Laser cutting silicone rubber?

[pjembley]

I've done some looking online and had some conversations in the space, and I've come across mixed opinions.

There are several sites that offer silicone rubber for lasering, e.g. 1, 2, 3. But some people who've used laser rubber told me silicone just curls up and burns.

I know about laser rubber, but it seems like that is mostly used for making rubber stamps. I would be making wristband-like things and I can imagine I might need something more flexible.

Would silicone rubber work?
Am I wrong about laser rubber?
Are there better options for cutting silicone rubber in the space?

Thanks all,

Jo Embley

[Henry Sands]

Bring some in on a tuesday/thursday evening and I'll do a few tests to see if it's cuttable.

[Jo Embley]

Damn, that would have been great this evening. I'll try Thursday. Thanks!

Jo

[Simon Howes]

I've cut silicon rubber on my laser at home to make gaskets and even a decorative cyberish choker (I was showing off). It cuts pretty well with no charring, but quite a bit of silicon dust. When it cuts the flame is extremely bright, and loud. Don't look at it, it'll burrn a spot into your vision it's as bright as a blowtorch and makes a sort of terrifying ripping sound.

Most silicon sheet tends to be foodsafe - which is why you'll see it in limited colours (white/ blue / yellow / black) which correspond to simple metal pigments known to be safe since the dawn of time. On the chemistry side this simplifies the list of ingredients again. (Silicon, oxygen, iron) If you do find some crazy silicon rubber in hot-pink or neon-green I'd caution testing it the standard-flame-technique-way before cutting. Similarly if it seems unusually stiff - theres a lot of neoprene and pvc out there.

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[Jo Embley]

That is interesting, thanks Abby! Mine seems very silicone-ish, but I can't be sure. It's your standard dusty-blue colour.

That sounds quite encouraging re the cutting results, although the dust issue sounds like it would need a bit of discussion. Was it airborne dust or did it remain on the work?

Thanks!
Jo

[Tim Jensma]

Just wondering if anyone has tested silicone and if it is acceptable to use on our laser cutter? It is not mentioned on the allowed or banned list, but a few people have asked about it previously. Searching the email list hasn't revealed any solid answers, except AbbyKatt's personal experience with her own machine, so would be grateful for any feedback!

Cheers, Tim.

[Henry Sands]

Silicone does not cut nicely at all and is not really suitable for laser cutting, so that's a no sadly.

[Henry Sands]

Sorry, incorrect wording, it cuts nicely, but covers everything in dust, so it's not nice for the laser cutter.

[Tim Jensma]

Roger that.
Thanks Henry.