Newbie- Laser cut plastic ID cards

[Charlie_1979]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and to laser cutting/ engraving in general and am looking for some advice. I have been (un) lucky enough to be stuck with the job of working out a way to cut some ID cards that we are printing into various shapes. The ID cards will first be printed and then cut. I was wondering if laser cutting would be ok for this purpose?

I know that plastics give of fumes and unpleasant odours when they are cut but would this be a problem with standard ID cards the same as the ones used to produce credit cards? If so, does anyone have any recomendtions on a better way to cut ID cards into shapes?

We currently use a steel die press for small orders but I really need to try and improve this method with regards to quality and speed.

Whatever system I end up using the machine will be set up in my office and I will be responsible for it so if I do end up with a laser cutter I'll be on this forum quite a bit no doubt!

Many thanks in advance for any help.

Charlie

[zax15uk]

If the cards are PVC, laser cutting could result in Hydrochloric acid which is extremely dangerous and will also destroy the machine. Even if they don't have any Chlorine content you will still have toxic fumes to consider.

The best method is exactly what you are doing. Die cutting in sheet form would be the fastest and best method for regular shapes and high volume.

Zax.

[MonoNeuron]

I'm with Zax on this one. To cut at any appreciable speed even on thin plastic you would need about 60 watts and up and then put up with the toxic fumes. Fume extractors are not cheap either and you have to swap out the activated carbon often to keep it's functionality. Die cut is probably a lot faster and neater too and probably 1/10th the price.

[Charlie_1979]

Hi, thanks very much for the advice. It's really appreciated.

Does anyone know of any good die cutting systems?

Thanks again for the help

Charlie