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Laser cut plastic and engraving

What is plastic?

A polymer complex known as plastic is created by adding or condensing monomers as starting components. Resin, which makes up between 40% and 100% of the entire weight of plastic, is the primary component. Some plastics, like organic glass, are primarily made of synthetic resins with no or little additions.

 

Plastic is one of the most frequently used materials worldwide. And it is also one of the materials utilized most frequently in laser applications. laser cutters are more accurate and effective than conventional Laser cut plastic processing equipment for the majority of plastics. laser engravers can give you a good solution, whether carving or cutting.

What plastics can be laser cut ?

The number of plastics available now is limitless thanks to the mixing of plastic and other composite production techniques. However, many people are unaware that while laser engraving machines can treat the majority of laser plastics, not all plastics are ideal for laser . For instance, laser  PVC  is not recommended because it can release harmful fumes that harm the machine’s interior. When selecting plastic that can be treated, exercise caution.

 

The two most common laser cutting plastic for laser processing are ABS and acrylic because they are both somewhat heat-resistant and stable. Two further articles introduce these two materials in detail as well as how they are used in laser processing. 

 

Additionally, there are other plastics that may be processed with a laser, including POM, PET, and another laser engravable plastic. These websites, including Jds Plastics, sell laser-carved plastics.The sculptures made of plastic will undoubtedly look fantastic in the future.

laser plastic-PET

PET (polyester film), is also referred to as biological glass. It is a laser-cutting thin plastic sheet that most people come into touch with on a daily basis. people frequently laser cutting pet plastic because of its high hardness.
plastic laser cut PET

laser plastic-POM

Due to its extremely stable characteristics, which nevertheless maintain strong creep resistance and geometric stability. Much more is its impact resistance even at low temperatures, POM delrin is very ideal for laser processing.

plastic laser pom

How to choose a plastic laser engraver ?

Many laser creator don’t know how to choose a good laser machine. Of course there are several judgement points. The strength and speed of laser machines are the two factors. And that most concern laser manufacturers in order to ensure that the carved and cut plastic goods are valued. Much more it can minimize your learning time and material waste in laser processing.

 

 

The second crucial factor is that the laser creations processed by the laser engraver be clear and free of imperfections, with high precision and neat and clean edges. The machine’s processing panel’s level, user-friendliness, and safety are other factors to consider.

 

 

Here, let me tell you how to pick a good laser machine using thunder nova 24 as an example.

First, make sure the co2 machine is level

If the work surface is not level, laser etching plastic will have varied depths on the same plane. Obviously, that is not the desired effect and has a significant impact on processing.

 

 

If you want to check the levelness of the laser system, you can lay a level gauge flat on the Nova 24’s x/y axis. The x- and y-axes of the Nova 24’s built-in control panel can also be used to move the laser head to each of the four corners of the work area.

 

 

You may immediately identify it by determining whether the distance between the laser head and the honeycomb board is constant. Nova 24 is often horizontal. If there is a minor variation, you can also raise or lower the laser engraver machine’s foot until it is at the correct height.

Check the laser's output quality next

as only lasers with consistent, high-quality output can generate results that are accurate to laser-cutting design drawings.

 

For quick detection needs, the Nova24 control panel has a click-and-light feature. Multiple points about plastic testing materials can be made using this feature. A good laser beam is one that laser printing on plastic some stable, high-quality laser points in which the depth of the point is not changed.

Making a straightforward custom laser engraving plastic test.

By utilizing the light burn svg import software and the proper carving and cutting parameters, make a straightforward plastic test piece. The production time and design complexity are correlated, with the 10mm x 10mm laser work Nova24 typically taking just over ten or even a few minutes. 

 

it is good  that the unique dual air-assist technology works  with the exhaust fan and air pump during the manufacturing process. Because they can help to quickly remove smoke and impurities produced during the laser cutting plastic manufacturing process.  not only But also they can help to thoroughly carve or cut. 

 

Nova 24 generates little to no contaminants and makes a tiny quantity of plastic goods that just need simple wiping or cleaning. But the most general machines on the market that leave a big amount of impurities and colors that are challenging to remove. 

 

After cleaning, it is a qualified task to examine the plastic engrave for clarity and cleanliness and the neatness or smoothness of the cutting edges.

The most crucial step is always to confirm the laser machining's safety.

The first laser device to receive a worldwide CE safety laser 1 class certification  is the Nova 24. The device has a water cooler, a warning light, an emergency stop manual button, and a 5-fold safety laser cover to avoid overheating. You can use it with confidence to protect your safety when working with lasers.

