FAQ
Can you print onto TroLase and TroPly?
Yes, you can print on TroLase and TroPly sheets.
However, our recommendation is to use the Trotec Digital Print Series for this purpose. The Digital Print Series line is designed for printing with UV & LED Curing Inks. The surface is pre-treated for superior ink adhesion
Protective coating: should it be removed before laser engraving/cutting and rotary engraving/cutting?
Please remove the protective coating before laser or rotary engraving.
Before cutting the materials, however, it is recommended to leave the protective masking in place when performing vector cuts if your application will permit. This will minimise residue and clean-up efforts.
Engraving Tips – how can a perfect white results be achieved when engraving a 2-ply material with white core and dark top colours?
Using the ‘bottom up’ engraving setting in your JobControl® laser software will minimise the re-distribution of colour residue to the core colour. Increasing power in 5% increments can be helpful and multiple passes might be required to achieve your optimal result, though with TroLase materials only one pass brings a very good result.
In many cases, Z-offset (controlled de-focus) in the range of 1 mm – 2 mm will allow for a smoother engraving surface with a more intense color result.
Why can’t you laser cut TroPly?
You can laser cut TroPly Ultra as its core is made of modified impact acrylic. The thick cap offers resistance to abrasion and is suited for mechanical engraving.
Other TroPly materials consist of an ABS core. ABS has a lower melting point that would cause unattractive melted cutting edges and is therefore not recommended to be laser cut.
How do I use marking metals products correctly?
Apply the products directly onto the material’s surface and then mark them with a laser.
What is the difference between tape, paste or spray?
While the spray is ready to be applied, pastes have to be diluted with ethanol or water according to the description on the product label and should be applied with an air brush.
For new users, we recommend starting with aerosol cans. Aerosol cans take the variable of dilution out of the equation and are easier to use. You only need to focus on getting the correct coating thickness and laser settings.
We recommend switching to air brush application of liquid laser marking ink once you have some experience with our products and begin doing a larger volume of marking. Tapes are applied directly onto the surface, they are recommended for smaller engraving areas.
How do I use parameters in JobControl®?
In JobControl® you will find parameters optimised for quality and for speed.
“Quality” parameter sets are recommended for applications where fine detail and strong contrast is required.
“Speed” parameters are for time-efficiency orientated applications, where a reduced degree of detail in engraving is acceptable.
Find more information here: A Guide To Using Parameters
Air assist: on / off? Which nozzle (small, large)?
The air assist is designed to prevent dust from setting on the lens and thereby causing harm to the lens.
However, for materials causing little to no smoke or dust, such as TroLase plastic sheets, air assist can be reduced or turned off for better engraving results.
Regular cleaning intervals are recommended to make sure no harm is being done to the lens.
How do I reduce the dust generate during engraving or cutting?
It is recommended to set the parameters to engrave effectively through the colour surface, while only as little as possible is being removed off the core material. Also, using a vacuum table and exhaust system to effectively remove the dust generatedy.
What material is suitable for processing with CO2 laser and which with fiber laser?
Literally all Trotec laser materials can be processed with a CO2 laser machine. The major exception is Stainless Steel, which requires markSolid, CerMark or Thermark as an additive for CO2 marking. Directly marking on Stainless Steel does require a fiber laser. The big advantage of a Flexx Laser system is that it carries both a CO2– and a fiber laser tube, making it the universal tool for all sorts of materials.
How to store laser materials correctly
- The panels should be stored horizontally and flat
- Storage location should be dry and weatherproof (indoor)
- Average-temperature rooms without large fluctuations in room temperature and air humidity
- The material should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as the protective film can become porous if too much heat is generated
- Too long storage can have a negative effect on the protective film
Storage tips for wood
- The panels should be stored horizontally and flat
- Storage location should be dry and weatherproof (indoor)
- Average-temperature rooms without large fluctuations in room temperature and air humidity
- If the wooden panels are stored as a stack, the top panel should always be covered to reduce access to moist air
- In order to reduce the likelihood of distortion due to fluctuations in humidity, the wooden panels should be wrapped in plastic film or stored in the cardboard packaging supplied
What is your material shelf life?
Shelf life depends on how the materials are stored.
A moderate room-temperature environment without excessive changes in humidity or temperature is recommended for most materials.
Laser plastic sheets have been proven to last for many years without negative effect when properly stored.
Is any of your material food safe?
Trotec is focused on ensuring our products are free from hazardous substances. Your plastic sheet materials do not contain any components hazardous to health when in contact with food. However, in most cases there is no certificate for food safety, since this would require controlling possible exposure to un-edible substances during transportation and handling.
Are laser marking solutions (such as Thermark, CerMark, markSolid) food safe?
There is no official approval for these products to be food safe. However, customers’ finished products have even been approved to be safe for medical instruments, such as surgical tools and implants.
Is any of your material O halogen?
All products in the TroLase- and TroPly product range are Halogene-Free as per definition of the International Electrochemical Commission’s (IEC).
Is any of your material recycled / has a recycled content ? Can it be recycled?
Trotec laser plastic sheets are made with virgin acrylic to ensure consistent product quality. This can be recycled in most cases. Some products like LaserPaper, Wood (Fiberboard), etc. contain recycled material.
TroCraft Eco is made from pure cellulose fiber, produced without additives, is fully biodegradable and is also emissions-free.
Is TroLase / TroPly UL rated?
Both TroLase and TroPly utilize raw materials that are tested to and have the Flammability Rating of UL94 HB according to the vendor technical data sheet.
What max/min temperature can TroLase/TroPly withstand?
Preferred environment temperature is between -40° and +80° Celsius. However, with decreasing temperatures sheets are less flexible, and with increased temperature they can turn softer.