Approved materials for laser cutter

Laser
#1

Didnā€™t we at one time have a list of approved and not approved materials for the laser cutter? I canā€™t find it.

#2

There is, or was, some stapled copies by the laser computer. There is a list in one of them. The biggest no no is any type of vinyl, and pvc. Cutting generates chlorine and hydrogen chloride gases, both toxic and corrosive.

Anybody cut ABS Plastic
#3

Does anyone know if polyurethane foam is OK to cut in the laser cutter? Iā€™m thinking of it because it is used to line pelican cases and ATA road cases.

#4

If unsure do a quick search for the material on google. If it contains
chlorine, definitely donā€™t. Just check for safety hazards.

Most things are fine on the laser.

#5

I havenā€™t picked a specific product, but it looks like all the MSDS sheets run along these lines for closed cell polyurethane foam:

Hazardous Combustion Products
:black_small_square: Upon decomposition, this product emits carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and/or low molecular weight hydrocarbons.

I think it will be OK. That all looks like stuff that you donā€™t want to inhale but are fine to exhaust and non-corrosive.

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#6

The information packet that was stapled together near the laser was printed
from:

I had printed it out to use as a reference for when we create new training
material, as it has some very good information and I like how it was
written. :wink:
Keywords for Google: laser cutter commandments

As William mentioned, a quick Google search on specific material is usually
pretty helpful. I usually google something like, ā€œIs it safe to laser cut
ā€¦ā€.

ABS is one thing that you will notice very mixed reviews on. Some say itā€™s
OK, others say itā€™s absolutely not ok. Our stance on ABS isā€¦ IT
STINKS! It does not cut very well (it meltsā€¦ and STINKS!)ā€¦ BUT, if you
have a small job and make sure that all fans/blowers/etc are running
properly, you can go ahead and cut it. IF you do, please make sure to leave
the cover closed until all the smoke has cleared from the laser plus a few
extra secondsā€¦ :wink:

Michael, the polyurethane foam is OK to cut. Other members have cut it and
it seems to cut really well. :slight_smile:

Here is our wiki page: https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser
Please note, we have a section available to add hints 'n tips:
https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Laser#Member_Submitted_Hints_and_Tips

Milwaukie Makerspace and ATX (Austin) both have information online, too:
http://wiki.milwaukeemakerspace.org/equipment/lasercutter3
http://www.atxhs.org/wiki/Laser_Cutter_Materials

Pololu also has good info in general - including a good list of materials
that can/canā€™t be used: https://www.pololu.com/docs/0J24/3

Please be aware that Lexan ā€œlooksā€ just like the acrylic that we use. Be
sure you know what material you are using. If in doubt, donā€™t use it!

William has a nifty way to tell the difference; but, it involves flames and
fumesā€¦ Use at your own risk :wink:

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Pelican Case Foam
Anybody cut ABS Plastic
#7

  1. Can dry-erase boards be laser cut (cut only, no engraving)?
    I did not immediately see it on the approved materials to cut.
    I have this marker board from HomeDepot.

  2. Should it reflect the laser if the white side is up?
    Should it be cut upside down, if so?

Cheers.

#8

Yes, and It doesnā€™t matter.

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