Random notes on using the site3 laser cutter.
Cutting
Materials settings
- Acryl (transparent)
- 2mm thick, speed 3, power 100, 1 pass
- Acryl (opaque)
- 4.5mm thick, speed 2, power 100, 1 pass
Engraving
- Vector mode: it needs a closed shape (but not filled), export to dxf as usual
- Stamps: choose Grade Engrave
Do not laser
- Polycarbonate (Lexan), tough artificial glass, supposedly possible to laser but not not for large thickness (>1mm) because it absorbs infrared and so the laser beam is highly inefficient. Results in smokey yellow flame, soot, curls of burned plastic. Noxous fumes (although less toxic than the chlorine released by PVC) that can damage the lens. This stuff can maybe be milled instead.
- PVC - emits chlorine gas when burned, very very bad for lasers and humans.
The Boedeker Burn Test can be useful to identify unknown plastics.
Supplies
Resources
