Vector Cutting Tips
During vector cutting, as compared to laser engraving, the power is increased and
speed decreased considerably. The suggested settings at the bottom of this page
will again vary due to the individual "identity" of each laser engraving machine
as well as the type of cutting, and thickness of material being used The thicker
the material, the slower the cutting and more need for adjustments to keep smoke
residue and melting to a minimum. The LASERTHINS and GOLD COAST .030 series by
IPI are ideal for vector cutting faster and cleaner than any other laser engraving plastics.
Always remove the pre-applied protective masking before vector cutting or engraving.
The masking may melt and trap smoke or adhesive residue under the masking.
For best results when vector cutting, always elevate the plastic 1/8" to 1/4" off
the laser table to allow your exhaust system to properly pull smoke from underneath
the plastic. Focus before starting each new sheet of plastic.
IPI laser materials were developed to allow for vector cutting without protective
transfer tape (vinyl lettering type tape), especially the .030 gauge. However,
again due to the individual "identity" of your machine, the different color pigments,
the type and amount of vector cutting per sheet, and the thickness of the plastic
particularly 1/8" or thicker), the use of transfer tape may be necessary to keep
smoke residue off your sheets. On 1/8" or thicker material you may even want to try
two passes at faster speeds, instead of transfer tape.
If transfer tape is used when vector cutting, apply it to both sides of the plastic
and lightly spray the tape with water before cutting.
Rating the flexibility of vector cutting without transfer tape within the IPI line
of laser materials, it is LASERTHINS, GOLD COAST, LASERABLES and LASERABLES II, in
order of ideal application.
Finally, the LASER SHOP is a tool to get you started on the right track when lasering
plastics. Laser engraving and cutting is on the horizon of a new age of creativity in
design, graphics, detail and ideas. It is not an exact science; but, through
experimentation, imagination and the continued development of laser engraving materials
by Innovative Plastics, your journey should be very exciting.
All IPI Laser Engraving Materials can also be rotary engraved beautifully.
All IPI Laser Engraving Materials by IPI were developed to be laser engraved or laser
cut with only one pass when used with the proper settings of power, speed, dots per inch,
and pulses per inch. Please keep in mind that no two laser machines are identical due
to such variables as power surges, cleaning, maintenance, the optics focus, settings,
and exhaust system.
Suggested Settings - Standard Settings (Standard resolution lens; 25 watt CO2 laser)
|
Gauge |
Power |
Speed |
Dots/Inch |
Pulses/Inch |
Laser Engraver |
All |
25 - 35% |
80 - 100% |
500 - 600 |
500 [0] |
Laser Cutting |
.060, .050 |
60 - 70% |
2.5 - 3.5 [20 - 30%] |
500 - 600 |
250 [2] |
|
.030 |
40 - 50% |
3.5 - 4.5 [20 - 30%] |
500 - 600 |
250 [2] |
[ ] ; Terminology for settings may differ between laser manufacturers.
On new, faster laser machines, the speed setting for laser engraving must be reduced to 70-80%.
|