I’m exploring creative ways to design and produce custom popcorn boxes using CNC routers and laser engravers. Has anyone here tried similar packaging or box-making projects? I’d love to hear your methods, materials, or settings for clean cuts and folds. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Let me know if you’d like to adjust it for a more advanced or beginner tone.
@jessica I did a few dozen table lanterns for a retirement party a long time ago. They were done from a grey card stock using a 10w diode laser. I did some flat paintable Christmas ornaments out of white stock last year. Neither of these had any designs burned onto the surface, though. That is easily possible. It’s just a matter of getting the right settings. It was the same issue with the foldable lanterns. Playing with the settings to get the cut depth just right took a ridiculous amount of time.
What I learned is that the colour of the material makes a huge difference. Because of its reflective powers, white card stock takes much more power and slower feed rates than does darker material.
All you can do is experiment. My settings would do you no good. They are dependent on my laser, the lens in it. my focal length, the colour and thickness of the material, etc.
If you want to try this, FWIW buy some of the material you want to use and play.
Not to discourage you, but cutting these with a laser will never be as efficient and cost effective as simply die cutting them.
consider a drag knife tool,