Laser Cut Hdpe

Laser engraving and laser marking of polyethylene are possible using a co 2 laser.

Laser cut hdpe.

However due to the relatively low. Hdpe is similar to candle wax. It can be efficiently cut by laser but it recedes slightly during the cut kerf is relatively wide. Consider masking tape but unless it sticks to the plastic really well then pull it all off again as loose tape encourages fire.

It melts rather than vaporizing and it tends to hold enough heat that the parts fuse back together after the laser has passed by. Hdpe is a huge mess to cut in anything thicker than about 1mm. You could have a hdpe cutting board in your kitchen. The laser can cut or etch.

Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass. Polyethylene does not readily absorb the energy of a 1 06 micron fiber laser. 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.

From my experience hdpe machines beautifully with cnc but when it comes to laser cutting that s another story. Another effect is slightly darkened edges as a result of the laser beam. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics. Molten plastic on the surface each side of the cut can be a problem particularly if the air assist blows it around.

Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut with some fraying but not when coated. All plastics cut with a smooth clean and burr free edge. Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass. Safe materials the laser can cut or etch.

Like most thermoplastics the heat generated while you are cutting it will cause the plastic to melt and fuse together behind. In particular acrylic is ideally suited to laser cutting. It loves to burn so watch out. Pe foam comes in a variety of thicknesses compressions and colors.

I chalked this up as a failure and decided hdpe and lasers are not good friends. 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. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics.