Laser Cut Hdpe

The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics.

Laser cut hdpe.

Polyethylene does not readily absorb the energy of a 1 06 micron fiber laser. 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. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics. Another effect is slightly darkened edges as a result of the laser beam.

Like most thermoplastics the heat generated while you are cutting it will cause the plastic to melt and fuse together behind. From my experience hdpe machines beautifully with cnc but when it comes to laser cutting that s another story. Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass. All plastics cut with a smooth clean and burr free edge.

It loves to burn so watch out. Hdpe is a huge mess to cut in anything thicker than about 1mm. Molten plastic on the surface each side of the cut can be a problem particularly if the air assist blows it around. Safe materials the laser can cut or etch.

Hdpe is cut resistant and milky white in color. However due to the relatively low. High density polyethylene hdpe is a versatile fda and usda approved food grade plastic. 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.

Hdpe is similar to candle wax. 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. It melts rather than vaporizing and it tends to hold enough heat that the parts fuse back together after the laser has passed by. In particular acrylic is ideally suited to laser cutting.

Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut with some fraying but not when coated. You could have a hdpe cutting board in your kitchen. I chalked this up as a failure and decided hdpe and lasers are not good friends. 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. The laser can cut or etch. Laser engraving and laser marking of polyethylene are possible using a co 2 laser.