The copper wire test would identify ePVC as a problem. A fire safety plan will go a long way, but you can avoid ruining your laser cutter by being aware of what materials frequently catch fire. Polystyrene releases styrene, while PVC emits hydrogen chloride. x��][o��~7��0��`�j�}=ص��
���}���]_��ٜ����O'/���l�����gO7?�~���9۰�i�y����Gl������(憉��O�������Go��=����ذ=�;���=�O����w�U���eǺ��ݸ=��X�}�{"[���S�a�_�Ǐ��_ �������? ii. PolyStyrene Foam or PolyPropylene Foam (not to be confused with EVA foam, which is laser safe) I hope this information about what is and isn’t safe to laser is helpful! The risk of fire is too high. Cutting Material Max thickness Notes WARNINGS! … Drawbacks of laser cutting polystyrene. Polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate all generate benzene, a carcinogen, during laser cutting. Foams made of polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE) or polyurethane (PUR) are well suited for laser cutting, laser engraving and laser marking. iii. A laser cutter is a cutting device which focuses a high energy laser beam onto a material resulting in a high quality and dimensionally accurate cut. This is a pretty safe process under normal circumstances. ... and may not laser cut … It catches fire quickly, burns rapidly, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. 4 0 obj
Safe Materials DANGER! These devices can be used to cut, etch, engrave, or drill a variety of materials. that corrode the interior of the laser cutter. Laser cutting of fluoropolymers should be the subject of a rigorous risk assessment. Tags: Styrene on its own is considered a hazardous chemical. endobj
See more on cut widths and Kerf (how much the laser takes away.) The Laser engraver /cutter machines here are of a design that does not mark or cut most metals. Polyethylene foils can be cut fast and precisely with laser systems. <>
Apart from these, laser cut foam is also used for artistic applications, … Polyethylene – Laser cutting of PE foils. Polypropylene has a low melting point and have a tendency to heat up when being cut which can cause the sheet to warp during the cutting process. ABS Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and events from TWI: Polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate all generate benzene, a carcinogen, during laser cutting. B Many wowoods 1/4" Avoid oily/resinous woods You can cut this stuff and the universe will be safe if you cut thin pieces and watch closely. Skin, Eyes and Lung Irritation Exposure to polystyrene dust as a result of cutting Styrofoam can result in skin, eye and lung irritation. “melty” raised edge if you’re not careful. stream
answer choices . Consult safety data sheet (SDS) for all materials being processed in laser cutters. The laser will be unfocused, won't cut properly and the material might catch fire. i. You can call our toll free number at 1-866-735-9255 and we can give you the tech-support number for DOW which manufactures Styrofoam. Hips has a tendency to heat up when being cut which can cause the sheet to melt and warp during the cutting process. Laser cutters use a powerful laser for precise cutting and engraving. The Fiber laser can cut through thin sheets of foam (up to 1/8” or 3 mm). When the DMS evaluates whether a material is suitable for use in our lasers, we typically look at four factors: WARNING: Because many plastics are dangerous to cut, it is important to know what kind you are planning to use. Polystyrene Cutting Example Marking Example Name Also Known As Type Laser Wavelength General Cut Quality General Mark Quality Barcode Mark Successful Safety Polystyrene Thermoplastic 10.6 µm nFair-good: Moderate melt & residue nFair-good: Engrave marks with some melt-back nNo For examples of materials I love to use, check out my list of favorite things, including materials and some places to buy them! endobj
Laser marking of polystyrene with a CO 2 laser is not recommended as a contrasting mark is not created. They say when burned, polystyrene emits styrene, carbon monoxide and other hydrocarbons. Due to contactless laser cutting, the PE foils will not be damaged. The hazards associated with a laser cutter include the possibility of fires and the generation of hazardous and/or irritating combustion products. Polycarbonate/Lexan cuts poorly, discolors, catches fire Polycarbonate absorbs infrared energy, and thus cuts very poorly—tends to melt or burn instead. %����
For this reason, it is recommended that these materials are not welded above their recommended weld temperature and that a good standard of local exhaust ventilation should be used. SURVEY . not suitable for engraving. quite smelly. National Structural Integrity Research Centre, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, UK, Health and Safety for Cutting and Welding of Plastics. Yes. ۉFx�'���;�鍕�u~@3,�@w�Qn���됎��s�
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