Laser material ability to cut question.

[Ken_Shea]

Any one know if the Epoxy material such as that used in counter tops, not Corian but the very hard material such as commonly seen in medical and/or laboratory counter tops can be cut with a CO2 type Laser.

Thanks
Ken

[zax15uk]

Ken,

There are a couple of different materials used for medical countertops, phenolic resins (similar to pool balls) or other epoxy resins are common.

These can be laser cut with sufficient power (depending on thickness) but hydrocarbons and phenols are produced. Other aromatic hydrocarbons are possible, including Benzene and Toluene which are linked to birth defects etc. Using oxygen air assist will minimize these but I would recommend a suitable exhaust system, activated carbon filtering etc.

This is not unlike cutting FR4 PCB material.

Zax.

[Ken_Shea]

Thanks Zax,
That was one of my concerns not made clear in the OP.
I do not even have the laser as yet but this was one material I was considering using it on. When and if the time arrives it will be done with caution and perhaps not at all.

Ken