Laser Cut Hdpe

It can be efficiently cut by laser but it recedes slightly during the cut kerf is relatively wide.

Laser cut hdpe.

Laser cutting of polyethylene. However due to the relatively low. Hdpe is a huge mess to cut in anything thicker than about 1mm. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut with some fraying but not when coated.

Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass. Molten plastic on the surface each side of the cut can be a problem particularly if the air assist blows it around. Like most thermoplastics the heat generated while you are cutting it will cause the plastic to melt and fuse together behind. Etching can be done on almost anything wood cardboard aluminum stainless steel plastic marble stone tile and glass.

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. It loves to burn so watch out. 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 similar to candle wax.

Another effect is slightly darkened edges as a result of the laser beam. Consider masking tape but unless it sticks to the plastic really well then pull it all off again as loose tape encourages fire. Laser engraving and laser marking of polyethylene are possible using a co 2 laser. The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood paper cork and some kinds of plastics.

From my experience hdpe machines beautifully with cnc but when it comes to laser cutting that s another story. You could have a hdpe cutting board in your kitchen. The laser can cut or etch. High density polyethylene hdpe is a versatile fda and usda approved food grade plastic.

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. Pe foam comes in a variety of thicknesses compressions and colors. Polyethylene does not readily absorb the energy of a 1 06 micron fiber laser. I chalked this up as a failure and decided hdpe and lasers are not good friends.

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. Safe materials the laser can cut or etch. Hdpe is cut resistant and milky white in color.