Al Stewart
03-12-2008, 9:30 PM
I make photo sculptures by printing an image on a dye-sublimation printer (which prints on plastic "paper") I then apply the print to 1/8" acrylic.
I am trying to then cut that print/acrylic piece. No problem cutting, it's just that the plastic photo paper wants to melt right at the cut line which then makes a white defect in the print paper.
I can lower power to about 10% (40 watt system) and cut at about 1% speed to avoid almost all problem, but then it cuts so slowly I can cut it faster with a scroll saw.
I have used the masking tape sold by Laserbits that is usually used to avoid smoke stains and it allows a little faster cuts without defect. I tried the 3M blue painter's masking tape and it seems to solve the problem, but I can't find it in 6 or 8" rolls.
So, I'm asking for either suggestions on how to avoid the problem, or suggestions for a specific tape that removes easily like the 3M tape and is thick enough to do the job.
Thanks for the help!
I am trying to then cut that print/acrylic piece. No problem cutting, it's just that the plastic photo paper wants to melt right at the cut line which then makes a white defect in the print paper.
I can lower power to about 10% (40 watt system) and cut at about 1% speed to avoid almost all problem, but then it cuts so slowly I can cut it faster with a scroll saw.
I have used the masking tape sold by Laserbits that is usually used to avoid smoke stains and it allows a little faster cuts without defect. I tried the 3M blue painter's masking tape and it seems to solve the problem, but I can't find it in 6 or 8" rolls.
So, I'm asking for either suggestions on how to avoid the problem, or suggestions for a specific tape that removes easily like the 3M tape and is thick enough to do the job.
Thanks for the help!