I know that David Takes asked for feedback on Photobrasive's new engraveable metal product known as IKONMetal. I received my samples of this today and after examining it, decided that I just HAD to try to laser engrave it since it is a "metal matrix" substance... I think that means it's a bunch of ground metal mixed with some sort of filler, like resin. At any rate, it lasers nicely and I was able to verify with Photobrasive that it does not contain any PVC. They are working on finalizing the MSDS and when they have it, I will get a copy... in the meantime, I am assured by their engineering staff that I will not die from whiffing the fumes put out by the laser. In fact, they say it's quite safe. Hmmm I wonder.

We hit it with 30% speed/90% power on our 45 watt Epilog 24TT and my eyeball measurement estimates that we burned out 1/32", so you do have to use some power. You get a neat shower of sparks when engraving it which made me wonder about the impact of all that on the laser lens. We used our air assist to hold that down as much as possible.

I can see this being very interesting for interior signage for sure, and perhaps exterior usage as well. It's expensive at almost $7.00 per 4" square and well over $100.00 for a 12x24 sheet. The stainless variety is more expensive than the bronze color. Those are the only two choices at this point.

Has anyone else had any experience with this yet? I think it's very interesting, albeit expensive.

Mark

Mark,

As an alternative to bronze, zinc, magnesium and aluminum acid-etched signage, I think the pricing is in line and allows us to offer our customer an economical alternative.

On the larger signs I would be more inclined to use a plotter to cut out the image mask, then sandblast to gain a greater depth of cut. I would follow that by paint-filling the recessed areas to create that acid etched look.

David, I agree. I think there will be many uses for this material. I am planning on using my remaining sample piece for sand blasting today and see how long it takes to blast to a reasonable depth. I'll use LaserTape and laser engrave the mask.

Photobrasive is a little ahead of themselves on this. The sales people have not even been trained on how to sell it or how to answer questions about it yet. I haven't tried to order any yet, but I have a feeling that I would be told that it's not in stock yet.

This sounds like a perfect item for you to do an article on.

The details will be helpful to our members, [and me].

Take some photos and I will whip up your text and photos up to a PDF file.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

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

Rodney,
You never cease to amaze me with your depth of knowlege on any subject that comes up here.

I am always impressed and somewhat jealous. ;-) 

We are very lucky to have you on board.

Thanks for taking your valuable time to chime in here.

Greg