Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Foam with Laser

  1. #1

    Foam with Laser

    We have a 30w Laser, and we are trying to cut foam for transport trays. (Cut out hole, put object in hole, it's protected) We are having some issues on the 1"+ sizes. We are cutting medium density open cell foam. It's cutting the foam, but sometimes is needing a second pass. or because the beam's focus is to short it's not concentrated enough to get all the way through.

    what ever the cause, the edges are getting melted and the cuts are not looking great. Also we are producing a lot of smoke and staining the foam.

    any thoughts or tips on how to improve this would be great!
    Last edited by John Gill2; 11-27-2011 at 12:46 AM.

  2. #2
    John,

    Have you tried setting the focal point so it is about 1/3 the way into the work before you start cutting ??

    Paul.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Savusavu, Fiji
    Posts
    1,167
    You might want to consider using a longer focal length lens (e.g., 4") as that will give greater depth of field. If you are 1" away from the focal point of a 2" lens the beam is pretty wide and the result can be messy.
    Longtai 460 with 100 watt EFR, mostly for fun. More power is good!! And a shop with enough wood working tools to make a lot of sawdust. Ex-owner of Shenhui 460-80 and engraving business with 45 watt Epilog Mini18.

  4. #4
    John, I cut 1" open cell gray urethane with a 30 watt using one pass and it cuts well and looks fine. I use a 4" lens and focus maybe .20" into the material but you can experiment with focus anf find the optimum. The gray color does tend to hide smoke residue. With a light color it might not be acceptable. I think you need to cut in one pass because foam is not stiff enough to keep the kerf open for the second pass. If it closes, then you are attempting to recut and you will not get consistent results around the perimeter of the piece.

    Since you say the edges are "melted" them perhaps you are using a polyethylene foam? Urethane won't melt; it lasers by decomposition.

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •