Cutting stencils

[Ed]

I am looking to cut plastic stencils but I am concerned about safety. I would like to use a plastic material like " Transparency Film"

I am looking for a source to purchasing safe material that I can cut with my 2.5 w laser

[Zax]

When cutting any plastics you should have adequate ventilation, but in general polyester films are much safer. You can find transparency film that is polyester (sometimes called "laser" or inkjet transparency, although this refers to a laser printer where the laser doesn't actually hit the film but it can withstand the heat process).

The material to avoid is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or it's derivatives.

[Poeli]

I bought "mylar" Airbrush sheets wich are labeled "for cutting with laser". they are not 100% transparent, milky.
Now i´m wondering how to cut these Mylar material...(Don´t worry, i have built an enclosure and a ventilation thrugh my window...) 

I have a 5W Laser, and if i try cutting with 300 speed and full power there is no effect. 

How do you manage to cut this material?



 

[Zax]

Mylar is a trade name, it's Polyester so you'll be OK.

It needs something to absorb the energy, try layering it with a dark sheet of paper.

[Poeli]

Thank you for the good tip.
I managed cutting in the foil.

Any suggestions for eleminating the "melted" edges for much sharper ones?

[Zax]

I would try increasing the feed rate and using a 2nd pass, you should find it provides a cleaner result.

[carolynsdad]

It needs something to absorb the energy, try layering it with a dark sheet of paper.

Just reminded me I must experiement with 3M Spray Mount Repositionable Adhesive on some black paper. It is excellent on displays and leaves hardly a trace on the other surface but gives a tight close interface. Search for 3M50754.

Mike

[Poeli]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will give it a try and make some experiments for better results.
If i find a good working solution i´ll keep you posted.

If someone has experiences with cutting mylar, i´m happy to read his tips.

;-liver

[mrehmus]

The sign underneath it states that it is discontinued. You probably don't need 2.5 watts to cut stencils. I'd go for a smaller unit, maybe the 1.6 because of the smaller kerf.