Can i laser cut this material, (data sheet linkes in post)

[Jonas Brand]

Hi

Im a long time lurker, but first time poster.

I recently became the proud owner of a brand new trotec speedy 100 30W :D
I have previously been using an old ULS M300 30W in a Hackerspace.

So I'm going to only cut 3mm acrylic that has been screen printed. But I'm currently searching for a protection foil that I can but on each side of the acrylic. This foil needs to be heavy duty to resist som wear and tear as well as being "clear".

I have found this material http://graphics.averydennison.eu/content/dam/averydennison/graphics/ap/en/Product-Data-Sheets/Screen/PDS-Avery-FC-440-Permanent-PDS-Rev1.pdf

but is it laser safe?

The manufactor has not yet come back to me with an answere.... Has anyone tried to laser cut this?

oh and I'm based in Norway

[Bill George]

Offer to pay for a Sample, and give it a try. I would be cautious of anything reflective in my laser, protective glasses would be one thought.

[Scott Shepherd]

I wouldn't cut it. It's vinyl. There are clear non-PVC laminates out there. I know 3M makes one. 8548G is the 3M product.

[Jonas Brand]

Yeah the vinyl part of the name was what made me suspicious too. But it dos not say anything about what happens with the material when it burns in the data sheet. Should it not say that it will realse vinyl chloride when burned in the data sheets?

thanks for the 3M product name. I'm going to check it out.

I have a small sample of the product. How can I test it with out potentially destroying my new trotec.

[Scott Shepherd]

We use vinyl laminates all the time for digital printing, much like your Avery product, but we use 3M products. I would not put any of them in my laser, with exception to the 8548 laminates.

[Clark Pace]

I wouldn't cut it. It's vinyl. There are clear non-PVC laminates out there. I know 3M makes one. 8548G is the 3M product.

Ditto on the vinyl thing. You could always take your parts and have them clear coated. As text would be important to do first though and make sure tha paint does not craze.

[Jonas Brand]

Thank you for the advice. I will contact 3Ms Norwegian branch to hear if they have some samples.

Do any of you know if they have a similare clear product which is removable? So I can protect the non printed acrylic side while it is in transport or on display.

Im producing game pieces. Some of my product will end up in specialist retail stores.

[Joe Pelonio]

Our local sign supplies sell a clear polyester film that's safe to laser cut. I don't remember if it was Arlon or 3M, but it's a bit thicker and stiffer than vinyl. I have used it to overlaminate digital prints applied to acrylic (puzzles), just apply transfer tape before cutting.

[Rich Harman]

I have a small sample of the product. How can I test it with out potentially destroying my new trotec.

You can test for chlorine using a propane torch (or other flame) and a piece of copper wire, it is called the Beilstein test.

Heat the end of the bare copper wire till it is red hot, touch the hot wire to the plastic so that it collects a small amount on the copper wire. Then bring the end of the wire back into the flame. A green flame indicates the presence of chlorine.

[Gary Hair]

A green flame indicates the presence of chlorine.

Or you just look at the name of the stuff - vinyl - that means it contains vinyl which is a shortened version of polyvinyl chloride, aka pvc. Your suggestion is great for everything else.

[Jonas Brand]

I have found another foile with a data sheets.

What do you think about using this http://www.rtape.com/tech-data-sheets/AT75

It says that it is based on polyethylene