Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Copper is used as a reflector in CO2 lasers. Most materials will
absorb CO2 emissons.

A 60 Watt CO2 laser would blow holes through the fiberglass in a
heart beat. Generally you will use a focusing lense to narrow the
beam and intensify it. with a 2.5 inch focal length you would
probably get a .003 - .004 spot size.

A 100 Watt CO2 cut .025" mild steel @ 130ipm using a 40psi O2 assist

Cutting FR4 with 60 Watts, probably 40 ipm using 50-60 psi of air
assist


As to fume extraction. Generally the cabinet will have something
similiar to a dryer hose that is vented externally. in some cases
special filters are used when cutting certain materials.


Cutting PVC - gets you HCI Hydrochloric Acid

Cutting Kevlar - gets you cyanide