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Thread: airpod cases, laserable?

  1. #1

    airpod cases, laserable?

    Getting several phone calls asking if I can engrave these things (plastic)

    apcase.jpg

    C02, fiber, both, neither? I've had good luck with the fiber on solid color hard plastics, MOST of the time. But no one seems to be willing to eat the risk to let me find out about engraving these
    ========================================
    ELEVEN - rotary cutter tool machines
    FOUR - CO2 lasers
    THREE- make that FOUR now - fiber lasers
    ONE - vinyl cutter
    CASmate, Corel, Gravostyle


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Yorktown, VA
    Posts
    422
    Apple is advertising custom engraving for free, so it must be doable.

    ipods.JPG

    Is that what you are talking about?

  3. #3
    Yup, thanks

    But- Apple may be using a blue or green laser on these, which means I still don't know if my machines will work or not

    Ironically, the gray color on those in the ad, exactly the same color white PVC turns when hit with a fiber... hmmm
    ========================================
    ELEVEN - rotary cutter tool machines
    FOUR - CO2 lasers
    THREE- make that FOUR now - fiber lasers
    ONE - vinyl cutter
    CASmate, Corel, Gravostyle


  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Kev Williams View Post
    .... exactly the same color white PVC turns when hit with a fiber... hmmm
    Nothing quite like lasering a bit of PVC to wake up in the morning
    Licensed Professional Engineer,
    Unlicensed Semi Professional Tinkerer

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Yorktown, VA
    Posts
    422
    If I was going to experiment with one, I would trying and engrave the inside bottom or inside of lid with something like two circles with low power/high speed to see the outcome.

    If you bought an I-phone it should have come with some ear buds in a case that maybe the same material. You could experiment on that. Mine came in a case that appears to be the same material.

    earbuds.JPG

  6. #6
    Lasering PVC can be nasty for sure

    Last iphone I got the wife was an 8 and was only the phone...
    ========================================
    ELEVEN - rotary cutter tool machines
    FOUR - CO2 lasers
    THREE- make that FOUR now - fiber lasers
    ONE - vinyl cutter
    CASmate, Corel, Gravostyle


  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Kev Williams View Post
    Lasering PVC can be nasty for sure

    Last iphone I got the wife was an 8 and was only the phone...
    They are using picosecond laser Rofin Coherent PowerLine Pico 10-532. It is green laser for 80G, and they are upgrading all production lines to femtosecond lasers.
    Kind Regards.

  8. #8
    Kev,
    In one of my facebook groups a guy from Italy posted the below pic and settings, so looks like it's possible. I don't know if it's the genuine case or not (looks to be though)

    30w raycus
    Setting speed 1000 pwr 30 kHz 40
    200x200
    Screenshot 2020-12-22 085624.jpg
    Licensed Professional Engineer,
    Unlicensed Semi Professional Tinkerer

  9. #9
    Almost the same color engraving as black delrin. Maybe they're white delrin-? Interesting-- maybe I can get someone to let me do a 2020 real small in the bottom to test..

    Thanks!
    ========================================
    ELEVEN - rotary cutter tool machines
    FOUR - CO2 lasers
    THREE- make that FOUR now - fiber lasers
    ONE - vinyl cutter
    CASmate, Corel, Gravostyle


  10. #10
    Just did a quick test since I have AirPods and a laser, so why not?
    Done with a 30W Triumph fiber-
    Top is initials done at 1000 speed / 15 power / 40 kHz with a 110mm lens (2 passes)
    Bottom is a Sycamore leaf done at 1000 speed / 20 power / 40 kHz (1 pass)

    The initials show black speckling at 10x magnification but is not readily visible with the naked eye. Nice silver finish.
    The leaf shows obvious speckling and is noticeably darker than the initials.
    Both were cleaned with denatured alcohol to make sure it wasn't just residue.

    Honestly I haven't lasered much plastic, if any yet, so I'm sure someone who is more experienced than me can tell me what I could improve.

    Just thought I'd share!
    airpod.jpg case w leaf.jpg
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Hayley Tague; 01-05-2021 at 3:08 PM.

  11. #11
    The 'speckling' is indicative of polycarbonate. The stuff actually boils and makes crackling noises while engraving, and it does go dark...

    I never did hear back from the guy but good to know, thanks!
    ========================================
    ELEVEN - rotary cutter tool machines
    FOUR - CO2 lasers
    THREE- make that FOUR now - fiber lasers
    ONE - vinyl cutter
    CASmate, Corel, Gravostyle


  12. #12
    Ive been etching airpods and knock offs for over a year. Been a good paying gig. I can check settings tomorrow if i remember.
    FB_IMG_1610354171939.jpg

  13. I'm looking for matching AirPods and phone cases. I want them to coordinate in style and color for a sleek, unified look

  14. #14
    Many brands release complementary sets, so you can have that unified, sleek look across your devices. Another option is to go with a clear case for both your phone and AirPods, so they naturally match, but with a personalized touch like skins or decals.

    You might also want to check out Inaras Cases. They offer a variety of cases with stylish designs, and you can easily find something that matches both your phone and AirPods. Their selection of high-quality, coordinated cases makes it easier to get that cohesive look you're after. You can explore more here: https://inarascases.com/
    Last edited by Doug Rasmussen; 09-12-2024 at 8:08 AM.

  15. #15
    My buddy has a $40,000 uv printer that does a dandy job, but--------
    Mike Null

    St. Louis Laser, Inc.

    Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
    Gravograph IS400
    Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
    Dye Sublimation
    CorelDraw X5, X7

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