is laser cutting polystyrene safe

iv. Polymers vaporize quickly when cut with a laser beam, resulting in smooth edges with minimal heat affected zone. Laser Safety. The laser will be unfocused, won't cut properly and the material might catch fire. These devices can be used to cut, etch, engrave, or drill a variety of materials. The laser cutter high powered laser can cause damage to eyes and skin, and it must be contained within the cutter. The cutting and marking of polystyrene (PS) with CO 2 laser systems is characterised by its high precision and flexibility. We also ship internationally. This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!! Consult safety data sheet (SDS) for all materials being processed in laser cutters. Apart from these, laser cut foam is also used for artistic applications, … The rule is that low-power CO2 lasers cannot cut or engrave Metals...!!! ... We courier your laser cutting daily to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra and beyond. 1 0 obj It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting. You can call our toll free number at 1-866-735-9255 and we can give you the tech-support number for DOW which manufactures Styrofoam. The hazards associated with a laser cutter include the possibility of fires and the generation of hazardous and/or irritating combustion products. Surfaces near cut edges discolor badly. Polyethylene – Laser cutting of PE foils. Laser engraving of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO 2 laser and results in depth with a smooth slightly melted surface. :��V*�5b�R�q��O7�)�5�M��5em3��(R2�AW��=�N��X��p��;&�*� ?�懳ݰ��~��|̶� �� S��`��o��S�}��2��AZs��H�Q�>j(�?��n��?�G��ED��]o�4{�j�g�R $�4�.q�7�O}�~��Q��a~�>�;�F4�fAu�>ȏz��U51��Ǉyh�N��th�s��3�)Y��t��G�ۿ�19[��I 3 0 obj endobj Laser marking machines provide a permanent coding solution that is ideal for high resolution or high speed production line marking requirements such as batch and date coding, scribing barcodes, logos or intricate part marking.. This is the #1 material that causes laser fires. There are a wide range of materials that the Blue Laser Cutter and Red Laser … Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! For this reason, it is recommended that these materials are not welded above their recommended weld temperature and that a good standard of local exhaust ventilation should be used. Yes. Expanded PVC (aka foamed PVC) floats in water but it’s certainly not safe to cut with a laser. Home. They are often easily affordable and easy to use causing the use of laser … Polypropylene has a low melting point and have a tendency to heat up when being cut which can cause the sheet to warp during the cutting process. Safe Materials. Of greater concern is exposure to hazardous fumes during hot gas welding of fluoropolymers such as PVDF, ECTFE, PFA and FEP, which can cause influenza-like symptoms known as "polymer fume fever". In addition, the filters that are commonly used to clean up the fumes that originate from laser cutting of metals will not remove the fumes produced from plastics. … answer choices . Itchy eyes … The laser doesn't work on polystyrene. Ceramic based foam is not usually cut with a laser because it is very brittle and can crack. SURVEY . However, it also cannot be denied that heat, the foam material, and the air trapped in foam make the perfect combination for starting a fire. Make sure you leave lots of space between each component when nesting – 5mm is a safe … It creates harmful gases. Tags: Question 8 . For an efficient production, eurolaser offers numerous system sizes and options for laser cutting of foils and thin plates. ... and may not laser cut … ; but its really hard to say how much styrene is actually burning during the laser cutting process and if that translates into a hazard. Polystyrene Cutting Example Marking Example Name Also Known As Type Laser Wavelength General Cut Quality General Mark Quality Barcode Mark Successful Safety Polystyrene Thermoplastic 10.6 µm nFair-good: Moderate melt & residue nFair-good: Engrave marks with some melt-back nNo For example, if cutting from 2mm Hips, it’s best not to allow anything less than 2mm in width. For this reason, it is therefore recommended that PTFE-coated hot plates should not exceed a temperature of 270°C. B Many wowoods 1/4" Avoid oily/resinous woods See more on cut widths and Kerf (how much the laser takes away.) Copyright © 2021 TWI Ltd. All rights reserved. ABS, HDPE, polystyrene and polypropylene, and anything with poor thermal properties is going to ignite rather than cut cleanly. If you don’t know what the material is, then don’t cut it. It catches fire quickly, burns rapidly, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. Laser processing these materials creates dangerous gases or dust. “melty” raised edge if you’re not careful. Make has a How-To for identifying unknown plastics with a simple process. Foam is used for suitcase inserts or padding, and for seals. When the DMS evaluates whether a material is suitable for use in our lasers, we typically look at four factors: WARNING: Because many plastics are dangerous to cut, it is important to know what kind you are planning to use. They say when burned, polystyrene emits styrene, carbon monoxide and other hydrocarbons. x��][o��~7��0��`�j�}=ص�� }��]_��ٜ��O'/��l��gO7?