Who can laser cut plastic?
- Thread starter blufive
- Start date
RICHIES ARMOR
Sr Member
Doug
PM me. I can have all done.
Richie
PM me. I can have all done.
Richie
RICHIES ARMOR
Sr Member
I hadnt proposed this before but I can always help with laser cutting if more people need this service.
If theres any questions simply post or PM me.
Richie
If theres any questions simply post or PM me.
Richie
RICHIES ARMOR
Sr Member
Corel File is the program used via the laser cutter. Transfer this to an AI file. The Corel will recognize most files but can have problems with some "newer" programs.
Basicly you need a Vector or Line drawing for the program to follow.
As far as thickness. Acrylics up to 3/4" is fine . Most materials such as ABS and styrene work well BUT softer plastics may have a little bit of melting to the underside, kind of a "blow-by" due to the heat of the laser. Kinda like a torch does to metal.
The laser wont cut metal very well due to reflection of the beam.
I just had some Alien logos done in .020 styrene and they had this effect ALTHO the top surface was fine. They molded well for reproduction.
Richie
Basicly you need a Vector or Line drawing for the program to follow.
As far as thickness. Acrylics up to 3/4" is fine . Most materials such as ABS and styrene work well BUT softer plastics may have a little bit of melting to the underside, kind of a "blow-by" due to the heat of the laser. Kinda like a torch does to metal.
The laser wont cut metal very well due to reflection of the beam.
I just had some Alien logos done in .020 styrene and they had this effect ALTHO the top surface was fine. They molded well for reproduction.
Richie
Anyone in the eastern PA, NJ, NY area... I've got a laser cutter myself that I only use for hobby purposes. If there's something small you want done and are in the area, I'd be glad to help you out. You can even swing by and watch the laser in action!
I have a smaller laser so, I'd say 1/4" acrylic is about the thickest I can go right now. Maybe I'll upgrade to a larger wattage laser when this one dies... then I could probably handle 1/2" acrylic. I guess I could cut 1/2" now but I would have to flip the plastic over and "re-laser" it again, which I've never done so, I'm not sure how it would come out. Now that's a test I should try!
- J.
I have a smaller laser so, I'd say 1/4" acrylic is about the thickest I can go right now. Maybe I'll upgrade to a larger wattage laser when this one dies... then I could probably handle 1/2" acrylic. I guess I could cut 1/2" now but I would have to flip the plastic over and "re-laser" it again, which I've never done so, I'm not sure how it would come out. Now that's a test I should try!
- J.
Rebelscum
Sr Member
I haven't personally cut material thinner than .030, but I have seen this happen, especially while determining the speed / power combination to use for cutting. I would expect you can scrape or sand it off and sandwich two with no ill affects.
As a practice I try to get perfect cuts by testing until I'm happy the desired result can be achieved. It often takes a bit of tinkering with to get it right.
Fizbin
Well-Known Member
Well I have a small project that I've been scouting around to be laser cut. Unfortunately, $90 for one 15"x15" sheet to be cut seems a little crazy to me. :confused
Anyway, I was thinking .080 styrene would be about right for it, since it's an easy material to work with. So, I'm guessing the slight melting wouldn't be much of a problem at that thickness, correct?
Anyway, I was thinking .080 styrene would be about right for it, since it's an easy material to work with. So, I'm guessing the slight melting wouldn't be much of a problem at that thickness, correct?
