Hi. I have some (a ton actually) of general questions about tips and trick for our laser. We have a Universal X Class 135 watt, 18″x32″x9″.
Looking for feedback on:
- masking acrylic to avoid damage to the material from the fumes
- tips for back painting the acrylic so we can photo etch
- good supplier of substrates/blanks and leather
I have so much more to ask, but this should get the ball rolling. Feel free to email me directly.
I have a 45 watt ULS M class myself. Many acrylics already have a protective film on them so you should be able to use them as is. You didn’t say whether you are engraving or cutting the acrylic. I generally cut through (settings 45 watts @ 2.1 % speed) and have not apparent smoke damage. Lemon Pledge works wonders for cleaning up afterwards.
While I do not generally engrave acrylic, I do a lot of glass so the effects are similar. Most of mine are frame mounted for which I simply put a black matt board be hind it for the contrast. If used as a sun catcher, then we simply put came around the bevel.
I do a lot of leather myself, and if for resale, I would suggest you get listed with your nearest Tandy / Leather Factory with a business account. The discount is usually about 30% which isn’t bad for entire hides. NOW, leather is definitely prone to smoke damage. If I am doing a portrait on leather (20% power/ 100% speed), I will generally spray it first with DEFT lacquer. Works great for protecting it. If you are going to cut the leather, it will definitely create damage. This isn’t a problem if you are dyeing it black, but otherwise I don’t recommend it. I generally outline a project at low power but still cut it with shears.