Working with plastics can be potentially hazardous if the wrong type of plastic is used. Additional safety considerations include:
- Be aware that many types of plastics contain vinyl and therefore cannot be used in the laser cutter under any circumstance.
- If you need help determining if your plastic contains vinyl, see a makerspace staff member.
- If it cannot be determined whether or not it contains vinyl, you cannot use it.
- Plastics with coatings such as UV-blocking or anti-glare often do not work well. Untreated plastics are almost always preferred.
- Various types of plastics are not recommended, even if they are non-hazardous, as they do not produce quality results.
Remember, it is up to the discretion of the makerspace staff as to whether or not it is safe to use any material in the laser cutter.