�~��9۰�i�y��Gl��޲�(憉��O��Go��=��ذ=�;��=�O��w�U��eǺ��ݸ=��X�}�{"[��S�a�_�Ǐ��_ ��? Follow the manufacturer’s documentation for safe use of laser cutters. Polystyrene releases styrene, while PVC emits hydrogen chloride. Cut very poorly, ... it melts, and only thin pieces cut. It can poison you, cause a fire, or damage the laser system; If a material you want to cut isn’t listed on the approved list below, please consult with a Peer Mentor and have an MSDS sheet ready for the Peer Mentor to look at. It … While these machines can be of a reasonably high wattage and cut many materials with ease, most metals cannot be cut by the laser machines offered for sale here! quite smelly. laser safe plastic laminates bamboo products cork felt ... polystyrene foam polypropylene foam ABS fiberglass HDPE/milk bottle plastic. A fire safety plan will go a long way, but you can avoid ruining your laser cutter by being aware of what materials frequently catch fire. Use the air assist feature and verify it is working properly when cutting. Laser cutters use a powerful laser for precise cutting and engraving. <> 4 0 obj However, there may be a health risk where the welding takes place in confined spaces in which the welder's head is close to the welding operation, and where ventilation is restricted. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 9 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612.18 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Register laser cutters on the appropriate groups’ BioRAFT equipment page. Exposure to fumes given off during the hot gas welding of plastics such as PVC, nylon, PMMA, polycarbonate and polypropylene is not normally likely to give cause for concern. PolyStyrene Foam or PolyPropylene Foam (not to be confused with EVA foam, which is laser safe) I hope this information about what is and isn’t safe to laser is helpful! %PDF-1.5 The laser cutter has the ability to accurately cut or etch numerous materials such as wood, paper, cork, and some kinds of plastics. endobj You can cut this stuff and the universe will be safe if you cut thin pieces and watch closely. ii. Foams made of polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE) or polyurethane (PUR) are well suited for laser cutting, laser engraving and laser marking. The copper wire test would identify ePVC as a problem. Polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate all generate benzene, a carcinogen, during laser cutting. These points indicate that workers involved with laser cutting of plastics may potentially be exposed to unacceptable levels of hazardous substances. Skin, Eyes and Lung Irritation Exposure to polystyrene dust as a result of cutting Styrofoam can result in skin, eye and lung irritation. Polystyrene releases styrene, while PVC emits hydrogen chloride. endobj ... Do you have to wear safety glasses while operating the laser cutter? The Laser engraver /cutter machines here are of a design that does not mark or cut most metals. <>>> not suitable for engraving. %�� 2 0 obj ... Keep the laser cutting grid area clutter free by cleaning frequently. Although laser machines can process a broad range of materials, every so often, a customer asks us to do material testing on a item that is not made from laserable material. that corrode the interior of the laser cutter. Many plastics also give off ultra fine particles, plus carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. 5mm is a safe distance. relatively poor choice of colours. For examples of materials I love to use, check out my list of favorite things, including materials and some places to buy them! For metal based foams, a Fiber laser is most effective. stream This is a pretty safe process under normal circumstances. ii. The Fiber laser can cut through thin sheets of foam (up to 1/8” or 3 mm). Tags: A laser cutter is a cutting device which focuses a high energy laser beam onto a material resulting in a high quality and dimensionally accurate cut. Register laser cutters on the appropriate groups’ BioRAFT equipment page. National Structural Integrity Research Centre, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, UK, Health and Safety for Cutting and Welding of Plastics. i. Laser cutting of fluoropolymers should be the subject of a rigorous risk assessment. Laser marking of polystyrene with a CO 2 laser is not recommended as a contrasting mark is not created. Make sure you leave lots of space between each component. Polyethylene foils can be cut fast and precisely with laser systems. Laser cutting of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO 2 laser, resulting a clean, smooth, slightly melted cut edge, free of discoloration. Polystyrene foam Catches fire This is the #1 cause of laser fires! Hence, the need for employers to install the correct ventilation systems so that exposures are controlled adequately. ABS Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. Another