Laser Cutter And FRC

[gracie.]

We've cut our electronics board with the exact same machine as you now have access to (epilog laser engraver) for two years now. We used 1/4" ABS both times, and learned some lessons between the two. The first year (last year), we had lots of issues with fire/smoke and the lens of the laser. Burnt ABS has just a lovely smell! The lens would get clouded, we'd have to replace it, etc. I was in the shop til Midnight and my mentor was there longer finishing it (I got called out by my parents).

The key with 1/4" ABS is to make multiple passes (like 4, maybe 5 just to be safe) at a lower power to minimize the burning and the lens issues. I could get the exact settings we used for you if you ever want to use this thickness of ABS. The electrical team is in love with the stuff, because modification is easy, and laser cutting it makes assembly really smooth and we can just plan and execute the whole thing from CAD. I now have a(n unhealthy) love of lasers. Hopefully I can save you some trouble if you're ever using this material.

I know my team's cut 1/4" acrylic on one of these (or similar), but that was before my time.