Chlorine test: Difference between revisions

Added lists of known and unknown materials.
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(Added lists of known and unknown materials.)
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The laser can successfully cut many materials that are damaging to the laser when cut. Do not think that just because the laser can cut it, it is acceptable to do so.
The laser can successfully cut many materials that are damaging to the laser when cut. Do not think that just because the laser can cut it, it is acceptable to do so.


In particular "chlorinated" materials create fumes which destroy laser components, primarily the optics. These are very expensive to replace. All unknown or unproven materials must have a sample tested for chlorine prior to cutting them in the laser.
In particular [b]chlorinated[/b] materials create fumes which destroy laser components, primarily the optics. These are very expensive to replace. [b]All unknown or unproven materials must have a sample tested for chlorine prior to cutting them in the laser[/b].


Burn copper wire with a torch until green flame stops. Continue heating copper wire red hot. Jab still-hot copper wire into sample piece away from flame (below flame works best). If green smoke or flame ensues, there is chlorine in the piece and it cannot be used inside the laser cutter.
Burn copper wire with a torch until green flame stops. Continue heating copper wire red hot. Jab still-hot copper wire into sample piece away from flame (below flame works best). If green smoke or flame ensues, there is chlorine in the piece and it cannot be used inside the laser cutter.
==Known Materials==
Acceptable:
* Acrylic plastic, clear or colored
* Wood & wood veneers
* Laserable Rubber (Jeremie)
* (Incomplete List)
Unacceptable:
* PVC plastic. PVC = "[b]P[/b]oly[b]V[/b]inyl [b]C[/b]hloride". The "chloride" means it has chlorine.
* Speedball Speed-Cut Easy (blue). (Jeremie)
* (Incomplete List)


==Introduction==
==Introduction==
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http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/publications/notes/17-1-eng.aspx
http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/publications/notes/17-1-eng.aspx
http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/publications/notes/17-1_e.pdf
http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/publications/notes/17-1_e.pdf