Hello Acrylic
✦  The machine behind Hello Acrylic

The OMTech laser I run my business on

Every Hello Acrylic keepsake is cut in our Brisbane studio on an OMTech Pronto 40. I design in Illustrator, cut with LightBurn, and this is the machine that does the work. If you are getting your own, my code takes 5% off at the OMTech Australia store.

SELMA
5% Off
Shop OMTech Australia →

Copy the code, then enter SELMA at checkout on omtech.au. On a production laser like mine that is around $450 back. It works on the Polar, the Pronto 40, and most other CO2 lasers on the store. If it will not apply to the one you want, message me first.

Full disclosure: I earn a small commission when you use my code. It costs you nothing extra, and you still save the 5%.

Cut on this machine, in our Brisbane studio

Hello Acrylic piece cut on the OMTech Pronto 40Custom Handheld Acrylic Mirrors for SalonsHello Acrylic piece cut on the OMTech Pronto 40Personalised princess affirmation mirror with castle bow detail by Hello AcrylicHello Acrylic piece cut on the OMTech Pronto 40Hello Acrylic piece cut on the OMTech Pronto 40

Which machine should you start with

The machines I actually recommend, from someone who uses one daily. The code SELMA works on all of them.

OMTech Polar Lite 55W desktop CO2 laser cutter and engraver, a beginner-friendly all-in-one machine
Just starting out

OMTech Polar Lite

55W tube · 500x300mm area · one-click autofocus · 5MP camera · built-in cooling and air assist · LightBurn · 2-year warranty

A 55W all-in-one desktop laser. If you are testing the water or working from a spare room, this is the sensible first machine. It will not overwhelm you and it still cuts and engraves acrylic, wood and more.

See the Polar Lite →
OMTech Pronto 40 90W CO2 laser engraver and cutter, the machine Hello Acrylic runs in its Brisbane studio
What I actually run

OMTech Pronto 40

90W tube (100W peak) · 900x600mm bed · autofocus · up to 1000mm/s · pass-through doors · LightBurn and RDWorks · 2-year warranty

90W, a big 900x600mm bed and autofocus. This is the machine Hello Acrylic is built on. I chose it because it handles daily volume and larger pieces without slowing down. It is a step up in price, and worth it once you are selling.

See the Pronto 40 →
OMTech Pronto 45 100W CO2 laser engraver and cutter with a 1000x600mm bed
If the Pronto 40 is sold out

OMTech Pronto 45

100W tube (130W peak) · 1000x600mm bed · autofocus · up to 1000mm/s · pass-through doors · 2-year warranty

My Pronto 40 sells out from time to time. When it does, the Pronto 45 is the closest machine you can buy right now, and it is really a step up: 100W instead of 90W and a longer 1000x600mm bed, so it cuts thicker and takes bigger work. Same autofocus, same LightBurn workflow, and the code SELMA works on it too.

See the Pronto 45 →

Before you buy: what you will actually need

More comes in the box than people expect. What is included varies by machine, so always check the individual product listing.

Usually included
The tube and cooling

OMTech CO2 machines generally come with the laser tube and a water reservoir and pump to cool it. What is in the box varies by machine, so check the product listing to confirm.

Often included
Air assist

Many machines include an air assist that blows air at the cut point for cleaner cuts and fewer flare-ups. A stronger air pump is a common early upgrade.

You will add
Software and a computer

Design in Adobe Illustrator, or the free Inkscape, then drive the laser with LightBurn, a paid licence that runs on Windows and Mac. You also need a computer to run it.

You will add
Laser-safe materials

Stick to laser-safe materials like cast acrylic and timber. Never cut PVC or vinyl: it releases toxic gas that is dangerous to you and corrodes the machine.

One safety note: set it up in a well-ventilated spot that vents outside, keep a fire extinguisher within reach, and never leave it running unattended.

That is the real setup. If you are not sure what your space needs, ask me before you buy.

How to use the code

Step 1

Copy the code above and head to the OMTech Australia store at omtech.au.

Step 2

Add your machine, and any extras like a rotary or air assist, to the cart.

Step 3

Paste SELMA at checkout and watch 5% come off the total.

Go to OMTech Australia →

When it arrives, I will help you get going

Setting up your first laser can feel daunting. Buy through my code, then message me when your machine arrives and I will walk you through getting started, over a phone or video call if that is easier. One maker helping another.

Not sure yet? Ask me first

Not sure which machine, or the code will not apply to the one you want? Ask before you buy. Email is fine, and Instagram is usually the quickest.

Email us →Message on Instagram →

Frequently asked

Is this a real discount?
Yes. Enter the code SELMA at checkout on the OMTech Australia store and 5% comes off. It works on most CO2 lasers on the site. On a production machine like my Pronto 40 that is around $450 back. If the code will not apply to the model you want, message me first and I will help sort it.
Does it work in Australia?
Yes, this is for the OMTech Australia store at omtech.au, with Australian pricing and local shipping. Enter the code at checkout there. I have only used it on the Australian store, so I cannot promise it on the US site.
How do you actually make your pieces?
I design the artwork in Adobe Illustrator, then use LightBurn to cut it on the OMTech. The laser does the cutting and engraving; the design and layout happen on the computer first. So you are buying the machine that does the physical work, not a design tool. Inkscape is a free alternative to Illustrator if you are starting out.
Which machine should I actually get?
Honest answer: if you are testing the water, a Polar desktop is the sensible first machine and it will not overwhelm you. I run the bigger Pronto 40 (90W, 900x600mm) because Hello Acrylic cuts volume and larger pieces every day. Whichever you choose, the code works the same.
Why should I trust the recommendation?
I am Selma. I run Hello Acrylic here in Brisbane and every single order we ship is cut on my OMTech. This is not a review site guessing from a spec sheet, it is the actual machine behind a working business.
How is the code applied, and do you make anything from it?
You add the machine to your cart on omtech.au and type the code at checkout. Full disclosure: I earn a small commission when you use it. It costs you nothing extra and you still get your 5% off, so we both come out ahead.
Can I ask you questions before spending this much?
Please do. Email info@helloacrylic.com.au, or for the quickest answer send a DM on Instagram at hello.acrylic. I will tell you honestly what has worked for me and what I would pick if I were starting again.