We are a sign shop and got in a 6x44 inch shaped sign made from King Colorcore [very nice, very expensive] and as this comes up occasionally we decided to try 1/2" thick HDPE sheet [~$150 USD a sheet]. I experimented with it and with a 130w laser and GaAs 2 inch lens and 500ms cut thru delay and a 1/4" lead in and out it will cut at 1mm/s and 30mA which is at or just over my max, the lower edge has melted/condensed areas that trim off with a razor knife. The cut out piece is very hot indeed. This would be a better job for a CNC router but it is workable, until we get a bigger CNC.
I have 1/4" recycled HDPE and I believe this sheet is virgin HDPE.
HDPE sheet- .5 inch
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Gene Uselman
- Posts: 2180
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016
- Location: Suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
- Country: USA
- Nickname: Gene
- Laser Machine Make or Type: QC
- Laser Power: 130W
- Laser Bed Size: 900x1300
- Home Position: TR
- Control Software: LIGHTBURN
- RDWorks Version: RDw .19 & Lightburn
- LightBurn Version: Latest
- Ruida Controller: RDC6442
- Windows Version: Win 10 Pro
- Accessories: I have a combining lenses, pin tables [homebuilt], honeycomb tables , wireless remote, Modifed Ultimate Air Assist, home built non-powered rotary device, PrusaMK4 and Mini Prusa printers.
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The days that I keep my gratitude higher than
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Ray Wylie Hubbard- unfortunately deceased