Common questions

Can you laser cut stencils?

By Angel Hume

Can you laser cut stencils?

One of the best and most widely used materials for laser cutting stencils is Mylar. Mylar is a polyester film known for its durability and flexibility. It comes in many different sizes and thicknesses at a very reasonable price.

What type of plastic is used for stencils?

Fluted Polypropylene (Coroplast) and high impact styrene are two plastic materials that are widely used in these types of applications. Some stencils are used with permanent or removable adhesives to ease the application process in cramped or challenging locations.

How to get started with laser cutting?

Vector Cut. To make a cut with a laser we must use a vector file.

  • Raster Etch. A raster etch makes a shallow engrave across the surface of the material,but doesn’t cut all the way through it.
  • Vector Etch. A vector etch is for when you want a fine line but don’t want to cut through the material.
  • Mix.

    • What can you make using laser cutting?

    Glass (flat for best results)

  • Ceramic tiles
  • Painted/coated metals
  • Stone

    • How to cut stencils easily?

    – With painter’s tape marking positioning, you’ll have an easier time aligning your stencils with your substrate. Your tape guides will also prevent you from stenciling something crooked. – The positive stencil will be the easier of the two to position on your substrate. – To mark the position of your negative stencil, first place your positive one.

    How accurate is laser cutting?

    The Gas Laser Cutter The gas laser cutting method uses a laser comprised of CO2. This means it has a higher wavelength than other laser types.

  • The Crystal Laser Cutter This type of machine has a laser made of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (nd:YAG) and neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadata (nd:YVO).
  • The Fiber Laser Cutter