engraving/cutting - laser toner, safety

[Steffen Heidemann]

Hi,

probably not the most frequent process.. but wondering if anyone has advice whether or not it would be machine-safe to engrave (and cut for that matter) materials, e.g. paper that has been printed upon with a laser printer / toner first. By been printed on i mean solids..

Thanks + Best regards!

[Mike Null]

I can't think of, nor have I heard of, any reason not to do so. I generally cut first then print and press. I hope my explanation addresses your question.

[Richard Rumancik]

Toner composition has changed over the years but the typical recipes include some combination of styrenes, polyesters, carbon, iron oxide, waxes, and butadiene-styrene (the BS in ABS). None of these suggest a red flag as far as laser cutting is concerned. But in reality, the volume of material that is actually being cut is so miniscule that I can't imagine that there would be an issue of any sort. As always, I am assuming a proper ventilation system to extract smoke and contamination.

[Steffen Heidemann]

Thank you for the immediate responses!

[Dan Hintz]

Some even use printer toner as a color fill, lasering it after dusting it on...

[paul mott]

Some even use printer toner as a color fill, lasering it after dusting it on...

Hey Dan you forgot to mention "turn off the air assist before lasering"

Paul.

[Robert Walters]

"turn off the air assist before lasering"

Paul,

Where's the fun in that???

[Dan Hintz]

Hey Dan you forgot to mention "turn off the air assist before lasering"

Paul.

Meh, I'm kinda messy