12 materials that are not good for etching, engraving or cutting with a CO2 laser.
As an experienced CO2 laser operator I am always looking for ways to innovate are try new things. Getting that leg up against competitors can make a big difference sometimes. As I think like this I constantly I have to remind myself that a true danger of laser work is your choices of materials. They can be toxic, caustic, flammable or all of the above!
What materials should I not cut with my CO2 laser?
This following materials are either toxic, caustic or flammable and should not be cut by a CO2 laser:
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Polypropylene
- Fiberglass
- Leather and artificial leather that contains chromium (VI)
- Vinyl
- Polyvinyl butyrale (PVB)
- Polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE /Teflon)
- Beryllium oxide
- Halogens
- Epoxy or phenolic resins
- Foam & Styrofoam
This is not an all encompasing list, but from my research these are the main culprits that cause damage to either the operator or machine. Stay away from these and you should be doing good, but just as a safety note, if you are trying a new material take a few seconds are research it. If it says flammable, caustic, oxidative, or toxic when burned it probably is a bad idea to cut with your laser. If you want to know more, read on!
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
ABS does not volatilize under laser cutting but tends to melt and burn, releasing toxic fumes. Common examples of ABS you might come across to laser are:
- LEGO bricks (a classic example)
- Computer keyboard keys
- Printer components
- Vacuum cleaner parts
- Kitchen utensils
- Wall socket faceplates
- Power tool housings
- Garden furniture
- Children’s playsets
- Outdoor signage
- Musical instruments: recorders, clarinets, tambourines, harmonicas
- Toys: blocks, figurines, etc.
- Automotive parts: dashboard components, seat backs, door handles
- Protective equipment: helmets, hard hats
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC releases hydrochloric acid when cut with a CO2 laser, which is a hazardous and corrosive gas. Not only is hydrochloric acid corrosive (which will eat away at all unprotected parts of your laser) it is extremely dangerous if inhaled. Common examples of PVC are:
- Toys
- Sporting goods
- Furniture
- Clothing and footwear
- Electronics
- Bottles and containers
- Blister packs and clamshell packaging
- Flexible film for food packaging
- Shrink wrap
- Flooring tiles
- Siding and exterior cladding
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is not suitable for laser cutting because it melts and deforms when heated, this can cause a severe fire risk. Examples of polypropylene are:
- Food containers
- Disposable hot drink cups
- Bottles and jars
- Ropes and twine
- Tape
- Carpets
- Upholstery
- Clothing
- Camping equipment
- Storage containers
- Furniture
- Toys
- Appliance parts
- Plastic bags
- Labels
- Batteries
- Petri dishes
- Pill containers
- Geotextiles
- Concrete admixtures
Fiberglass
Fiberglass releases hazardous fumes when cut with a CO2 laser. If you are curious about the chemicals released, you should be! Formaldehyde, Acrolein, Carbon Monoxide & Hydrogen Cyanide! All of these are very dangerous to the operator. Examples include:
- Toys
- Musical instruments
- Surf & Snow boards
- Motorcycle fairings
- Siding
- Insulation
- Bicycle Frames
Leather and artificial leather that contains chromium (VI)
Do you remember the movie Erin Brockovich? The one with the Hexavalent Chromium IV? Yeah, same stuff. Chromium (VI) is a carcinogen that can be released when leather and artificial leather are cut with a CO2 laser. Here are some material examples:
- Footwear: Shoes, boots, sandals
- Clothing: Jackets, coats, pants, skirts, belts
- Upholstery: Furniture, car seats
- Handbags and wallets
- Accessories: Gloves, hats, belts
- Furniture upholstery
- Car seats
Vinyl
When Vinyl is heated it releases hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is a corrosive gas that can damage your respiratory system. HCl can also cause skin and eye irritation. In addition, PVC vinyl can release other hazardous fumes, such as chlorine gas and hydrogen chloride fumes. These fumes can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations.
- Toys
- Sporting Goods
- Electronics
- Bottles & Containers
Polyvinyl butyrale (PVB)
PVB releases hazardous fumes when cut with a CO2 laser. Here are some examples of PVB:
- Laminated Glass: Care Windows, Business Windows
- 3D Printer Filament
- InkJet and Screen Printing Inks
- Paint: many paints and coatings contain PVB
Polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE /Teflon)
Lasering PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon, can release hazardous fumes and particles such as Fluorine, Hexafluoropropylene, Carbonyl Fluoride and Tetrafluoropropylene, posing potential health and environmental risks.
- Cookware
- Apparel
- Electrical Insulation
- Gaskets
- Lubricants
- Adhesives
Beryllium oxide
Beryllium oxide is a toxic material that can be released when cut with a CO2 laser. Common examples of this material are:
- Electronics Transistors
- Spark Plugs
- Aircraft Components
- Dental Ceramics
- Gemstones: Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite
Halogens
Halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine) can release hazardous fumes when cut with a CO2 laser.
- Toothpaste
- Refrigerants
- Table Salt
- Bleach
- Swimming Pool Chlorine
- PVC
- Fire Retardants
- Pesticides
- Photographic Materials
Epoxy or phenolic resins
Laser cutting epoxy can release hazardous fumes, including Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide and several Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
- Epoxy Resin
- Coatings
- Laminates
- Encapsulation Resins
- Sealants
- Molding Compounds
- Adhesives
- Impregnated Resins
Foam & Styrofoam
When foam and Styrofoam are heated, they can release toxic fumes, including hydrogen bromide, formaldehyde, and styrene. These products also present a significant fire hazard.
- Packing materials
- Package Insulation
- Acoustic Insulation
- Furniture Padding
- Craft & Hobby Supplies
- Thermal Insulation
- Toys
These 12 materials are unsafe for lasering and should be completely avoided!
The best way not to run into problems with these material is to NOT laser them, but here are a few recommendations for reducing impact if it does occur.
To minimize danger from laser cutting one of these materials you should take the following precautions.
Know what materials you are cutting and avoid the ones on this list!
Using a fume extractor: A fume extractor will help to remove hazardous fumes from the work area. This is an Amazon link the fume extractor I use (and it’s awesome!
Wearing a respirator: A respirator will help to protect you from inhaling hazardous fumes and debris.
Working in a well-ventilated area: Working in a well-ventilated area will help to reduce the concentration of hazardous fumes in the air.
Keeping the laser cutter clean: Regularly cleaning the laser cutter will help to prevent the buildup of debris and dust that can damage the machine.
Using the correct laser settings: Using the correct laser settings will help to minimize the amount of fumes and debris that are generated.
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Have a great one!
Royce
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