How to Maximise Burnt Edges?

[aaronseymour]

Hi. Oddly enough, for a project I'm doing I want to maximise the singed edge effect on the laser cuts I'm doing through paper. Does anyone have any advice on how to do this? I'd like to get as blackened an edge as possible (rather than the classic whispy brown). Perhaps different types of paper might make a difference?

Any clues very welcome!

[KPBadger]

hello

yes it does sound bizarre to 'want' to achieve this!

you could -
- of course choose paper which blackens worse than other ( i find the grey shirt-card type stuff can be really bad )

- defocus to get a wider spot size.

- cut slower on lower power

- make an offset copy(s) of your cutting boundary to the inside and cut these lines at lower power - just enought to scorch. you could make this inside line a 'rough' line - by various software means.


OR - how about just cut your parts as normal and then drag them through a flame until the desired effect is obtained ! like how we made 'treasure maps' as kids.

good luck!

[aaronseymour]

Thanks for the reply. Appreciate your generosity.

[zax15uk]

If you de-focus the beam it will cause more burning but not the charcoal edge that you want, and is more likely to cause a fire. You will also lose the ability to do any fine detail.

I would recommend using a slower speed and increasing the air assist to prevent flames, you may need to reduce the power slightly too.

The offset method KP suggested would work well too.

Zax.