ABS plastic, known for its acronym acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene, is a revolutionary material that has brought innovation to the world of manufacturing and product design. Its distinct composition, combining the strength and rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber, has positioned it as one of the most widely used and produced polymers. ABS is characterized by its high impact resistance, structural strength, and excellent aesthetic qualities, while remaining flexible and relatively thin. Its exceptional workability allows for easy cutting, bending, heat-stamping, and sawing, making it adaptable to various manufacturing processes.
Its finishing characteristic, combined with its durability and ease of processing, has made ABS a popular choice in industries ranging from automotive and electronics to consumer goods and construction. Its ability to maintain properties over a wide temperature range and resist various chemicals further enhances its appeal across different sectors. As a result, ABS has become an integral material in modern manufacturing, offering a unique combination of performance, processability, and design flexibility.
ABS plastic sheets can be processed using various traditional methods such as mechanical cutting, thermoforming, and die-cutting. However, laser machines prove to be the most effective techniques for ABS plastic processing. Laser cutting offers precise, clean edges and the ability to create intricate designs quickly and efficiently. When used for engraving, this method can remove pigment to reveal the background color, adding depth and detail to the finished product.
The versatility of laser processing, combined with ABS plastic’s inherent properties, makes it an ideal material for laser shaping processes.
Laser cutting excels in creating precise, clean-edged shapes and through-cuts in ABS sheets, ideal for producing intricate parts or components. It allows for complex designs with minimal material waste and high repeatability. On the other hand, laser engraving ABS plastic focuses on surface modification, removing material to create depth or reveal underlying layers. This technique is particularly effective for creating detailed graphics, text, or textures on ABS surfaces. Engraving can also achieve a two-tone effect by revealing the core color of dual-layer ABS sheets.
Both processes benefit from ABS’s low melting point and good laser absorption, resulting in smooth, high-quality finishes. While cutting offers structural shaping, engraving provides decorative and functional surface treatments, making them complementary techniques in ABS plastic fabrication.
We frequently use CO2 lasers to process ABS. Here are our reference settings for processing ABS using a Thunder Nova 35 80W laser machine. However, it’s best to conduct a small-scale test before your actual project.
| Named layers | Speed (mm/S) | Single and Double | Direction | Line Interval/DPI | Blow Type | Blow Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow carving(image) | 500 | 15 | Horizontal Double | 300 | weak | below 0.1 |
| Shallow carving(text) | 500 | 18 | Horizontal Double | 300 | weak | below 0.2 |
| Shallow carving(label) | 500 | 20 | Horizontal Double | 300 | weak | below 0.3 |
| Running a line | 100 | 10 (Corner power5) | Horizontal Double | weak | below 0.4 | |
| Cutting(internally) | 25 | 55 | strong | 8 |
Cnc laser engraver is the best way to laser cut abs plastic and engrave plastic but what laser engraved products we can create with abs palstic? Here are some of they are.
What sets your products apart from the competition is the use of imaginative and eye-catching designs, like carved signage or laser-cut wedding invitations. Laser cut abs plastic and carve abs to make incorporate intriguing decorations, By that your products will capture people’s attention and draw them toward your establishment.
Additionally, laser cut abs plastic offer a great option for creating customized items like wall art, laser engraved gifts, and stylish accessories such as wolf-and-moon earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
With a high-speed, high-precision cnc laser engraver engraving, you can laser cut abs plastic to make high-quality abs plastic sheet goods in large quantities rapidly. Including electronic device accessories like mobile phone covers and pendants like laser engraving gun accessories.
Because abs plastic has a lower melting point, it’s prone to melting and warping if the laser power goes overboard. Fortunately, there are ways to steer clear of this hassle:
1. To dodge those melting mishaps when you laser cut abs plastic in a cnc laser engraver, opt for the right laser power during processing and carving. Steer clear of excessive power, and keep that material cutting seam temperature in check.
2. Adjust the blowing value – just remember, don’t go too sluggish or sudden with the speed. Smooth and steady wins the race here. Cut that material in three or four stages to keep the edges sharp and melt-free.
3. Sometimes, that abs plastic board might give in to some bending after heavy-duty carving. No biggie – a little hot water and manual finessing will have it back in line.
laser cut abs plastic in a cnc laser engraver is a good choice but it’s a bad habit for using alcohol to wipe abs board after laser cutting abs plastic, because it’s no match for the 2 color engraving plastic.
1. Watch out, as alcohol can put abs plastic on the fast track to deterioration, especially when it’s packing a punch in the alcohol content department. Hit abs with too much alcohol power during wiping, and you might find those plastic objects breaking or taking on new shapes.
2. ABS plastic has a bit of a soft spot for alcohol – and not in a good way. Extended exposure to alcohol gives abs a run for its money. Expect reduced hardness, increased brittleness, and a higher likelihood of breakage and other not-so-great outcomes.
In a nutshell, using alcohol to scrub abs plastic is a no-go. For a clean two color plastic for engraving, pick a cleaning buddy that’s a better match for the surface at hand.
Once you’ve worked your magic on that abs plastic board, giving it a clean sweep is a breeze. Just grab a damp cloth or some trusty alcohol, and wipe that surface clean.
But here’s the lowdown: if your laser power setting went a little overboard during carving in a cnc laser engraver, brace yourself for a clingy layer of stubborn smoke and dust. It’s like they’re hanging on for dear life on the surface of that abs plastic sheet, making it a tad more challenging to wipe away.
1. Keep those boards out of the spotlight – direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture are no friends of theirs. Instead, find them a cozy spot at room temperature in a dry haven.
2. Before you laser cut abs plastic, do yourself a favor and let that protective film stay put. Trust us, static electricity’s no joke – it’s just waiting to attract all sorts of daily dust and grime to that plastic surface. Plus, that shielding film doubles down, guarding the board from scuffs and scratches.
3. Give that board some tender love – keep it flat, no bending allowed. This is all about preventing those annoying warps from creeping in.
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