abs cutting help needed

[loyedp]

hi evry one

Trying to cut abs material on cnc laser (300 watts), i had tough experience, i got a burn effect on the back side of sheet and melting on the edges, i m searching of help who hav experience cutting abs sheet, i would appreceiate any help or information bcoz my boss very interested in this process

[Litografa]

What is thickness of material? Do you use vector table? Is it possible add gas into cut area?

[loyedp]

only 3 mm . wht u mean by gas

[Litografa]

I mean add gas (CO2 or any available inert gas) into cutting area. Really ABS is not perfect material for laser cutting
Do you use vector table?

[bklompy]

not a smart idea to even cut abs plastic when it burns it creates chlorine gas which is deadly to the operator and corosive to the mach.

[loyedp]

Really causing foul smell, its true

[Litografa]

bklompy - are your sure that ABS contain PVC? I have got samples of engraving laminate from China and they say that this plastic is made from ABS and acrylic, do not contain PVC and good for lasering. But during tests it was PVC smell

[zax15uk]

ABS is a thermoplastic so it will melt and decompose unlike Acrylic that will vaporize. The cut edge even with an assist gas is never going to be great, but with sufficient power it may be acceptable.

It is true that many laser laminated use an ABS core, it provides flexibility in the panel and also resists the laser and self heals so you get a nice engraving at a constant depth.

It will not generate Chlorine gas or the resulting Hydrochloric Acid and is laser safe, just not laser friendly.

Zax.

[Litografa]

Zax - but how I can test EXACT PIECE OF PLASTIC for PVC-free? Supplier can say anything, but reality could be .....

[KPBadger]

Gentlemen.

Please refer to the Bilstein test.
its not 100% but will positively identify suspect materials with chloride content.


http://rarenotes.net/beilstein.html



regards
KPB

[Litografa]

Thank's - this will be my first task for tomorrow morning as today we spent whole day trying to find +/- true answer DOES THIS PLASTIC CONTAIN PVC

[zax15uk]

Request an MSDS from the supplier, if they don't have one or you doubt their word I would find an alternate and reputable company.

As a note. ABS is a styrene and may be a carcinogen (although what isn't) but in addition it has other side effects so ensure you have suitable fume extraction.

Zax.