Etch Deep into Acrylic, but not Cut Through?

[noob_for_life]

I have access to a 60W Epilog and a 100W Trotec. I want to create something like a die or a photopolymer plate for debossing into card stock.

To do so I need to cut away large chunks of the die material. But, to keep all of the elements in place, I would like to etch deep into the material, leaving connections between them which won't hit the paper.

My first thought would be to use acrylic, mounting the "die" on something big and flat (like a thicker piece of acrylic).

The question is, can I cut away chunks of acrylic without cutting all the way through? If not is there a material you guys would recommend? Maybe a bunch of passes on some piece of hard wood might work?

Thanks,

Gary

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[noob_for_life]

Hi Nolan:

Thank you for asking for clarification.

If I'm making a rubber stamp on a laser, I can etch the negative space away, leaving only the shape of the thing I want on the stamp. In this case, I'm looking to do something like that. I need to create a stamp that will leave an impression in paper that metal type would on a letter press.

I can cut away most of the negative space. But, I still need small chunks connecting the letters so they stay in place relative to each other. The height of those chunks needs to be reduced so only the type makes the impression on the paper.

Thanks again,

Gary

[LeeWay]

If you are not cutting through, then the letters would stay in place. No need for a bridge support then. That is how I understand your explanation so far.
If you can show a drawing of intent, that may help.

[noob_for_life]

Hi Lee. The real question is can I cut deep into the the acrylic (or hardwood or something I can use like a die for debossing). I'm trying to produce something like below. The color is just to show the different shapes. The type would create the impression. The rectangle would hold it together:



I have never dug deep into acrylic and I have the impression it would be very slow going. But, I need something hard with hard edges to make the into the paper (or really mat board).

[fixtureman1]

Why not engrave like your rubber stamp but adjust your power and speed settings

[Bigbird48]

Fixtureman is correct just engrave what ever material you choose just like you were making a rubber stamp, wood, acrylic what ever, derlin works well for this also.

[Steven Zhu]

you mean like this?