Laser Cut Hdpe Plastic

Laser engraving and laser marking of polyethylene are possible using a co 2 laser.

Laser cut hdpe plastic.

All plastics cut with a smooth clean and burr free edge. Pe foam comes in a variety of thicknesses compressions and colors. Cutting of polyethylene can be performed with a co 2 laser to produce a clean non discolored cut with a slight raised edge near the point of ablation. High density polyethylene hdpe is a versatile fda and usda approved food grade plastic.

Laser cutting of polyethylene. Consider masking tape but unless it sticks to the plastic really well then pull it all off again as loose tape encourages fire. In particular acrylic is ideally suited to laser cutting. Molten plastic on the surface each side of the cut can be a problem particularly if the air assist blows it around.

Hdpe is similar to candle wax. It loves to burn so watch out. Polyethylene does not readily absorb the energy of a 1 06 micron fiber laser. Like most thermoplastics the heat generated while you are cutting it will cause the plastic to melt and fuse together behind the cutting blade.

It can be efficiently cut by laser but it recedes slightly during the cut kerf is relatively wide. You could have a hdpe cutting board in your kitchen. It is used for shrink packaging plastic bags piping bottles large and small containers and toys.