Try This: Laser-Cut Cake Topper in 3 Simple Steps

Laser machine owners receive custom order requests regularly. Creating unique, one-of-a-kind products on the fly can be a daunting task, especially for those new to lasers. If a customer needs that custom flare for a special event or birthday, follow the steps below to create a custom laser-cut cake topper in minutes. Easily apply these principles to any custom order.

Needed materials:

• Sheet of 1/8″ thick acrylic
• Cake topper image file

Step 1: Search for a design

• Using Google, search “happy birthday cake topper black and white”
• Scroll through the image options and select the one you like
• Copy the image
• Paste the image into LightBurn (or other design software)

Step 2: Prep file for laser

• In LightBurn, select “Alt” + “T” to trace the image
• Separate the new image from the original
• Delete the original file from LightBurn
• Using LightBurn’s toolbar, resize the newly traced cake topper file
  • The recommended size is 5″ H X 4″ W
• Select speed and power settings
  • AP Lazer recommends .75 speed and 100% power for 1/8″ thick acrylic

Note: Machine speed and power settings may vary. Reference laser manufacturer speed and power settings database

Step 3: Laser-cut the acrylic

• Place acrylic sheet in the laser machine bed
• Send cake topper file to the laser from design software
• Focus the laser head to the acrylic using the machine’s focus tool
• Select “origin” to set origin point and “frame” to outline the file size
  • Selecting frame ensures the file will fit within the desired material
• Shut the lid & push start

Total run time: Two minutes
Total prep and run time: Six minutes

And there you have it — a piece-of-cake project.