Has anyone attempted to use a Fiber laser or a diode laser to engrave into a resin part? I’m sure obviously you can’t use the standard resin for that attempt.
Just curious.
I’ve tried with a 40W diode laser but lighter color resins have trouble absorbing those wavelengths of light. I didn’t have much time to experiment, but I would imagine black/grey resins would engrave better as long as you have proper ventilation and PPE.
I would also assume that resins like the tough 1500 would stand up better to the lasering. I have an Xtools s1 that I’d like to cut grooves into a printed part with. Haven’t attempted it but thinking of giving it a try
Thanks for the response!
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i’ve cut a few pieces entirely (Grey v5 and Black v4).
that said, i’ve got some 150-250w CO2 decks, and some 50w fibers.
My biggest concern is the toxins. there’s not good data on the ingredients, so it could well create a rather unhealthy environment..
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Thanks. I already did it with a piece of ABS printed part that wasn’t the best either.
I have the laser in a well vented garage but its very unpleasant.
It mostly will leave a etched finish but doesnt really engrave
Yes. I have fiber, CO2 and UV laser. The best result in terms of engraving is with a fiber or UV laser, when you remove the pigment in the black material. I engrave parts for a well-known company that makes GPS locators for drones. The engraving is perfectly sharp and visible.
Thanks for the reply’s everyone.
This is my take, as well – I’d absolutely do this outside, if possible, so that any fumes would be dissipated, and with a respirator. Certain materials, like PVC, give off toxic cases (i.e. chlorine) when lasered. I have no idea what’s in these resins.
I have an XTool 40W S1 and now I’m kind of intrigued; I’m planning to do some cutting later today and might give it a go (outside!) on a piece of scrap after I do the planned job.
The laser is vented out with a air pump system . What really is nasty is lasering an ABS its horrible. The resin wasn’t bad at all.
Looking at the Material Data Sheets, looks like the resins I typically use (gray, clear) are primarily acrylic, so probably no worse than lasering regular acrylic sheet… My laser is vented out, too, but there’s always a little residual smoke/smell in the unit after completion, and whenever possible I do it in the garage shop with the overhead door open, just to maximize ventilation
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The resin printed without a hitch. The laser has a vented out system but I will say lasering a print that is done with ABS filament is absolutely toxic.