ABS plastic... safe for lasering??

[dave hensley]

Hi all,

Can I safely cut ABS plastic with my laser? I know certain types are materials are hazardous to cut, but I couldn't find anything about ABS.

Thanks!
Dave

[Larry Bratton]

Have never cut any, but it doesn't contain any PVC. It's a polymer with a low melting point, so don't know how well it would do. I have an idea the edge quality might not be too good.
Check this thread http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?90680-ABS-Plastic

[dave hensley]

Thanks Larry! I tried a search, but did not see that thread. :)

I want to use some 0.30" sheet, so I hope that would cut easier/better than the thicker stuff.

[Larry Bratton]

Thanks Larry! I tried a search, but did not see that thread. :)

I want to use some 0.30" sheet, so I hope that would cut easier/better than the thicker stuff.
Read Rodney Gold's post in that thread. He knows about what he speaks.

[Michael Hunter]

ABS cuts quite well, but does tend to swell up a bit alongside the cut, giving a "lip" along the cut edge.
Protecting the surface from stray heat using masking tape works well for thinner sheets, but you might need to experiment a bit when cutting 0.3" thickness.

[dave hensley]

Good to know! Thanks Michael!!

[Tony Lenkic]

Dave,

I would consider 0.30" to be thick sheet. Could it be 1/32" (0.032") that you need to cut?

[Doug Griffith]

Another thing about cutting ABS... it stinks. Large runs may cause problems. Also, if it's 0.3" and not 0.03" expect to have ugly melted edges.

[dave hensley]

Doh!! Yes, I meant .030".

[Vicki Rivrud]

Not my favorite stuff to cut - it stinks to high heavy - on a hot day it can make you a bit nausues - makes a mess of my rails too
Gotta get out the Krud Kutter to clean it off. I've never masked just but do'nt cut too hot - to prevent the curl!
Happy lazering,
Vicki