Cutting masonite / hardboard

[Jay Selway]

I searched but didn't find much information on this. Is masonite (hardboard) safe to cut (or possible to cut / engrave) with a laser?

[Scott Shepherd]

Jay, someone might disagree with me, but I cut a lot of it for about 2 months a couple years ago. It was the nastiest stuff I have ever cut to date. It made my eyes and nose burn. We fought through the job by trying to get more air into and out of the office, and we had a deadline to meet, but I personally wouldn't cut it again. I don't know what's in it that was so nasty, but it was something.

[Guy Hilliard]

"Real" Masonite has only wood in it, no binders, glue, or other crap. Hardboard can have any number of additives in it.

The Hardboard I cut is labeled Fibrex and I have no issues with it. It cuts and engraves very well.

[David Somers]

Good morning Jay! And Mr Scott!

Here is a link to the MSDS for it. That should give you some additional information.

http://www.johnsonplastics.com/documents/engraving/msds/engraving/jrs-masonite.pdf

Dave