How to cut XLPE foam

[robert.b.donovan]

Good Morning All,

I wanted to double check on before laser cutting some plastics.  

Are all variants of polyethylene restricted?  I have a lot of Cross linked Polyethylene (using for costume making) that I need to cut in more intricate patterns than i can do by hand.

If XLPE is restricted can I use EVA form?

Should I consider another tool? 

Thank you 

Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX or XLPE

http://www.foambymail.com/MC2-/cross-linked-polyethylene-foam-2lb.html

Ethylene-vinyl Acetate, EVA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene-vinyl_acetate

Laser Cutter Materials

http://atxhackerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Cutter_Materials

[Martin Bogomolni]

Here's a decent guide to what's suggested as 'cuttable' ... take note of the "do not cut" list that pololu keeps:

http://www.pololu.com/docs/0J24/3

Cutting polyethylene foams is a task better suited to a hot-wire cutter.   It's -possible- to cut sheets ( especially those no thicker than a good 'ol #5 pencil ) without risk of massive flare-up.   It works better on lasers with a lot of spare power, and air assist, and some tool storage companies do laser cut.  That said, I'd be very wary of cutting foams in general.

-M

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