Diode Hobby Laser Etching & Cutting Warning!

[dparton01]

Thank you for this list! I was aware of most of the ones we should not cut, but not why. I appreciate your work!

[keyss22]

Thanks for the heads up!

[Lancewoodworking]

Thank you for the list. After reading everything posted here the two biggest takeaways: 1 DONT CUT PVC! 2 HAVE GOOD VENTALATION! Thanks again for the list.

[Ohiokiwi]

Hello Im new here,
Material with Sticky Glue Backing Coats lens, cracks lens
is it still a problem when you use air assist.
The air essist creates a overpressure in the nozzle i believe

(hope my english is good enough, im from the Netherlands )

It can be a problem on some Diode Laser Etchers because not all lasers use an efficient air assist nozzle around the laser. One particular model, the Ortur LM3's air assist can actually draw smoke and fumes to the lens. I am guessing this can be a problem with other Diode Lasers too.

Your english is good.

I'm less than a noob, my information comes from a lot of reading, watching tool reviews from people I consider "know their stuff" like Rich F. I do not own a laser, yet, but am doing all this research before I buy. My background is 40 years of Automotive Engineering.

[Ohiokiwi]

The stringy smoke ... is it still a problem with lasers that have the air assist? After all, there is a positive air flow blowing anything AWAY from the lens during the entire cutting process.

Joe

Hi Joe, even with air assist, stringy smoke can be a problem. Unless the air is directed down around the laser beam with some sort of small nozzle air, smoke and fumes can be drawn back up around the lens. The Ortur with it's large square light protection lens on bottom of the laser head and the way the air assist nozzle terminates around the laser focusing lens can actually draw these particulates back up to the lens.

I'm less than a noob. I believe my research, reading and viewing videos from reliable sources, and a 40 year background in Automotive Engineering qualifys me to comment. I am yet to purchase a Laser Etcher.

[Ohiokiwi]

burnoutz,

Corian is 1/3 acrylic, so I guess the information regarding acrylic in this thread should be heeded. Not sure what the assorted stone dust will do when burned with a laser.

Shane

[Barr]

Thanks for this very important information, I'm so glad I found you Rich.
This type of info should be in BIG BOLD LETTERS on all diode lasers that are sold.

[ramwood]

I am new to laser cutting and got a diode s9 cutter to making lips for my fishing lures but saw this and wanted to know if it is safe to cut 1/8 inch thick Poly and etch a logo on the material I use this material because it is the most break resistant material that is clear and strong
thank you
Bob

[ramwood]

Is there a material that is strong like poly that doesnt break easily that can be cut up to 1/8" thick
I was looking into getting some Acrylite Resist 65 High Impact Acrylic but wanted to make sure it wouldnt cause problems for my laser
thank you

[ekim]

Newbe, first time here. Very nice forum. Extremely good info for me as a beginner. Thank you very much.