Noob Questions on Materials and Conditions

[Novaprops]

I'm brand-new to this laser thing.

I'm hoping to have a few questions answered before I continue dreaming of getting my first laser.

First, I'm thinking of buying either a JCut 1290 or 6090 with a 100W tube.

It's absolutely imperative that I be able to cleanly cut 1mm and 3mm white High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). Hopefully up to 6mm (1/4")

Will this be even possible with either of those machines with that power?

Second, I live in Minnesota and the machine will be put in my garage, which, right now, is un-insulated and un-heated. Is there a way of preventing the water for cooling from freezing (anti-freeze, etc.?), or should I purchase in the spring and insulate and heat my garage with the profits from cutting?

I have no doubt that my product and market will allow me to treat my garage after a relatively short time.

Lastly, what would you recommend for a chiller for these machines if the cheap Chinese chillers aren't up to snuff?

Thanks in advance!

I look forward to any answers or advice you might be able to give.

[Asynchronism]

That's certainly more than enough power for 3mm material, but I am concerned about the substrate itself. All of my experiences with polystyrene materials have resulted in fire. If you can get some test cuts done before you buy, do it. If the manufacturers won't do a test, send me a PM and I'll try on my machines.

The Chinese chillers should be more than enough. Neighbor is running his 130w machine cooled only with a small radiator, and we're in Florida. You should have no problems with an additive to prevent freezing, but you'll want to be very sure it doesn't happen or you'll crack a tube.

Good luck with your new venture!

Dave

[Exsecratio]

Dave's quite right to have concerns, HIPS doesn't laser cut very well and leaves more of a melted edge with a poor finish than say Acrylic.
While fire isn't too much of a problem with HIPS it does liberate some mucky fumes that both stink and get everywhere. If your business model requires cutting that material then an industrial laser with the correct gas assist is the only realiable way to go.

Lasers cut ideally by vaporisation and hips doesn't vaporise

best wishes

Dave (another one)

[Novaprops]

Thanks!

That's what I was afraid of. I read a couple of messages here that made me think that cutting HIPS might not be so great on a CO2 laser.

What type of laser would you suggest, and where is a good place to buy such a machine (ie. Not outrageously expensive).

Even with Air Assist it isn't so good on a CO2 machine?

And yes, it has to be HIPS.

[Asynchronism]

Any chance of cutting with a router or waterjet?

[Exsecratio]

Dave1 is right yet again, waterjet

Industrial lasers that would cope with HIPS long term tend to be in the $100,000 range for a start point.
My Mitsu can run it well but that was closer to $300,000

It's not so much the machine, it's the thermal and mechanical properties of the actual material that causes issues. Lasers vaporise and HIPS doesn't.

best wishes

Dave

[Novaprops]

Thanks again!

It's a matter of the kerf. I can't really use a router, and I doubt waterjet would be fine enough for the details I'd need to cut.

Everything would be held in place with tabs, so I'm not worried about pieces coming loose from the surrounding material, but the corners need to be pretty tight (within the tolerances of a laser).

Thanks for the help, anyway. I guess I need to rethink things.

[Exsecratio]

Laser cutting vs. water jet cutting - standard metal cutting processes

Roughly 0.2mm kerf width for a water jet that's far better than a budget laser will reliably achieve (mainly due to depth of field issues).

best wishes

Dave