Flaking

[NeedyPickle]

Hi,

I laser engraved a piece of glass earlier tonight and it turned out quite nicely. When I took it out of the laser cutter I noticed that there were areas of flaking glass. On washing the glass these little areas came away and left a patch.

Does anyone know how to stop this from happening as it ruined a perfectly good engraving?

Ali

[Spooky]

Heat induced stress cracks Ali,

No way round it apart from better grade of glass or crystal or lower power.

best wishes

Dave

[NeedyPickle]

Hey Dave,

Where do I get a better grade of glass?

Thanks for your help.

Ali

[Daven]

Hi Ali,

Do you wet the glass? A drop of washing up liquid helps as well. You could also try to protect the glass from over heating by using a bit of wet newspaper.

Dave

[NeedyPickle]

Hi Dave,

Just trying that out right now. I will let you know how I get on.

Doing the soapy water first.

Thanks again

Ali

[Pedro_Hernandez]

Hi Ali

If the wetted cheapo/value copier paper wetted in a cheapo clear (with vinegar) glass cleaner trick doesn't work, then work up from a lower power setting/faster engrave till the etch is how you want it.

If you still get the big flaking then you need to look at a better glass stock, dont forget the laser isn't actualy engraving the glass like a diamond engraver or sandblaster as such but causing micro stress fractures on the top surface the instant the laser beam it hits and they flake off.

Depending on the type of glass and the annealing and tempering process its been throug and not forgetting any other surface treatment applied will greatly effect the intensity of the etch/flaking.

I've never had any problem with offcuts of standard inexpensive picture glass that my local framer use to give me for free, worth a try.

Regards