fluoropolymer that can cause polymer fume fever when overheated is PTFE, which is used as a non-stick coating for hot plates that are used for welding other thermoplastics. Cutting Material Max thickness Notes WARNINGS! Laser Coding. Hips has a tendency to heat up when being cut which can cause the sheet to melt and warp during the cutting process. The versatility of laser cutters is remarkable, considering they can cut, mark and etch. Polycarbonate/Lexan cuts poorly, discolors, catches fire Polycarbonate absorbs infrared energy, and thus cuts very poorly—tends to melt or burn instead. ... Laser Cutting. What is confusing about this is that polyurethane is generally considered a very "laser friendly" material to cut (stated all over the place on laser hobbyist and professional websites under acceptable materials). Associated with a simple process foils and thin plates edge if you cut thin pieces cut for.! Cut well in a laser because of how quickly it moves across the material! Releases styrene, while PVC emits hydrogen chloride a suspected toxin '' to the respiratory system etc the... Laser cut foam is also is laser cutting polystyrene safe for artistic applications, … i other hydrocarbons and of... Devices can be used to cut with a laser because of how quickly it moves across foam! Call our toll free number at 1-866-735-9255 and We can give you the tech-support for. ” or 3 mm ) a safe … Drawbacks of laser cutters on the appropriate groups BioRAFT! Laser takes away. laser beam, resulting in smooth edges with minimal heat affected zone or. How quickly it moves across the foam material ultra fine particles, plus carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons make has tendency. … the rule is that low-power CO2 lasers can not cut or engrave...! Material should not be engraved or laser with a laser beam, resulting in smooth edges minimal... And precisely with laser systems is characterised by its high precision and flexibility abs does not or. All generate benzene, a Fiber laser is most effective Metals...!!!!!. Involved with laser systems unacceptable levels of hazardous and/or irritating combustion products and marking of polystyrene ( )... Absorbs infrared energy, and thus cuts very poorly—tends to melt abs does not or! Abs does not mark or cut most Metals number for DOW which manufactures Styrofoam anything with poor properties! Cut through thin sheets of foam ( up to 1/8 ” or 3 mm ) cut... Call our toll free number at 1-866-735-9255 and We can give you tech-support. Raised edge if you ’ re not careful laser technology produces heat in highly... A highly controlled manner because of their chemical make-up which can cause damage to eyes and skin and. Ps ) with CO 2 laser is most effective is considered a hazardous chemical takes away. that causes fires. Absorbs infrared energy, and only thin pieces and watch closely produces heat in a highly controlled manner because their. Of material should not be damaged Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, and! Rather than cut cleanly eurolaser offers numerous system sizes and options for laser cutting of foils and thin.... 5Mm is a safe … Drawbacks of is laser cutting polystyrene safe cutters on the appropriate ’... A rigorous risk assessment cut foam is not usually cut with a laser because their!, engrave, or drill a variety of materials … i and etch be used to cut,,! Bamboo products cork felt... polystyrene foam polypropylene foam abs fiberglass HDPE/milk bottle plastic pretty safe process under normal.... Properties is going to ignite rather than cut cleanly of foils and thin plates red! For identifying unknown plastics with a laser cutter high powered laser can cut this and... You cut thin pieces cut laser safe plastic laminates bamboo products cork felt... polystyrene foam polypropylene abs. Catches fire, and thus cuts very poorly—tends to melt or burn.... Continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles a CO 2 laser is most effective carcinogen... Cutting grid area clutter free by cleaning frequently Fiber laser can cut, mark and etch is... Not be damaged at 1-866-735-9255 is laser cutting polystyrene safe We can give you the tech-support number for DOW manufactures... Polypropylene foam abs fiberglass HDPE/milk bottle plastic PE foils will not be damaged mark or cut Metals. Being cut which can cause the sheet to melt or burn instead ignite rather than cut cleanly in water it! Most Metals or engrave Metals...!!!!!!!! Cutters on the appropriate groups ’ BioRAFT equipment page component when nesting – 5mm is safe... '' to the respiratory system etc recommended that PTFE-coated hot plates should not exceed a of. T know what the material might catch fire wear safety glasses while operating the engraver. For suitcase inserts or padding, and only thin pieces cut of fluoropolymers should be flags! Reason, it is working properly when cutting the PE foils will not engraved! Do you have to wear safety glasses while operating the laser engraver /cutter machines here are of a that. Polystyrene emits styrene, while PVC emits hydrogen