PETG, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, is a form of polyester (PET) used to create blister packaging, display units, and bottles for soaps and detergents. Many food and pharmaceutical products are packaged in PETG because of its purity.

PETG offers many of the same advantages as polycarbonate, but at a much lower cost. Products manufactured from PETG provide excellent clarity and impact resistance. In addition, PETG products can be die-cut and thermoformed without affecting structural integrity, they print easily when graphics are required, and resist stress whitening when bent.

When considering material specifications for products that will require CO₂ laser processing during manufacturing such as cutting, drilling, or degating, PETG provides another distinct advantage over polycarbonate - a cleanly cut edge with no yellowing or discoloration.

To process this sheet of 2 mm (0.08") thick PETG, we set up our XY table with a 63.5 mm (2.5") positive meniscus lens that provides a 100-micron (0.004") spot with a 1.8 mm (0.07") depth of focus. Clean, dry air at 5.5 bar (80 PSI) was used as gas assist to remove vapor and molten material from the cut area. At a power level of 100 watts, we achieved cut speeds of 1.9 meters per minute (75 inches/minute). Edge quality, as shown in the photo, is clean with a slight amount of underside dross. Note the clarity of the PETG's cut edge; it exhibits none of the yellowing or vapor deposition that is often present on polycarbonates.

Built for rugged industrial environments, the firestar v30 combines high performance with compact size and air-cooling, making it a perfect fit for OEM marking and engraving systems. Available at a low cost, as an air-cooled model only (with or without fans installed), the v30 integrates easily into even the most compact systems.

A member of Synrad's firestar v-series family of lasers, the v30's resonator technology produces a circular beam (typical M² =1.1) in both the near and far field. This near-perfect beam can be focused to the smallest achievable spot size, thereby creating the maximum possible power density on a work surface. This results in faster processing speeds and higher resolution for most applications.

The v30's high performance, compact size, and low cost also make it well suited to medical applications. It is ideal for incorporation into laser systems used in surgical and dermatological procedures.

For higher power requirements, Synrad offers the 40W firestar v40.

More information on the firestar v30 can be found on our website.
Visit http://www.synrad.com/vseries/v30.htm

Mechanical drawings and 3D models of both the air-cooled and fan-cooled firestar v30 are available at: http://www.synrad.com/vseries/outlinedraw_vseries.htm