Cutting Plexiglass with a laser

[Carl Schramm]

Does anyone know if it is safe to cut Plexiglas sold by Home Depot or Lowe's with a laser? I think I heard once that it contains PVC, which, of course, is detrimental to laser optics. I cut a lot of plastic, but I usually get it from Laserbits. I'm looking for a cheaper, more readily available source and the box stores come to mind.

[walter hofmann]

yes you can if you buy the acrylic version at HD, mostly called " acrylit"
greetings

[Mike Null]

It's extruded acrylic and you can cut it.

[Patrick Smithwick]

I've been buying my plastics from Johnson Plastics.

[Rich Harman]

I think I heard once that it contains PVC, which, of course, is detrimental to laser optics.

Not sure that it will harm the optics but mainly will dissolve your lungs and cause the metal bits of the laser to corrode.

[Mike Null]

But let's not confuse the issue. This acrylic does not contain PVC.

[Rich Harman]

But let's not confuse the issue. This acrylic does not contain PVC.

Now I'm confused. What kind of acrylic does contain PVC?

[Michael Hunter]

Now I'm confused. What kind of acrylic does contain PVC?

None.

It is quite common for the DIY stores to sell thin PVC and thicker acrylic (for greenhouse glazing etc.) under the same trade name.
The ones I have seem have always stated the material clearly, though occasionally in rather small lettering.