Laser Cut Hdpe

Polyethylene does not readily absorb the energy of a 1 06 micron fiber laser.

Laser cut hdpe. Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass. However due to the relatively low. Cutting of polyethylene can be performed with a co 2 laser to produce a clean non discolored cut with a slight raised edge near the point of ablation. As the focussed laser beam slices through the plastic the edge re solidifies immediately after being vaporised and often a glassy edge is the final result.

Laser engraving and laser marking of polyethylene are possible using a co 2 laser. Hdpe is cut resistant and milky white in color. All plastics cut with a smooth clean and burr free edge. The laser can cut or etch.

Hdpe is a huge mess to cut in anything thicker than about 1mm. Another effect is slightly darkened edges as a result of the laser beam. It melts rather than vaporizing and it tends to hold enough heat that the parts fuse back together after the laser has passed by. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics.

It loves to burn so watch out. Safe materials the laser can cut or etch. From my experience hdpe machines beautifully with cnc but when it comes to laser cutting that s another story. Laser cutting of polyethylene.

Hdpe melts rather than cuts and i needed a lot of air assist to remove the melt then the final cut looked a bit like it had been cut with a plasma torch. Consider masking tape but unless it sticks to the plastic really well then pull it all off again as loose tape encourages fire. Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass. In particular acrylic is ideally suited to laser cutting.

Pe foam comes in a variety of thicknesses compressions and colors. Like most thermoplastics the heat generated while you are cutting it will cause the plastic to melt and fuse together behind. Hdpe is similar to candle wax. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics.

Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut with some fraying but not when coated. You could have a hdpe cutting board in your kitchen. Molten plastic on the surface each side of the cut can be a problem particularly if the air assist blows it around.