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Laser cutting pc panels for machine safety enclosures

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Hi, I’m producing clear polycarbonate panels for a machine safety enclosure, cut from 4 mm sheet with small mounting holes and tight internal radii. Optical clarity and edge integrity matter more than cosmetics. From your experience, does laser cutting hold up well for this thickness, or is it safer to default to routing or waterjet for parts that will be bolted and see vibration?

    • L

      Hi, I’m producing clear polycarbonate panels for a machine safety enclosure, cut from 4 mm sheet with small mounting holes and tight internal radii. Optical clarity and edge integrity matter more than cosmetics. From your experience, does laser cutting hold up well for this thickness, or is it safer to default to routing or waterjet for parts that will be bolted and see vibration?

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    • R

      I’m cautious with laser cutting PC, especially for this context. You can laser-cut 4 mm PC, but the heat input leaves residual stress that’s more prone to crazing and cracking. Laser edges can look fantastic, almost “flame polished”, but that’s exactly the sign you’ve melted/reflowed the edge. It’s especially bad if there’s any chemical/solvent exposure or cyclic vibration. Generally, routing is the safer default. Routing with a sharp O-flute and good fixturing gives you a cooler cut and lower stress. Internal radii are limited by tool diameter, so plan radii around that.

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Laser cutting pc panels for machine safety enclosures
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