Full Version: Is Alucabond a laserable material?
From: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#1]
18 Mar 2007
To: ALL
Has anyone ever tried to laser Alucabond? It is an aluminum composite made by Alcan Aluminum. Their is also another product that used called Apolic made by Mitsubishi Chemical. It has absolutely beautiful applied finishes like simulated marble, granite etc over an aluminum core. As a matter of fact, it looks so much like granite I used some I had left over as backsplash. Looks just like granite. I am just curious about this, since it is a coating over the aluminum.
http://www.alucobondusa.com/what_overview.asp
http://www.alpolic-usa.com/Products/LT.html
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
18 Mar 2007
To: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#1] 18 Mar 2007
Larry.
Interesting.
The product with poly coating on both sides (Alpolic) could be used for sublimated images, though they would be limited to indoor applications.
EDITED: 18 Mar 2007 by DGL
From: gravure (INFOGRAVE) [#3]
18 Mar 2007
To: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#1] 18 Mar 2007
Hi Larry,
Apolic is used widely in the sign industry. I use it on one of my shops.
I have tried the yellow Apolic and it did laser. It has been some time since I did the test. If I remember correctly I had used a high power low speed because the top coating is rather thick. I will contact the lady that looks afer this location for me and see if she still had the sample around. When I did engrave it, I always engrave the laser settings on the samples so when I have to refer back I can remember what I used.
I will advise.
Regards,
Glenn
Montréal, Qc
From: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#4]
18 Mar 2007
To: gravure (INFOGRAVE) [#3] 18 Mar 2007
Indeed it is. I don't have any photos but I made a sign or two with it. I remember one that used the black granite finish and it had brass letters that were CNC cut. It is a very nice material. It's been a while since I bought any, but seems that is was somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 or so for a sheet that was like 4 x 10. Does that sound right?
I think the top layer is polyester based? It will be interesting to see what the engraving looks like. Did you raster it? (Mitsubishi is big in the polyester film manufacturing business, they have a plant about 50 miles from me in SC)
From: gravure (INFOGRAVE) [#5]
18 Mar 2007
To: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#4] 19 Mar 2007
You are correct, it is about 200$. Once I get the settings I will post them. I use the material to apply my vector and digital prints. It is excellent material for exterior applications. It would be difficult to work with for engraving purposes because of the fabrication unless you have the proper tools.
Glenn
From: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#6]
19 Mar 2007
To: gravure (INFOGRAVE) [#5] 24 Mar 2007
From: Ray (STAMP) [#7]
24 Mar 2007
To: gravure (INFOGRAVE) [#5] 24 Mar 2007
Hi Glenn,
Just curious reading your info I wonder are you born in Quebec and live in Nova-Scotia like me or born in Nova-Scotia and live in Quebec .
Ray
From: gravure (INFOGRAVE) [#8]
24 Mar 2007
To: Ray (STAMP) [#7] 26 Mar 2007
Hi Ray,
Born in Nova Scotia and now living in Quebec. I still have an store in NS.
I travel back to NS every few months. Lately things have been busy here so my trips back are limited. I am doing some consulting on the side here as well. I have a number of engraving shops that I am helping out with software, machines, materials etc.
Where are you located in NS?
I moved here 3 years ago. I am located in St-Lazare.
We should exchange contact info.
Regards,
Glenn