Summary for laser printing powder coated steel Discussion
Laser printing powder coated steel is discussed as a way to create detailed edge effects on a white powder-coated aluminum OneWheel XR frame. Beau Tunnell asks whether painter’s tape or similar masking could be laser-cut so only selected areas are exposed for powder coating, leaving the rest protected for later laser printing or detailing. The thread excerpt provided contains only the question and no answers, so there is no confirmed method or outcome in the source. The practical issue raised is whether a laser can accurately burn or cut masking tape without damaging the underlying powder coat, and whether that would allow layered outlines or inset-style decoration after coating. Based on the excerpt alone, the idea is presented as an experimental concept rather than a proven process.
Q. I saw the complications with laser etching anything power-coated bright. Is it possible to use some type of painter’s tape or other type of tape, and tape over an object, and then laser print a outline of what you intend to laser print — filling in just the outline.
This will burn away the tape but leave the inside intact with tape. Within pillow away the outside tape and powder coat that while leaving on the tape for the inside of what will be laser printed.
If this works then we can work on complicating the prints of the outlines and make outlines within outlines.
Is this possible has anyone tried it?
Why I ask is that I want to powder coat a one wheel XR frame white, but I want to laser edge details into a CNC milled frame think of old Roman architecture inlet into a stone frame but instead it’s aluminum.
I know I’m pushing the boundaries of what’s possible but it’s how I do things.
Beau Tunnell
– Las Vegas Nevada
November 19, 2023