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Barbara Buhse
03-08-2007, 3:20 PM
Can I laser engrave plastic jewel cases (for cds)?

does anyone have settings and/or pointers?

Thanks

Barbara

Dave Jones
03-08-2007, 6:59 PM
I believe most jewel cases are made from injection moulded polystyrene.

Nancy Laird
03-09-2007, 1:55 PM
Won't this give off toxic odors and/or smoke?

Nancy

Gary Hair
03-09-2007, 5:22 PM
Here is a link to msds info for various types of polystyrene.

If you are unsure about something you should check the manufacturer, they must have msds info on all of their products. For more generic materials you could just google "msds polystyrene" - this gave me hundreds of pages to look at.

Dave Jones
03-09-2007, 6:33 PM
All plastic and acrylic gives off toxic fumes. Polystyrene does not contain PVC, so it's safe for the laser. As long as you have a proper laser exhaust system then it's as safe for you to engrave as any other plastic.

On the other hand, the general concensus is that polystyrene does not engrave well.

Barbara Buhse
03-11-2007, 1:37 PM
ok, well I'm about to try it, so I'll let everyone know how it turns out. I have someone who wants an order of forty, so I guess its worth a little experimentation. (I do have a good exhaust system)

Bill Cunningham
03-11-2007, 8:46 PM
I 'melted' a logo into one once.. They don't really 'engrave'.. At least not the ones I had.. The logo was melted in, and a lot of warping was also the result!! Pad printing would be the best way..