Removing burn residue from etching plastic

[Daniel Cline]

I have a project to etch onto plastic.

What do you suggest to remove the dark residue from plastic?

Rubbing alcohol removes some but there is some stubborn stuff on the edges of the etch.

Acetone works sort of but if your not real careful it removes the etching as well as the plastic :eek:

Any help or hints appreciated.

Daniel

[Joe Pelonio]

What kind of plastic? The laserable laminates like Rowmark and IPI?

I use denatured alcohol, it works better than rubbing.

[Daniel Cline]

Thanks Joe,

I will try the denatured.

It is s biege plastic for an electronic clicker device. I don't know what kind of plastic it is. :confused:

[Joe Pelonio]

Ah, that may be the problem. The normal laserable shouldn't discolor much, but unknown ones will. I hope you made sure it's not PVC!

[Daniel Cline]

How would you know that it is PVC or not?

[Joe Pelonio]

If the customer cannot identify it I will not use it.

You need to see the Material Safety data Sheet (MSDS) to verify that there is no PVC. Some composites will have some in it though it has some other name.

If they are using this part in manufacturing they can get the information from their supplier of the material. If the word "chloride" is in it, it's probably PVC.

PVC will not only corrode your machine and invalidate your warranty, but the toxic gas created that blows out your exhaust can cause death.

[Daniel Cline]

Thanks Joe,

I will get some clarification on the material before proceeding. :eek:

[Daniel Cline]

Hey Joe,

Where do you get denatured alcohol? Hadware store had no clue!

[Scott Shepherd]

It's in the paint department.

[Joe Pelonio]

Yes, paint section of the borgs near thinner etc.