Anyone know if it is safe to laser cut MDF (medium density fiberboard)? It contains urea formaldehyde, which is dangerous to breath. Thanks.
For many years we’ve been using our laser to Vector cut MDF (3mm), one thing is sure, it produces a lot of smoke but that is easily cured by a good ventilation system. I am not sure about urea formaldehyde but if you are that picky maybe laser engraving is not for you…. Some laser owners cut material as bad as PVC which supposedly produces synide!! They are still alive to cut even more of it! The trick is to be in a well ventilated room, good ventilation system, wait 1 full minute after the laser has completed the job to ensure that remaining smoke is exhausted out before opening laser door.
I don’t think that watching out for the health of myself and my employees is being too picky. Burning PVC releases hydrogen chloride gas which in the lungs can form hydrochloric acid, which is why we don’t laser it. I was just wondering if MDF had a similar danger. I agree with you that having a good ventilation system is very important.
I just wanted to chime in here that I appreciated the “I don’t think that watching out for the health of myself and my employees is being too picky.’
The comment has caused me to look at my own operating procedures and I see that I do many things that perhaps I should be a bit more informed about or more careful with. At this point in my life I am paying for gross physical abuse that I have carelessly done to my back. And perhaps by now I have sucked in enough chemicals that just a few more will tip the balance.
Thanks for the comment. We do need to be more picky. I’m going to be.
And a side note here…I don’t know that I fell comfortable “offshoring” industry that pollutes. And yet I am comfortable enough that I’ve not taken a stand on it. A paradox. A global dilemma.