The Laminates material is made from multiple thin layers. Sometimes some material is cheap, but it is not easy to cut or engrave; sometimes some material is expensive, but it is easy to engrave & cut, especially when using black laser marking spray for enhanced results.If we use the two materials to press together, laser engraving supplies, CO2 laser cutting machine, then using laser engravers to mark on the two materials laminate, Not only get the economical price but also can come true the beautiful appearance. So this article will introduce laser cutting & engraving laminate.
Laminate, a long-lasting surfacing material available in a variety of designs, colours, textures, and patterns, is one of the most versatile materials you may have ever tried with laser engravers. Most laminates are easy to mark with a laser engraver, and with the addition of black laser marking spray, you can achieve deeper and more defined marks on these surfaces. What are the common types of laminates? Laminate can be classified into several parts based on uses, thickness, pressure, finishing, and other properties. The detailed information is as below:
|
Usage |
Thickness |
Manufacturing process |
Surface Finish |
Advanced Properties |
Material |
|
Decorative LA |
Regular LA |
High-Pressure LA(HPL） |
Solid Colored LA |
Fire Rated LA |
Core or Bottom layer |
|
Industrial LA |
Compact LA |
Low-Pressure LA(LPL) |
Gloss Finish LA |
Outdoor UV LA |
Decorative layer |
|
/ |
/ |
/ |
Matt Finished Laminates |
/ |
Protective layers |
LA=laminate in the sheet
These subdivided laminations can extend into more laminations materials.
Laserfoil Laminate is 0.2mm foil laminate. It is perfect for convex applications. This product is suitable for laser engraving/cutting. It is easy to engrave with either a rotary tool or laser machine. Supplied with a self-adhesive backing.
Step 1
This is a very important step and should not be overlooked, if you don’t want to waste valuable acrylic laminate and time!Test the whole process first on a piece of scrap laminate before commencing the full job.0.2mm thick - modified acrylic laminate cap & base. 2.7mm thick modified acrylic core. (3.2mm thick laminate sheets). 1.1mm thick modified acrylic core.
Step 2
Regardless of thickness, we can generally cut this acrylic laminate in one pass. We use an 80 watt CO2 laser cutting machine and the settings used are as follows: Power 63% and speed of 14% on the 1.5mm thick acrylic laminate. Power of 63% and speed of 7% on the 3mm thick acrylic laminate. Now, whilst we doubt our settings will work on your machine, we recommend that you try to find your best parameters. We highly recommend you do not use 100% power for this process. As on acrylic laminate, we have found that when you put too much power through the beam, it causes a very sticky residue which is difficult to remove. It can sometimes be better to reduce the speed a little as opposed to increasing power.
Step 3
Once you are satisfied that the acrylic laminate has been cut through. Remove the protective coating from,the surface of your cut plate. Avoid lifting the cut plate off the bed to ensure the location remains,the same for the second part of the process.If your plates are small and likely to move, when stripping the coating. We suggest you invest in a re-useable Multi Matt, which will hold the material firmly in place.
Step 4
Spray a fine layer of furniture polish over the surface of the plate and lightly buff. This will put a fine wax layer onto the surface of the acrylic laminate. Not only will the polish remove the sticky residue caused by the protective coating, but it will form a thin barrier on the plate to help prevent the smoke residue from sticking to the surface, thus making it easier and quicker to clean afterwards.
Step 5
Set the machine to raster (engrave). We use a 80 watt machine and use the following settings on both thicknesses of acrylic laminate.Power 50%. Speed 80%
Step 6
Certain colours within this product range (Red, Blue, Green, Burgundy & Brown) will generally
require a second pass to simply remove the discoloration caused by the smoke.
Notes and tips on engraving &cutting laminates
These laminates offer enhanced dimensional stability and are highly resistant to high temperatures. High-pressure laminates can be used in several places. It is ideal for an array of surfacing applications in both residential and commercial spaces. The sturdy structure of these laminates makes them last longer than most of the alternatives on the market. Black laser marking spray can be applied to these laminates to create detailed and durable markings that complement their robust design.
Typical Applications
Automotive parts & Keyboards
Tools and handles of tools
Buttons and switches with day & night design
Housings made of plastic & Packaging
Doors & Wall panels& Furniture and wardrobe & Vanity units & Kitchen interiors
Office Furniture & partitions & Storage Units & Reception & Conference rooms
Retail shoplift & counters & Worktops
Hope this article can guide you through the process of laser engraving, cutting Laminate Using the Monport laser system, Laminate engraving &cutting becomes more efficient, cheap and environmentally friendly. If you want to try laser engraving on Laminate, add the Monport machine to your shopping list!
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