[SalvatorePY]

At this point I am still confused about PVC and Laser cutters.

I have read everywhere to stay away from PVC since it produces Chlorine and toxic fumes.
Does this mean I cannot cut any vinyl containing material?
For example, EVA foam contains vinyl (that's what the V stands for). So, I cannot cut EVA?
I have seen many people cutting old vinyl recordings using laser... is that OK?

Here in Paraguay (where I live) laser cutting is not so widespread yet so we have two or three places where I can buy laserable materials.
In one of this places I was offered something they call heat treated PVC saying is laser safe. They also offer double layer dual color pvc
boards for signage using laser engraving.


Any comments about this subject will be appreciated.

Salvatore

[cinematic2]

I have seen many people cutting old vinyl recordings using laser... is that OK?

No, its not OK.

[SalvatorePY]

Hi cinematic2

that is what I was thinking... that cannot be OK.

And what about EVA foam? This is the definition:
Ethylene vinyl acetate (also known as EVA) is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.

So it contains vinyl. Should I laser it?

[cinematic2]

Might be OK, but I`m not chemist.
EVA has acetate group instead of chloride in PVC
Real vinyl ( functional group −CH=CH2, namely the ethylene molecule (H2C=CH2) minus one hydrogen atom) itself is not much dangerous.
Only vinyl chloride, precursor to PVC, commonly known as Vinyl is dangerous because of chloride.

[freedy02]

I recommend Monport laser cutter, it will make your work easier and you don't have to choose between the two.

[Tweakie]

You should avoid laser engraving or laser cutting anything containing PVC.

Although a laser machines fume extraction may well protect the user from being poisoned the chlorine released from the PVC (combining with the natural moisture in the air creating a form of Hydrochloric acid) will, after a short while, cause severe damage to the machine itself. Another and perhaps the most important consideration is that any toxic exhaust fumes can harm the wildlife (and people) outdoors.