Universal Laser Systems M-360 Safety, Installation, Operation, And Basic Maintenance Manual page 57

RASTER ENGRAVING
LASER WATTAGE
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
VECTOR CUTTING
LASER WATTAGE
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Laser engraveable plastic comes in many different colors, thickness, coatings, and surface textures.
Most engravers plastic will engrave and cut well with the laser system as long as it is microsurfaced and
formulated for laser engraving. Removal of large amounts of material will warp the plastic. You might
need to tape it down or hold it down flat somehow to prevent it from curling as you engrave. Since these
plastics have low melting point, a low PPI setting is used when cutting to reduce the possibility of melting.
Masking and dampening with water also helps to reduce melting and keeps the plastic clear of smoke
residue. Always remove the original clear masking from the plastic because it does not react well with the
laser. Since there are so many types of engravers plastics, the only true way to find out if a particular
brand and type will work well with the laser is to experiment. Use these power settings as a guideline for
experimentation and adjust as necessary. Thicker top coated plastics are not recommended because it
requires too much power to remove the material and the large amount of smoke created usually stains
the substrate.
MATERIAL SETTINGS GUIDE
PLASTIC - ENGRAVERS MICROSURFACED
POWER
29
27
25
23
21
19
17
15
POWER
60
50
43
38
34
30
27
25
COMMENTS
LASER ENGRAVING OR CUTTING PLASTIC CAN IGNITE THE
MATERIAL. Never leave the laser system running unattended for any
reason.
Section 5-19
SPEED PPI
100 500
100 500
100 500
100 500
100 500
100 500
100 500
100 500
SPEED PPI
1.2 150
1.2 150
1.2 150
1.2 150
1.2 150
1.2 150
1.2 150
1.2 150
PASS DEPTH
1 .001"
1 .001"
1 .001"
1 .001"
1 .001"
1 .001"
1 .001"
1 .001"
PASS DEPTH
1 .060"
1 .060"
1 .060"
1 .060"
1 .060"
1 .060"
1 .060"
1 .060"