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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Ruskie on Sat, 12 January 2019, 21:35:26

Title: Laser Cutting Polycarbonate?
Post by: Ruskie on Sat, 12 January 2019, 21:35:26

Has anyone had experience with cutting Lexan on a laser cutter? I would like to begin prototyping with better materials, as acrylic has proved to be quite fragile. Does Lexan polycarbonate emit any fumes when cut? Thanks everyone for your time!

Title: Re: Laser Cutting Polycarbonate?
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 12 January 2019, 21:38:44

You might want to review this:

http://atxhackerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Cutter_Materials

If you cut polycarbonate with a laser, you risk damage to your laser, as well as a very inefficient cut... possibly a fire as well.

Title: Re: Laser Cutting Polycarbonate?
Post by: Leslieann on Sun, 13 January 2019, 00:36:41

Polycarbonate and Lexan are BAAAD for a laser. Lots of smoke and possible fire (smoke will fog the mirrors causing the laser to break them). I've seen these damage more than one laser.
Also, despite what the above link says, do burn or melt Teflon/PTFE. Ever. Seriously bad stuff.

Plexigalss is okay, but try Delrin/POM/Acetal (all quite similar).
Beware, black will cut but it will require quite a bit of power and/or multiple passes but the results are good.

And if you don't have one, install a vent to outside regardless of what you are cutting.