Troubleshooting guide

Sample Materials 7-19
PLASTIC - ENGRAVERS MICROSURFACED
RASTER ENGRAVING
LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED PPI PASS DEPTH
15 70 80 500 1 .003”
20 50 80 500 1 .003”
25 40 80 500 1 .003”
30 35 80 500 1 .003”
VECTOR CUTTING
LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED PPI PASS DEPTH
15 100 1.2 150 1 .060”
20 75 1.2 150 1 .060”
25 60 1.2 150 1 .060”
30 50 1.2 150 1 .060”
COMMENTS
Laser engraveable plastic comes in many different colors, thickness, coatings, and surface
textures. Most engravers plastic will engrave and cut well with the laser system as long as it is
microsurfaced and formulated for laser engraving. Removal of large amounts of material will
warp the plastic. You might need to tape it down or hold it down flat somehow to prevent it from
curling as you engrave. Since these plastics have low melting point, a low PPI setting is used
when cutting to reduce the possibility of melting. Masking and dampening with water also helps
to reduce melting and keeps the plastic clear of smoke residue. Always remove the original
clear masking from the plastic because it does not react well with the laser. Since there are so
many types of engravers plastics, the only true way to find out if a particular brand and type will
work well with the laser is to experiment. Use these power settings as a guideline for
experimentation and adjust as necessary. Thicker top coated plastics are not recommended
because it requires too much power to remove the material and the large amount of smoke
created usually stains the substrate.
WARNING: LASER ENGRAVING OR CUTTING PLASTIC CAN IGNITE
THE MATERIAL. Never leave the laser system running unattended for
any reason.