common tape for protecting acrylic cuts

[lasercub]

I cut a rectangle in a common acrylic picture frame. It is originally 2 pieces and when i laser cut it, the bottom piece was pristine and the top piece had laser burns. Can I put a piece of blue tape over the cut area so I get a clean cut while the blue tape protects the top layer? Will the blue tape catch on fire while I am cutting it? I know there is laser tape, but I don't want to spend the money on the more expensive tape. Thanks

[Tom Ayres]

Sounds like you can just change some of the laser settings to avoid the burning. Sometimes changing the focal depth, the speed and power can eliminate the majority of these type problems. Do you have a air/blower piped in? Can you give a little more about your settings? Thickness of materials?