I have a minor question why do you all suggested specialty tape for glass engraving why not VINYL the purpose is same i.e. preparing a stencil for sandblasting and a good vinyl also doesn’t melt at the same time vinyl is much more economical than specialty tape comment!
Hello. I think the tape is suggested for the case of simply engraving the glass. Although personally, I tend to use nothing when doing glass. The key thing about the specialty tape is that it is a LOW tack tape which is easily removed when done. Like you, I use a vinyl tape (shelf contact paper actually) for my sand blasting needs. You get a whole lot of vinyl in one roll of contact paper and it holds up very well during the blasting process.
I do not have a laser as of yet but attended a training seminar last weekend and they said NO vinyl at all. This is the one material that will void any warranty. Bottom line is that when the vinyl is impacted by the laser, strong acid is a by-product in the smoke. The acid will attack the metal of the machine and cause it to oxidize. Also not a healthy thing to be around. Lexan plexiglass is also in this class of materials.
Veteran laser users please correct me is I am incorrect. Simply passing on what was shared at the training.
Vinyls release chlorine gas when it is lasered. Chlorine is very caustic to all metal parts in the laser. Any material that contains chlorine, such as PVC, will be caustic.