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Chlorine test: Difference between revisions
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[[Laser Cutter|Back to Laser Cutter]] | [[Laser Cutter|Back to Laser Cutter]] | ||
== | ==Intro== | ||
The laser can successfully cut many materials that it shouldn't. | The laser can successfully cut many materials that it shouldn't. | ||
In particular, materials containing chlorine (like PVC) release vapor that will corrode the laser's parts and also your lungs | In particular, materials containing chlorine (like PVC) release vapor that will corrode the laser's parts and also your lungs. | ||
A simple test can determine if a material contains chlorine. | |||
==Procedure== | |||
Do this outdoors or under the welding hood when possible. | |||
You will need: | |||
* Thick copper wire (A tube of these is in the Trotec PC drawer) | |||
* Pliers | |||
* Propane torch (Usually found in the welding area) | |||
* A small sample of your material | |||
1. Use a pair of pliers to hold the end of the wire in the flame for a few seconds | |||
2. Stab the still-hot wire into a sample of your test material - try to get a decent amount of it melted on there | |||
3. Put the wire back in the flame | |||
* If the flame turns emerald green, chlorine is present in the material and it must not be used in the laser cutter. | |||
* If the flame remains blue or orange your sample does not have (much) chlorine. | |||
This does NOT automatically mean that it is safe in the laser. | |||
With any new material, proceed with caution and watch carefully for fire, thick smoke, or sputtering. | |||
==Known Materials== | ==Known Materials== | ||
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* Composites (fibreglass, carbon fibre) | * Composites (fibreglass, carbon fibre) | ||
* (Incomplete List) | * (Incomplete List) | ||