[sdiy] Aluminum Engraving with Laser system

[rsdio at audiobanshee.com]

There is a local shop with three different levels of laser cutters, some of them quite extreme in capabilities. They limit the materials to things like wood, plexiglass, leather, gingerbread, and other non-reflective items. The plexiglass has paper backing to prevent reflection.

I would be concerned that the aluminum would reflect the laser and cause serious damage to the surroundings. This would especially be problematic with polished surfaces. You might do better to hire out this sort of thing and not have to worry about the potential harm.

At the local shop, I gave them Adobe Illustrator drawings and let them operate the laser cutter. They provided the materials. The cost was less than my own time and materials would have been had I tried it on my own. I guess it all depends upon the volume and how much you’re willing to learn.

Brian


On May 29, 2018, at 9:23 AM, Terry Shultz <thx1138 at earthlink.net> wrote:
> https://mailchi.mp/elektor/elekslaser-en-824222?e=60cca40a57
> 
> I see a Laser engraving system on Elektor.
> 
> Has anyone used such a tool on aluminum Front Panels?
> 
> I have no experience with Laser etching and thought this might be useful as alternative to silk Screeing.