Pushing the Limits on Plexiglass Cutting

Once again I used Inkscape to design a symmetric stencil, this time using spirals and mirror reflecting the copy of the spiral while superimposing it. I then used a line tool to connect the very short (< 0.03 in.) disconnects as the spirals are very hard to exactly superimpose. This is a big test for the laser, as it will have to precisely cross over cuts already made to get the interior objects of the spiral to fall out. How cleanly can it leave very thin and sharp corners and will the shapes fall cleanly out?

I used painter's tape on the back of the plexiglass to reduce cleaning time for debris, cracks and char marks.

The photos show that the crescent shapes are intact even at the thin tips. All interior spiral shapes fell through cleanly except for one which pivoted upwards. The laser had to be stopped or else it could collide with the protruding plastic. The laser does have some issues picking up smoothly after a pause command to the gantry, leaving some rough edges. Next time I will not use any center support bars and this should fix the problem.

The laser power is so strong after a full cleaning of mirrors and lenses that next time I will be looking to drop the power down from 30%. The full run time for the job is less than 6 minutes.

The original Inkscape design

The painter's tape protects the edges of stencil cutouts 

and the outer circle.

All of the cutouts, in good condition.
Click to enlargen.

Change of supplies

After a discussion with Taylor, there has been a change in lens and mirror cleaning supplies. Those of you read my item number 2. in my May 19th post should note that the language has been replaced by:

"We now, under Taylor's guidance, are using a specially formulated lens cleaning liquid in a dispenser bottle that comes with it. Also, we are no longer using the one-time disposal Fluent brand wipes to clean lenses or mirrors, nor are we using any type of rubbing alcohol."