InFocus Laser Platform M-300 User Manual
Page 85
Sample Materials
6-21
SIGN VINYL
RASTER ENGRAVING
LASER WATTAGE
POWER
SPEED
PPI
PASS
DEPTH
15
100
15
500
1
.015”
20
100
20
500
1
.015”
25
100
25
500
1
.015”
30
100
30
500
1
.015”
35
100
35
500
1
.015”
40
100
40
500
1
.015”
45
100
45
500
1
.015”
50
100
50
500
1
.015”
VECTOR CUTTING (KISS CUT)
LASER WATTAGE
POWER
SPEED
PPI
PASS
DEPTH
15
5
2.0
500
1
.003”
20
5
2.7
500
1
.003”
25
5
3.3
500
1
.003”
30
5
4.0
500
1
.003”
35
5
4.7
500
1
.003”
40
5
5.3
500
1
.003”
45
5
6.0
500
1
.003”
50
5
6.7
500
1
.003”
COMMENTS
Sign vinyl comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, thickness, finishes, and reflectivity. There
are a few methods for using sign vinyl with the laser system. One method is to vector cut
(unmasked) through the vinyl but not through the backing. This technique provides results
equivalent to a vinyl cutter machine. Once the vinyl has been cut, remove the excess vinyl, apply
transfer tape and use a squeegee to remove trapped air bubbles. The transfer tape can then be
lifted off and the vinyl lettering or objects that were vector cut will stick to the transfer tape and
maintain their correct spacing with respect to each other. Now apply the tape to the desired
surface and squeegee, peel off the transfer tape, and the lettering will remain adhered to the
surface. The other method is to apply a piece of vinyl to the desired surface (unmasked) and
adjust the laser power so as to cut through the vinyl without engraving into the material below.
Another example is to cover the entire surface of a wooden plaque with vinyl, use a squeegee to
remove all air bubbles, and then mask the entire surface with transfer tape to protect the vinyl
from smoke damage. In the graphics software, color the background black and place white filled
text on top of the colored background. Since the laser system does not engrave white filled
objects, the background will be engraved and the lettering will be untouched. Peel off the excess
vinyl and transfer tape to reveal the final product.
MOST SIGN VINYL IS MADE FROM PVC (Polyvinylchloride). DO NOT
USE PVC BASED VINYL. The fumes are extremely toxic if you inhale them.
The fumes are also caustic and can chemically destroy the metal parts of the
laser system. Damage to the laser system from this type of abuse WILL NOT
be covered under warranty.