Omtech USB1610c User Manual page 27

Rubber
The various compositions and densities of rubber cause slightly varying engraving depth. Testing various settings on
sample pieces of your specific rubber is highly recommended for best results. When engraving rubber, generally use a
consistent high power setting and create your effects by varying the laser's speed. Microporous rubber materials require
a significantly higher speed than standard rubber. Engraving any kind of rubber produces a considerable amount of dust
and gas. Depending on the amount of work, breathing PPE and/or a full ventilation system may be required to address
the problem.
Stone
When engraving various kinds of stone, generally use moderate power and moderate to fast speed. As with ceramics
and glass, be mindful of the dust created (especially for repetitive industrial applications) and take similar measures to
ensure the safety of users and others in the work area.
Textiles
When engraving textiles like cloth and fleece, generally use low power and fast speed. As with leather, be especially
attentive to the possibility of fire and dust.
Wood
As with rubber, there is a huge variety of woods and testing your specific material is essential to get the best results. In
general, wood with consistent grain and coloring engraves more evenly. Knotted wood produces uneven effects, while
resinous wood produces greater edge contrast. Some soft woods like balsa, cork, and pine engrave well (albeit with low
contrast) at low or moderate power settings and high speed. Others like fir suffer from uneven fibers that usually
produce a poor effect no matter what you do. Hard woods like cherry and oak engrave well at high power settings and
low speed. Manufactured wood products can vary from brand to brand, mostly based on its glue composition and abun-
dance. MDF works well but creates dark edges when cut.
In addition to the risk of fire with any wood product, extra care must be taken with the fumes from the glue used in
plywood and other manufactured woods. Some are too dangerous to work with at all, while others require careful
ventilation and the use of breathing PPE for repetitive industrial applications. Wood toxicity should also be examined,
as the dust from some natural woods including oleander and yew can also cause nausea and cardiac problems in high
enough amounts.
Thickness of Plywood
Description
1/16 in 1/8 in 1/4in 1/2in 3/4in 1in 1.2 in 1.4 in
Speed
40 mm/s 17 mm/s 9 mm/s 8 mm/s 7 mm/s 6 mm/s 4 mm/s 2 mm/s
150W
Power
18% 24% 26% 30% 35% 40% 45% 52%
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