/static_processed/be02a368e247553be5ca098932b53787/contact-ferdinand.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/contact/contact-ferdinand.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":80,"height":80,"fit":"cover"}}})
