Hi everyone. I’m testing out engraving Acrylic and ABS plastic and have to set speed to 200 and power to 70, with 6 passes. It cut through 6mm thick Acrylic alright, but at 200 mm/min seem to be very slow. Will be happy to see recommendations. Thank you.
The general gist of the internet suggests that using a laser on ABS plastic generates cyanide gas. I suspect that makes it something to avoid. Also the references state that ABS cuts/engraves poorly, melting rather than cutting.
Your profile indicates that you have a diode laser. Diode lasers cut and engrave acrylic very poorly and require dark material. That you can accomplish a cut at all bodes well, but may be the best you’ll get. Clear acrylic will not cut at all and may not even mark in normal circumstances.
Thank you Fred. The name Cyanide Gas makes you think twice to use diode laser to cut Acrylic. One thing was when I was doing it I did turn on Air Assist compressor which is 45 watts plus the Diode Module itself have a built in Air Assist. The cutting came out quite well. Would these be safe enough or I should forget about it.? Thank you
It’s a difficult question for me to answer. I’m not sure why I didn’t research one project I had, many years ago, but I 3D printed some trim rings for a kaleidoscope and engraved the maker’s name on the ring. They were ABS and the engraving completed in an acceptable manner, although far from crisp.
I don’t recall having any health problems associated with this project, nor any laser problems, but in good faith, I can’t recommend doing it.
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