Full Version: Evaluation of IKONmetal ?

From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#28]
 30 Mar 2007
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#27] 30 Mar 2007

Mike,

With my 30-watt laser I have to run the job about 5-7 times to get a depth that you can paint fill and have a 2-dimensional look. This is why I don't do large plates with this material. It's not cost effective to do so with a laser.

I have not had any problem with warping, but I can definitely see that as a possibility with a higher watt laser and larger plates. The heat combined with the composition of the material may be conducive to this problem. It looks like routing may be the best option for achieving depth with this material.

Hopefully, the rep from Photobrasive will join this discussion and share her thoughts.

EDITED: 30 Mar 2007 by DATAKES


From: Mike (MIKEN) [#29]
 30 Mar 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#28] 30 Mar 2007

Just a followup to my previous post. I've included a couple of pictures. One shows a quite acceptable finished appearance. The other a little warping on the ends.

This piece is 2"x3" and I guess that I have about 30 to 40 minutes in the job counting laser time. I thought I could save my customer some money and increase my profits but I don't think that will happen with this item.

From: PenTrophy (PENINSULATROPHY) [#30]
 30 Mar 2007
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#29] 30 Mar 2007

The warping can be overcome if you have a heat press or I guess an oven. Heat to 180 or so . The material is flexible (resin) then place on a flat surface until cool.

EDITED: 30 Mar 2007 by PENINSULATROPHY


From: Mike (MIKEN) [#31]
 30 Mar 2007
To: PenTrophy (PENINSULATROPHY) [#30] 30 Mar 2007

Mark:

Thanks for that info. I'll give it a try.

If this stuff engraved a little faster I think I could use a lot of it but I can easily see an hour of engraving for an 8x10 piece.

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