Difference between revisions of "Laser cutter/Materials"

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(Removed old laser info and added anodised aluminium to materials)
(Updated DO NOT CUT info)
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=DO NOT CUT=
 
=DO NOT CUT=
  
Vinyl, PVC - Contains chlorine, which generates glass and metal damaging acid fumes when burned!
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* Vinyl, PVC - Contains chlorine, which generates glass and metal damaging acid fumes when burned!
  
Polycarbonate - clear polycarbonate looks looks just like acrylic!
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* Polycarbonate - clear polycarbonate looks just like acrylic!
  
Anything that produces fumes (eg; glued wood, many types of plastic).
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* Anything that produces fumes, e.g. glued woods (except laser-safe MDF/ply), many types of plastic.
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* Anything you're not sure about. Check the websites [http://www.cutlasercut.com/laser-cutting-materials-laser-engraving-materials here] and [http://www.atxhackerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Cutter_Materials here], email [mailto:laser@nottinghack.org.uk] for advice or ask on the [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/nottinghack Google group].
  
 
=Wood=
 
=Wood=

Revision as of 14:13, 4 August 2015

Introduction

This page is a list of materials that can be cut or engraved on the 'NEW' Nottinghack A0 laser cutter from Just Add Sharks, along with information on cutting speeds and power settings. Other useful information is also provided.

You can see a reasonably complete list of what is laser safe here and here.

The values on this page have been tested, but are guidelines. Always stay with the laser when it is running, and use your common sense!

DO NOT CUT

  • Vinyl, PVC - Contains chlorine, which generates glass and metal damaging acid fumes when burned!
  • Polycarbonate - clear polycarbonate looks just like acrylic!
  • Anything that produces fumes, e.g. glued woods (except laser-safe MDF/ply), many types of plastic.

Wood

Greyscale Engrave

Monoscale Engrave

Cutting

Type Power Speed
3mm birch ply 65% 55mm/s
3mm birch ply 65% 55mm/s

Veneer

Paper and Card

Go fast and run test cuts! Then help us by documenting what worked for you.

Plastic

Acrylic/Perspex

Type Power Speed (mm/s)
3mm Acrylic 65% (see whiteboard)
5mm Acrylic 65% (see whiteboard)

Metal

Anodised aluminium

Anodised aluminium can be etched (removing the anodising) at 20% power, 600mm/s. This has not been thoroughly tested, so be prepared to experiment.