LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Any body cut "Flame Retardant Oil Rst Blended Buna Foam Soft Sheet?

Buna N sounds like a trade name. Research it to find out the general/generic foam classification and chemical make-up for it.

A very brief search would indicate that Buna-N contains neoprene. A follow-up search indicates that neoprene releases hydrogen chloride gas, making it unsafe for laser use.

I did find that it has neoprene and vinyl. So this is not the same foam as used for say a gun case or packaging?

FWIW, I've successfully cut closed cell polyethylene foam in various thicknesses, from 1/16" to 3/8", with no issue. You might that an acceptable substitute for Buna-N or Neoprene. I get the stuff from McMaster-Carr but there should be plenty of suppliers. EVA foam might be another option and I think that is also laser-safe. EVA is popular in the Cosplay community and should be pretty easy to find. Pickup from a local source will save you quite a bit as opposed to shipping cost, especially if you need large pieces.

Mike Henry wrote: Mon Aug 19, 2019 EVA foam might be another option and I think that is also laser-safe. EVA is popular in the Cosplay community and should be pretty easy to find.

i've tested EVA and it cuts very finely. clean cut and not too much fumes. i've tested only high density (125kg/m3) but the softer should be even easier to cut.

sebastien laforet wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019

Mike Henry wrote: Mon Aug 19, 2019 EVA foam might be another option and I think that is also laser-safe. EVA is popular in the Cosplay community and should be pretty easy to find.

i've tested EVA and it cuts very finely. clean cut and not too much fumes. i've tested only high density (125kg/m3) but the softer should be even easier to cut.

Hello, have you tried engraving Eva foam and what is setting for cuting and for engraving. Thank you.

Miroslav Ilisin wrote: Thu Mar 19, 2020 Hello, have you tried engraving Eva foam and what is setting for cuting and for engraving. Thank you.

can't remember the settings, but low power, fast cut... engraving, not done myself but it seems ok (as seen on some cosplay forums). obviously, then engraving will remove material, but will not "mark" it like it does on wood/paper and other materials with carbon that burns.