Laser Cut Foam Core

General foam laser system considerations.

Laser cut foam core.

Cutting foam for organizing tools often called tool shadowing is fast becoming a very popular laser application. Instead of a template that is the shape of the airfoil it runs separate template top and bottom templates. Cutting 1 8 and 3 16 foam board with the 1 7w laser upgrade kit by jtechphotonicscom on december 9 2013 in uncategorized we have been getting a lot of inquiries about the ability to cut hobby foam core board. Too bad that hand tools tend to have complex shapes.

Platform size must be large enough to hold the largest sheets of foam that will be laser processed or be equipped with class 4 capability and safety precautions for processing larger sheets. Get it as soon as fri sep 25. Wavelength the 10 6 micron wavelength is the best choice for laser cutting and engraving polymer foams. Foam core board or foam board is comprised of a polystyrene foam core laminated between two pieces of white cardstock.

This cutting system uses a weighted arm to pull the wire through the foam with a chord at each end of the core and pulleys usually 3 so they run at the correct speed. So i cut some elmers 3 16 foam board today on our schools laser cutter it gave off some nasty fumes but luckily most of it was ventilated out of the cutter. Also remember that you can cut multiple passes to keep the foam cool. The 1 06 micron fiber laser is not recommended for use with this material as the wavelength is not readily absorbed.

So if you find 2 power 100 speed to be melting the foam but not cutting both papers try two passes at 1 power and 100 speed. For foam to protect tools during transport it needs to fit closely around them. Laser processing of foam core board is possible with either a 9 3 or 10 6 micron co 2 laser with no discernible difference in process quality. 3 9 out of 5 stars 328.

Watch my videos subscribe. Viewer request lets try cutting dollar tree foam board on both sides and see what happens. My concern is that inhaling the fumes or the low volume fumes i got from whatever smoke was left in the laser cutter will be pretty bad for you. Ways you can help this channel grow.

The usual way to make close fitting diy inserts around complex shapes is to trace the outline directly on to the foam with a sharpie and cut out the recess by hand with an xacto knife or scalpel there are lots of youtube videos on the subject. If your laser bed is perfect you could etch cut both sides of the foam and they d line up perfectly but that s probably pretty hard to do.