Don't know if you've tried this yet, but water helps control the heat when using the laser at higher power. What I'd try is
1) Soak a paper towel in water
2) lay it over the plastic before cutting
3) smooth out air bubbles
4) Laser cut as usual

I use this when lasering glass to keep unwanted heat fracturing to a minimum. I use water in 3D engraving as well. It may help keep the plastic from warping and possibly would save you one of the baking steps.

DISCLAIMER: You're using a yag while I'm using a CO2 laser. I can't say for sure how this will work with a yag.


Dan McCann
2000 SSEi

I'm NOT using a YAG. I'm using a CO2 and acrylic. If I was using Plexiglass, I'd be using a YAG.

Wavelengths I have here in my labs (multiple sources for some):
193nm
248nm (2)
308nm
355nm (6)
410-700nm (a few)
532nm (3)
632-635nm (a few)
808nm
940nm
1064nm (2)
1523nm
10,600nm (5)

All of these listed are Class IIIb or Class IV.

Some galvo-controlled, some with linear stages, some on multi-axis controllers. Our largest lasers here are bigger than most import cars.

Water makes acrylic bow the other way on stuff this thin. Did you know you can also use a light spray of water across the top by using an airbrush during cutting to improve the finish quality?



Ummm......I'm pretty well-versed in lasers. I design and build custom R&D laser systems for hp. I designed and built the system I used to do these. I'm just not really serious enough about this project to waste my time with any setup. Slap it on, cut it, and relax them in the oven for 10 minutes afterwards. Works great.

ROFL

those do look awesome though

LMAO! thats the best PS ive seen all year!