LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

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.