I would like to make small through-cuts in 300 micron thick PTFE sheets using a UV 355 nm laser. Does anyone know of a supplier of PTFE sheets/film containing additives that are sensitive in this region, making the PTFE cut more easily?
Hi
I processed many times PTFE with 355nm picosecond laser. I had no problems at all with absorption and it cuts really nicely. What kind of laser are you using?
It is an LPKF Protolaser U3 with 15 um spot size. I tried varying frequency, power, repetitions, laser focal point, etc. and got very nice patterns, however could not get it to cut through no matter how many repetitions I used. Do you have any recommendations for settings?
Just as an update to anyone reading this. The problem with our LPKF Protolaser U3 for cutting PTFE is that it does not have a quick enough pulse. Since PTFE and most fluoropolymers are not sensitive in the UV range, a picosecond or shorter pulse is necessary to cut at this laser wavelength (355nm). Another option for cutting are excimer lasers of shorter wavelength (e.g. 193nm).
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