sticky back plastic

[avalonman]

can anyone tell me what type of plastic this is and can it be cut with a laser

thanks

[StarLoc Adhesives]

Most sticky plastics ( sign writing type ) available tend to be PVC , you can get other types though

People say not to cut it with a laser, but i found it was so thin and cuts so quickly that it seems ok to cut, no smells of nasty acidic gasses , but still not suposed to be safe though

Strange though a lot of label press printers are now having co2 laser cutters as an option instead of a die cutter and they have no warnings about not cutting pvc vinyl , and its one of the most common label bases

[Natalie]

We've been cutting sticky backed foam strips without any problems.

[PhillyDee]

I have a 600mm wide vinyl cutter if you need anything specific doing! Just give me a shout.

[Mini30girl]

Hello,

I know this is an old thread, I wanted to ask another question and figured it was better to ask here than start a new thread

I am aware that cutting sign making vinyl (that has PVC in it) is a big no no. I don't want to damage my new machine or myself! So I've started doing some research and have found this 'eco friendly' style vinyl that does not contain PVC..... I have spoken to the company and they state that it is safe to use on laser cutters and they are sending me a sample to try and a spec sheet that tells me what it contains.

http://www.grafityp.co.uk/Eco%20Friendl ... Films.html

Has anyone tried any of this eco friendly stuff? Is it any good? And is there any other chemical that I should look out for in the spec sheet that I should avoid, other than the PVC?

I only want to use small amounts, applied to perspex which I then want to cut and engrave. So I'm not producing massive amounts that justifies me to buy a vinyl cutter.... just yet anyway

Thanks

H

[Spooky]

http://www.synrad.com/synradinside/pdfs ... astics.pdf

There are huge variations in what qualifies as plastic, the best thing to ask for is the "MSDS" for the material you want to work with from your supplier (if it's not a laser supplier) and check that for possible fumes / gasses

cheers

Dave

[Mini30girl]

Thanks Dave,

That's a really useful guide, I think I'll print that for reference for the guys at work.

Speaking to Grafityp directly they have stated that it is laser safe and (I quote) ' Completely free of chloride and plasticisers (No chlorine gases are released when the film is incinerated)'

I have just received a sample so may give it a try.

Only down side is they only sell it in 25m rolls

H

[bobg]

Thanks Dave

A really useful list of plastics. I have had success with A4 double-sided adhesive sheets off Ebay. I use Thin Mylar sheets to make detailed fencing etc for model railway. I peel off one side from adhesive sheet, stick to Mylar, laser and then what you have are self-adhesive Mylar parts! Simply peel the other side of the backing off them and stick them to whatever you desire. Would work for any type of laserable plastic.

Bob