1/8" Acrylic Material (IPI / Rowmark)

[Mike Hood]

I'm needing some 1/8" thick laser engraveable material. The Rowmark Ultramatte materials look perfect, but don't indicate they're laser engravable. Has anyone tried these? And do they laser engrave OK?

Also... any recommendations on other 1/8" thick 2 ply materials that I might be able to use?

[Mike Null]

Mike:
That material is not laserable. I suggest you try IPI "the laserables". There's not much of a selection in 1/8" but it lasers well and cuts easily.

Be sure to ask when you order if the material is laserable otherwise you'll waste your time and material.

Johnson Plastics will send you a free catalog with specs for IPI and Rowmark.

[Tony Lenkic]

Mike,

Rowmark has a line "COLOR CAST ACRYLICS" that is what you may check out. For color selection go to:
www.rowmark.com (http://www.rowmark.com)

Also IPI has material suitable for aplication.
Check them out @:
www.inoplas.com (http://www.inoplas.com)

[Joe Pelonio]

I've used the IPI 1/8" and it works fine. The Ultramatte will actually work, it just takes lower speed, more power, and some colors need multiple passes. You have to use transfer tape on it or the color from the subsurface will transfer to the edges of the top as it cuts. Try to avoid using it if you can on a big job, it will take a lot of time and cut into your profit.

[Mike Hood]

Thanks guys. I was just on the verge of ordering the ultramatte, but was afraid I'd have issues.

It reminds me of a few months ago... I had a guy who would give as much 1/4" polycarbonate as I could haul off in 2' x 8' strips. I brought one sheet home and for the life of me I can get a decent cut. Yellow smoke, charring edges... just terrible looking. And... I was SO hoping to be able to get such a bargain... oh well.

I ordered some IPI 1/8" and we'll see how that works out.

Thanks again