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View Full Version : engraving/cutting - laser toner, safety



Steffen Heidemann
03-30-2011, 9:41 AM
Hi,

probably not the most frequent process.. but wondering if anyone has advice whether or not it would be machine-safe to engrave (and cut for that matter) materials, e.g. paper that has been printed upon with a laser printer / toner first. By been printed on i mean solids..

Thanks + Best regards!

Mike Null
03-30-2011, 9:53 AM
I can't think of, nor have I heard of, any reason not to do so. I generally cut first then print and press. I hope my explanation addresses your question.

Richard Rumancik
03-30-2011, 10:14 AM
Toner composition has changed over the years but the typical recipes include some combination of styrenes, polyesters, carbon, iron oxide, waxes, and butadiene-styrene (the BS in ABS). None of these suggest a red flag as far as laser cutting is concerned. But in reality, the volume of material that is actually being cut is so miniscule that I can't imagine that there would be an issue of any sort. As always, I am assuming a proper ventilation system to extract smoke and contamination.

Steffen Heidemann
03-30-2011, 10:24 AM
Thank you for the immediate responses!

Dan Hintz
03-30-2011, 10:29 AM
Some even use printer toner as a color fill, lasering it after dusting it on...

paul mott
03-30-2011, 10:49 AM
Some even use printer toner as a color fill, lasering it after dusting it on...

Hey Dan you forgot to mention "turn off the air assist before lasering" :D

Paul.

Robert Walters
03-30-2011, 11:24 AM
"turn off the air assist before lasering"

Paul,

Where's the fun in that???

Dan Hintz
03-30-2011, 12:28 PM
Hey Dan you forgot to mention "turn off the air assist before lasering" :D

Paul.
Meh, I'm kinda messy :D