A vinyl plotter is a plotter with a precision cutting blade instead of a pen. The blade depth gets set to cut through the vinyl but not through the backing.

Then transfer tape, (a low tack tape), is placed over the weeded piece, removed taking the vinyl with it, and applied to the final product. The low tack tape then is peeled off leaving the vinyl, (with high tack adhesive), on the product. [Nutshell process description.]

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Tips Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

We found a problem cutting our masks w/ a laser. The edges of the mask are burnts and weakened. this cause a erosion of the mask which is not even. I would use a photo resist. Or have the masks cut out with a plotter cutter.

MHerman

Sounds like you are using masking tape, is that correct? We use a Poly film that is safe for the laser and and it has never burned the edges.

Dave

No. We use a poly vinyl film.

I would be interested to find out the laser rated film you use. It could come in handy for some of our projects.

Thank you for that information. Much appreciated.

Mike

If it is a poly vinyl it is probably PVC based which is a definite no no. The fumes creared will damage the laser.

We use Rayzist's LazerMask. We have a 40 watt laser and use a setting of 60 speed and 100 power which according to Rayzist is overkill but since it works for us that is what we use.

Hope this helps,
Dave