plexiglass etching

[shoe2728]

Has anyone tried to etch plexiglass, not sure what the name is, but when light is shined on bottom it lights up the etched areas. I have seen some signs with different designs and when lit up they are great.
I have done photos in corian with back light and they come out fantastic.
Thanks

[Mugsowner]

I have done a few of these. The type of plexiglass is the main thing. Cast acrylic is what you are looking for. Extruded acrylic melts when cut and will stick, making a mess. Poly carbonate will also work. Acrylic edges can be flame polished with Mapp gas, but not poly carbonate. I do not have the add on vector software, but think that would make a better carve. Not sure , but I think that it would follow the vector line, instead of running across like a normal carving, which leaves little dipoles, instead of a smooth cut line. This does not seem to effect the light just the on lit look.