Vector cutting Laser Max - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Ed (EMERY)	9 Apr 2007
To:	Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE)	9 of 16

6577.9 In reply to 6577.8

It takes 2 passes at 4:51 each to cut 24 plates.

Rowmark suggested leavng the protective plastic on, vector cutting, then removing the protective sheet before rastering. I cut 2 sheets with the protective sheet on, and the scorching peels off.

Still going to be a huge job if it goes through. We are going to negotiate price this week.

This is 1/8 inch LaserMax. I vectored at 25 speed, 90 power today and it cut pretty nice, but still not perfectly...I had just a millimeter or sot of material uncut. The tech girl from Rowmark wanted me to use 6 speed and 100 power. It cut well, but it took 19 minutes. I saved 5 minutes using my settings. I have a 35 watt Epilog.

I'm still trying to find the optimal settings. I'm going to make some test cuts on scrap material tomorrow.

Edsel Emery
Emery Laser Engraving

From:	Dave Jones (DAVERJ)	9 Apr 2007
To:	Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE)	10 of 16

6577.10 In reply to 6577.8
quote: My laser is 32 x 20 and would cost a small fortune for a "laser grid", not so much for eggcrate. Not as cheap as eggcrate, but $100 plus shipping for a "real" laser grid. http://www.stl-laser.com/laser-cutting-grid.html ...Dave Dave Jones Design

From:	Dave Jones (DAVERJ)	9 Apr 2007
To:	Ed (EMERY)	11 of 16

6577.11 In reply to 6577.9

It sounds like you should at least boost your power to 100%.

What Frequency are you using for vectoring?

...Dave
Dave Jones Design

From:	Dave Jones (DAVERJ)	9 Apr 2007
To:	Ed (EMERY)	13 of 16

6577.13 In reply to 6577.12
You might want to experiment with some higher frequencies. 500 is what I use for wood. For acrylic I usually go up around 2500-5000. I haven't done much Rowmark, so haven't spent any time experimenting. ...Dave Dave Jones Design

From:	John (ICTJOHN)	10 Apr 2007
To:	Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE)	14 of 16

6577.14 In reply to 6577.8
Gary, quote: Also, I have been using flourescent fixture "eggcrate" for my cutting grid. You might want to check the content on the "eggcrate" material - PVC is very harmful to the machine & humans............... It also burns and has a lot of "crud" buildup and in general, messy. "I know, been there and done that". You have already seen that one of our forum members sell the grids, and so does: www.benecorinc.com - these have no frame around them, just an "insert" if you will. ~ John http://www.creative-awards.com creativeawards@msn.com

From:	Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE)	10 Apr 2007
To:	John (ICTJOHN)	15 of 16

6577.15 In reply to 6577.14

Funny, I never even gave it a thougth as to what the eggcrate was made of... I'll check into it - hopefully it isn't pvc!

Anyone know what they are made of?

Gary

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	10 Apr 2007
To:	Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE)	16 of 16

6577.16 In reply to 6577.15

Also be sure it is not styrene. My two laser fires were caused by that. The beam goes out of focus as it goes to the bottom of the grid, and styrene WILL catch fire eventually.

I am now using Mike's grid and find it very good.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.