Avoiding dust

[Peter Boyford]

I often engrave on different materials, but have problems with dust adhered around the engraved area afterwards. I simply can't seem to remove it or even suppress the dust while engraving.

I have tried to lightly wetting the surface of the material, engraving in the opposite direction, removing dust with masking tape, and all sorts of solutions. But to no avail.

Do you have similar problems? How do you fix this?

Best from
Peter

[paul mott]

Peter,

Assuming you are laser engraving, I suppose the obvious is to use paper transfer tape (available from the vinyl sign material suppliers) this comes in various widths and is cheap. The down side is removing the many little bits from between the letters etc after engraving but if you get the low tack stuff it rubs off relatively easily.

Paul.

[Rodne Gold]

If you wet the paper transfer tape after you engraved it , it comes off in seconds

[paul mott]

If you wet the paper transfer tape after you engraved it , it comes off in seconds

I wish it did Rodney. The latest stuff I bought is real waterproof.

Paul.

[Dan Hintz]

Peter,

What's your air assist situation like? A strong air assist will cut down on straggling dust bunnies...

[Joe Pelonio]

You have to use the paper transfer tape, not the clear plastic (waterproof). I only use it for cutting. For engraving I have no trouble with dust since I discovered Sprayway Glass cleaner from Costco. I spray the material lightly and polish it dry and the dust doesn't stick. Don't ask me why or how. I discovered it by accident when cleaning a dusty piece of scrap material I was using for a small tag.

[Mike Null]

For rastering air assist tends to make matters worse not better. It just spreads the residue more evenly.

Paper transfer tape helps. If that's not practical I put the job (usually name tags or small signs) into water and scrub them clean. Do not brush before putting them into the water. Naturally, I'm talking about plastics; if you are using wood then a finish on the wood before engraving helps immensely.

[paul mott]

Perhaps someone could help me out here but I have been using the paper transfer tape for the application of vinyl signs for years now (not a big user about 2 to 3 rolls per year) and I have yet to find one that comes off in seconds when it has been made wet. (the vinyl signs are positioned with application fluid which is 90% water).
The brand I am currently using is ‘perfect tear’ from Main Tape and if anyone can suggest another make or brand with water soluble adhesive that releases in seconds I would be most grateful as this would be just perfect for laser masking.

Paul.

[Tony Lenkic]

Paul - how about doing a test where you would engrave first and without disturbing dust much apply transfer tape so it can pick up dust when you peel it off. Just a thought.

There is a new product at Laserbits in liquid form that is applied onto material and lasered through than washed off.