I have a job coming up that requires cutting and engraving PETG 3/8" thick. Never worked with this material before. How does it behave under the laser? Comments? Suggestions?
I have a job coming up that requires cutting and engraving PETG 3/8" thick. Never worked with this material before. How does it behave under the laser? Comments? Suggestions?
Last edited by Sean Bullock; 03-07-2008 at 8:57 PM.
Delta C Dynamics, LLC
Richland, WA
"Associate yourself with men of good quality." - George Washington
Hi Sean,
I wonder what the heck it is.
If I had to guess it would be Poly Pro with talc and glass fillers?
Brian Robison
MetalMarkers
Epilog Mini
Rabbit 1290
Are you sure it's not supposed to be PETG? I just got a sheet of PETG to play with, but I haven't tried it yet. It's supposed to cut nicely and is called "an economical alternative to polycarbonate." I believe it's a type of polyester.
Scott Challoner
30W LaserPro Spirit (Need more power)
30W Wisely Fiber Galvo
Now that would be.....are you ready?
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol Comonomer
Brian Robison
MetalMarkers
Epilog Mini
Rabbit 1290
Of course. Everyone knows that.
Scott Challoner
30W LaserPro Spirit (Need more power)
30W Wisely Fiber Galvo
And it cuts sloppy. Melts easy.
Mike Null
St. Louis Laser, Inc.
Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
Gravograph IS400
Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
Dye Sublimation
CorelDraw X5, X7
I have cut a ton of PETG and it is very sloppy. Smells pretty bad too.
I design, engineer and program all sorts of things.
Oh, and I use Adobe Illustrator with an Epilog Mini.
I've never tried PETG, but I was told by a representative of a company that makes it, that it melts when lasered and is not good product for it. Subsequently, I took his word and never tried working with it.
Last edited by Larry Bratton; 03-07-2008 at 6:18 PM. Reason: grammar
Epilog Legend EXT36-40watt, Corel X4, Canon iPF8000 44" printer,Photoshop CS6, Ioline plotter, Hotronix Swinger Heat Press, Ricoh GX e3300 Sublimation
I too have tried cutting on the laser and found the same results. It cuts quite nice on the waterjet though.
Jack
You are absolutely right. I must have misunderstood the gentleman as I was discussing his project over the phone. PETG it is.
So, here is another question: why would he want to use PETG (keep in mind he is an optical engineer) for a wave guide, ex. edge-lit sign, rather than use acrylic? What properties does PETG have that might create some advantage over acrylic? Or is he just using it because he doesn't know what else to use?
Delta C Dynamics, LLC
Richland, WA
"Associate yourself with men of good quality." - George Washington
If he's an optical engineer he knows how to check the characteristics of materials. It is an FDA approved material for food contact for whatever that's worth.
It is also very much resistant to certain chemicals which was the spec of my customer.
This is Brian's field so I'm sure he can offer documentation.
Mike Null
St. Louis Laser, Inc.
Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
Gravograph IS400
Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
Dye Sublimation
CorelDraw X5, X7
I have cut PETG .062" thick. It will cut but tends to turn a bit whiter at the cut line, in my experience. The edge tended to stay a bit sticky for some reason. There will also be some raising along the edges. For a "light pipe" application acrylic is commonly used and will laser with a glossier edge than will PETG. I don't think you will have good success with trying to engrave it. You can make a mark but it won't have a good appearance.
Although it may not be a common name lots of soda bottles are made from this material.
I cut lots of PETG. It is a dirty material, and your laser will need frequent cleaning to catch all the white dust that settles. Plus, you need a good ventilation system as the smell can get around a bit more than acrylic odors. Edge quality can be very nice, but it is also very sensitive to flashback and air assist.
I would not expect much from the engraving, but it is worth a try.
It is a very tough material, but it also scratches easily.
Epilog 24TT(somewhere between 35-45 watts), CorelX4, Photograv(the old one, it works!), HotStamping, Pantograph, Vulcanizer, PolymerPlatemaker, Sandblasting Cabinet, and a 30 year collection of Assorted 'Junque'
Every time you make a typo, the errorists win
I Have to think outside the box.. I don't fit in it anymore
Experience is a wonderful thing.
It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Every silver lining has a cloud around it
Can you suggest a setting for the cutting? working with 3/8" thk material.
I will be engraving, but only to about .004". He wants a frosted effect for the engraving much like one might get with acrylic, so I figure I will go about 80% black on the graghic. How does that sound?
Delta C Dynamics, LLC
Richland, WA
"Associate yourself with men of good quality." - George Washington