laser cutter ABS

[stern0m1]

Do laser cutters work properly with ABS?
Thanks

[Felix]

I never tried it.
A google search reveals ABS will melt, but acrylic does too (maybe it burns more than it melts).
This guy shows what looks to be abs in a laser cutter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3N4UowJVrg

Not sure about ABS and toxic fumes with laser cutting - I know PVC is a big no-no for laser cutting - it emits chlorine gas.

[stern0m1]

Are the low wattage laser cutters, 2 watts, worth anything? Are they able to cut at all or are they really just meant for engraving?

[Felix]

No, not even sure about engraving. You will grow a beard until that thing does anything visible.
You will want at least a 60W or 90W to be in real business. I have a 60W which I use to cut mainly acrylic.

[TomWS]

Depending on the thickness and laser power, yes, you can cut ABS with a laser but the fumes will be overpowering (as when cutting any styrene).  You will definitely need to vent the fumes to outside.  You will also need an air supply to blow the fumes away from the optics, otherwise they will become coated and burn/etched.

Also, as Felix points out, if you want to cut, a 40-45W laser is absolute minimum power for thin (3mm and less) plastic.  You can burn thicker, but you need enough power to vaporize the plastic for clean cuts.

Tom