The short answer is yes, you can laser engrave as well as cut certain types of plastic. But before you start laser engraving plastic, you need to understand which type of plastic can be processed. Some plastics are suitable for lasers because they do not harm the laser operator and other people. But unfortunately, some plastics are very dangerous and can lead to cancer and various other serious health issues.

Let’s uncover the types of plastics you can and cannot use with a laser engraver and cutter machine and why.

What Plastics Can Be Laser Cut?

There is a wide variety of plastic that is cut and engraved using a laser machine. You might have seen laser engraving and cutting of acrylic, mylar, polyimide, and various other materials. These are quite suitable for laser machines as they do not emit any kind of hazardous or poisonous gas or particles that can harm your health.

Some of the common plastics you can cut and engrave using a laser cutter and engraver are,

• Acrylic
• Fluoropolymers
• Delrin
• Mylar
• Polyimide
• Polyester
• Polystyrene
• Polyurethane
• Polymethylmethacrylate
• PET

Thus, there are dozens of plastic materials you can process using a laser machine. However, you need to select the right machine for the right material. For instance, blue lasers cannot cut clear and blue acrylics. Therefore, you need to use a CO2 laser machine for that purpose. In some cases, diode lasers could be more suitable, but CO2 lasers are the real winners in plastic cutting and engraving.

Even though these plastics are safe for laser processing, you need to know the right temperature for the job. Heating plastics too much can also be hazardous. For instance, fluoropolymers can cause influenza and similar health issues. Plus, make sure the ventilation is proper and there are complete safety considerations.

What Plastics Cannot Be Laser Cut?

If you want to cut plastic using a laser cutter, you must know which plastics are suitable and which are not. Some plastics can emit harmful fumes and vapors that can damage your health and lead to serious illness. Thus, before you give plastics a try, make sure which kind of plastic it is and whether you can engrave/cut it or not.

PVC is a very common plastic, and it is used in a wide range of essential and daily used products. But you cannot cut it using a laser machine as it produces harmful smoke of hydrochloric acid, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, and dioxin. All these vapors and fumes are corrosive, toxic, and carcinogenic, so your health will be at risk if you process them using your laser machine.

ABS emits cyanide gas (HCN), which is deadly. It does not allow the cells to get oxygen, and it results in the failure of various organs.

Some materials also emit benzene, which is another carcinogen. It is quite harmful to laser operators and other people. Moreover, some plastics, such as Polystyrene, produce styrene, which is a derivative of benzene. It is also considered a carcinogen.

Other than harmful plastics, some plastics are not suitable for laser cutting and engraving. Lasers do not cut them with perfection. Some plastics melt, produce dripping, etc.; therefore, they are not ideal materials for lasers. Such as:

• Carbon Fiber
• Polycarbonate
• HDPE

In conclusion, materials like acrylic, fluoropolymers, Mylar, polyimide, and others pose no health risks if processed correctly with the appropriate machines. However, it is essential to have proper ventilation and follow temperature guidelines to avoid potential harm.

On the other hand, plastics such as PVC, ABS, and polycarbonate should not be cut or engraved with a laser machine, as they emit harmful and toxic fumes. To ensure the well-being of everyone involved and to achieve the finest results, always research whether your chosen material is safe and suitable for your machine at https://support.xtool.com/. By doing so, you can fulfill your needs while maintaining a safe and healthy environment!