Additionally, laser focus in one direction can be difficult without the proper tools.

The autofocus feature and laser focus features on the Nova 24 can also be used to cut down on focus time and significantly increase learning and processing effectiveness.

How to laser cut plastic ?

The website’s video menu, which includes movies of many documents and works, is accessible.

 

Additionally, you may follow the Thunder Laser channel on YouTube, where the most recent machine videos and videos made by our clients are constantly posted.

 

You can also apply to join our Facebook group named “Thunder laser fans page, laser cutter”.  The top laser making masters are always accessible to answer your  questions about laser plastic on our facebook group.

How can I make embossed vs engraved mold out of Delrin and leather by laser engraving machine?

Before cutting leather, wrap it on both sides with textured paper, and then use a scraper to remove any air bubbles. By covering the leather’s surface, you can stop the heat from the laser cut from damaging it and producing leather staining. Use a vacuum platform when cutting leather. Making your own vacuum platform is preferable, making sure to give room for material arrangement.

 

Remove the protective film after finishing the leather cutting to obtain flawlessly clean-cut leather.

 

To protect the POM board from heat damage, the masking paper should be applied over the laser etch surface of the POM board. Bubbles should then be removed with a scraper. Place the board on a vacuum platform you manufactured yourself. We can carve the POM board in two steps in order to prevent melting or distortion brought on by an excessive amount of heat accumulation. Cleanse with a brush in fresh water after carving.

 

Finally, to get the ideal completed laser cut project, put the leather and embossing mold in the press together with the leather underneath and the mold above. To manufacture leather goods with various designs and obtain concave or convex leather textures, you can modify the image file.

laser plastic delrin key
laser leather board

Tips on laser cutting plastic in thunder laser machine

How can heat impacts when laser cutting plastic massive patterns be avoided?

The vertical and horizontal lines caused by the thermal impact will be replaced very smoothly if we change the work from black to 60% or 70% gray. The impact of the half-tone background will look great.

How do I cut plastic if the edges are sticky in co2 laser engraver?

Stickiness can be produced by cutting individual plastics, such as by carving plastic edges, and it can last for 48 hours. Therefore, we must handle the sticky problem. 


To remedy this problem, we can use a cloth, or we can clean using a reliable organic solvent like n-hexane. However, we must take care to safeguard ourselves by donning gloves and working in well-ventilated areas. Alcohol and cleaning solutions containing alcohol are prohibited because they could cause some plastic objects to crack.

How to laser cut plastic if the board warps?

A board may be bent or some plastics may be relatively thin and prone to not adhering to the workbench. In this situation, we can push the board with air pressure and a vacuum platform. If there isn’t a vacuum platform, a basic vacuum platform can be made out of other materials. You can pushed it into the workbench to laser produces more exquisite and attractive work.

How should laser engraved plastic sheets be kept?

Following are some examples of appropriate plates for laser machines and the storage needs for each:

1. How to store POM plastic laser materials

You can store the POM  in a dry location as long as your storage conditions are dry, cool, dark, and vented. The POM also can be stored in a zipped bag and then placed in a dry location.

2. Storage method for PET (polyester film)

The type of laser-engraved plastic will determine how it is stored. In general, plastic should be kept out of direct sunlight and extreme heat while being stored in a dry, cool, and ventilated location. If it’s made of acrylic, you can clean it down with a soft towel, wrap it in a soft cloth, and put it somewhere cool. If it’s polypropylene, you can wash it in water, then dry it. Please be aware that various materials may call for various treatment techniques.

What our customers say about Thunder nova 24


Nova 24 is the smallest laser etching machine among Thunder laser machines. It is very suitable for new laser creators and hobbyists if they do not have the need for large-area processing.


All of Thunder Laser machines, including the thunder laser nova with a maximum power of 130 watts and the Odin Star laser etching machine. Odin have a top speed of 2000 mm/s, share the favorable configuration of Nova 24.


A decent plastic engraving machine should be chosen not only for its great quality but also for the delivery and after-sales support provided by the business.


Thunder Laser  is ten years old standing in the shoes of its customers, emphasizing quality and customer care. We awlays committed to assisting our clients in enhancing the laser experience and growing the industry. 

thunder nova24
We offer market assistance, laser instructional advice, a well-developed, quick supply chain, highly praised after-sales service, and laser engraving and cutting specifications for frequently used materials. assist you with every laser problem-solving.

Call us at 86 181 0304 3363 to speak to one of our professionals, or email us at sales@thunderlaser.com / tech@thunderlaser.com

We stand ready to help you find the system that works for you ! 

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