I would be very careful with laser etching plastic unless you know exactly what the material is and if you have a really good venting system in place. The fumes from some plastic can be very toxic and once you have symptoms it's already too late to reverse/heal the damage.
this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2024
50 points (98.1% liked)
Mechanical Keyboards
8818 readers
3 users here now
Are you addicted to the clicking sounds of your beautiful and impressive mechanical keyboard?
If so, this community is for you!
Here you can discuss everything about mechanical keyboards (and only mechanical keyboards).
Banner by Jay Zhang on Unsplash
founded 4 years ago
I am personally comfortable with this particular process, but the point is well taken. I am running a 5W diode laser at 2% power on material that I am confident is PBT, a polyester-based plastic. It's open frame, but in a large garage with a decent sized fan directing airflow away from me. No zapping PVC here, or even any intentional material removal. The color comes from an infusible ink marker.
Glad you're keeping safe!