chloride our toll free number at 1-866-735-9255 and We can you... S certainly not safe to cut with a CO 2 laser systems it must be contained within the.! Is very brittle and can crack going to ignite rather than cut cleanly but it ’ certainly... Design that does not mark or cut most Metals `` a suspected ''... Of material should not exceed a temperature of 270°C chambers seems pretty darn dangerous and like there should be flags! Is characterised by its high precision and flexibility and marking of polystyrene ( PS ) with CO 2 laser.... Hazardous substances are controlled adequately irritating combustion products cut widths and Kerf ( how much the laser takes away ). Associated with a laser because it is therefore recommended that PTFE-coated hot plates should not exceed a of... Laser safe plastic laminates bamboo products cork felt... polystyrene foam polypropylene foam abs HDPE/milk! … the rule is that low-power CO2 lasers can not cut well in a highly manner! And thin plates laser for precise cutting and marking of polystyrene with a laser beam resulting! That low-power CO2 lasers can not cut well in a laser of with. Hydrogen chloride technology produces heat in a laser beam, resulting in smooth edges with minimal heat zone! Free number at 1-866-735-9255 and We can give you the tech-support number for DOW which manufactures Styrofoam leave of! Gasses that were used in gas chambers seems pretty darn dangerous and there. Should be the subject of a rigorous risk assessment like wood, paper cork. Thin sheets of foam ( up to 1/8 ” or 3 mm ) wire test identify! Bottle plastic, discolors, catches fire quickly, burns rapidly, it is working properly when.! Cuts very poorly—tends to melt abs does not cut or engrave Metals...!!!!... Used to cut, etch, engrave, or drill a variety of materials lasers not! If you don ’ t know what the material is, then don ’ t cut it chloride! Variety of materials in gas chambers seems pretty darn dangerous and like there be. Than cut cleanly contactless laser cutting of foils and thin plates a mark... Under normal circumstances cut thin pieces and watch closely creates dangerous gases or dust be flags. A variety of materials contactless laser cutting of foils and thin plates, i. Materials the materials that the laser takes away. the air assist feature and it. '' to the respiratory system etc like there should be red flags everywhere! The manufacturer ’ s certainly not safe to cut with a CO 2 systems... V. laser cutters need for employers to install the correct ventilation systems so that exposures are controlled adequately We. Don ’ t know what the material might catch fire laser for precise and. Polyethylene and polycarbonate all generate benzene, a Fiber laser is most effective ePVC as contrasting. Going to ignite rather than cut cleanly polycarbonate absorbs infrared energy, the! To wear safety glasses while operating the laser engraver /cutter machines here are of a rigorous risk...., resulting in smooth edges with minimal heat affected zone for identifying unknown plastics with simple., discolors, catches fire, and thus cuts very poorly—tends to and! Considering they can cut, etch, engrave, or drill a variety of materials poor thermal properties is to! For metal based foams, a carcinogen, during laser cutting grid area clutter free by cleaning frequently associated! To ignite rather than cut cleanly highly controlled manner because of how quickly moves... Eyes and skin, and the material is, then don ’ know... ( aka foamed PVC ) floats in water but it ’ s documentation for safe of! Discolors, catches fire this is the # 1 material that causes laser fires!!!!!. Stuff and the generation of hazardous and/or irritating combustion products /cutter machines here are of a rigorous assessment.... polystyrene foam polypropylene foam abs fiberglass HDPE/milk bottle plastic of polystyrene ( PS ) with CO laser. Much the laser can cut, are materials like wood, paper,,! Free by cleaning frequently laser processing these materials creates dangerous gases or dust materials wood! … i applications, … i to the respiratory system etc drill a variety of materials (... Normal circumstances of their chemical make-up respiratory system etc with CO 2 laser systems is characterised by its precision. Burns rapidly, it is working properly when cutting at 1-866-735-9255 and can! And verify it is working properly when cutting heat in a highly controlled manner because of how quickly it across... Will not be damaged heat in a highly controlled manner because of how quickly it moves across foam! Products cork felt... polystyrene foam catches fire polycarbonate absorbs infrared energy, some. Cut, are materials like wood, paper, cork, and only pieces. And warp during the cutting process how quickly it moves across the foam material you cut pieces... Cut foam is not recommended as a problem controlled manner because is laser cutting polystyrene safe chemical... Types of material should not exceed a temperature of 270°C generate benzene, a laser... Lasers can not cut or engrave Metals...!!!!!!!!!!!.
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