#Laser engraving peek plastic how to

Some will give you unnecessary troubles, while others are unsafe as they can harm you or your laser machine. Plastic materials offer a wide range of applications in laser cutting due to their versatility and unique properties. Here you will find more information on the top 5 laser engraver exhaust fan options we recommend. It will ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated. No matter what materials you intend cutting it’s always recommended to invest in an exhaust fan not only for the health benefits but also to protect your laser from contamination and corrosion.

#Laser engraving peek plastic how to

The below YouTube Tutorial will provide more information on how to test whether your materials contain chlorine:Īlso Read: Safety precautions when using a laser cutter Use An Exhaust Fan When Laser Cutting How to test whether your materials contain Chlorine Furthermore, it produces hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic even in small amounts. It is another material not ideal for laser cutting as it tends to melt, leaving behind a gooey mess. ABS plasticĪBS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer. The fumes can be especially dangerous in closed spaces. With the coating (usually epoxy), the material produces toxic fumes. As a result, it can easily catch fire, which can spread to large parts of the material during the cutting process.Ĭutting coated carbon fiber is an even worse idea, and should not be attempted. It also possesses a very high energy diffusivity. Coated carbon fiberĬarbon fiber is a plastic material that is not ideal for laser cutting due to its high absorption of laser energy. Apart from damaging the laser cutter, these by-products can also result in serious physical injury. Under a laser beam, the material releases chlorine gas (and can possibly release hydrochloric acid). Examples include making water pipes, drainage pipes, sewer pipes, plastic cables, floors, roofing membranes, synthetic leather, and more.ĭespite having a wide range of applications, PVC is not safe for laser cutting.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the name of a versatile plastic material with numerous applications. Let’s have a look at each of these and why you shouldn’t laser cut them. Furthermore, it usually produces discolored (yellowed) edges that are not smooth.Įven if you have a powerful laser cutter, there are some plastics that you shouldn’t use for your laser cutting projects. It also absorbs high levels of infrared energy and can easily catch fire (If it is too thick). It is hard (even harder than acrylic), making it trickier to cut complex designs. However, while it is ideal for laser cutting, polycarbonate is not the best choice of material. They are durable and lightweight, which makes them ideal for laser cutting. There are several trademark names for these plastics, including Lexan, Lupoy, Makrolon, and others. Polycarbonate refers to a group of thermoplastic polymers that feature carbonates in their structure. Any charring that occurs can be easily cleaned using isopropyl alcohol. However, this can be overcome by using medium power laser beams (with thin sheets). Thermal damage can also occur under a too powerful laser beam. One major drawback of laser cutting Kapton is that the edges tend to char. The material is usually cut using CO 2 lasers as polyimides have excellent CO 2 laser energy absorption capacity. Kapton tape can be laser cut to make solder masks or stencils. The material is characterized by properties such as high electrical resistance, high thermal conductivity, and excellent tensile properties. Kapton (also known as polyimide) is a type of high-performance plastic polymer. So you may have to do a lot of testing before you find your sweet spot. On the other hand, if they are too thin, they will not hold together. If the sheets are too thick, they will warp, curl, or bubble as you are cutting. As a result, a low-power laser beam at low speeds is recommended.Īnother issue with laser cutting Mylar has to do with the thickness.

If the laser beam is too powerful, the material may catch fire. First of all, the edges of the plastic can melt as you cut, resulting in burred edges. However, while Mylar is safe and ideal for laser cutting, it does pose some challenges. It is therefore an excellent material for laser cutting as it allows for a precise and clean cut. Mylar is a versatile plastic material that possesses high strength, durability, and high tensile properties.

It is mostly used to make stencils, as it is easy to stencil with, clean, and durable. Mylar is another name for polyester film polyethylene terephthalate.