Etching Silicone - Looking for Safety Tips

[laserkyle]

Hey all, new GF’er here. I’m hoping to etch a few silicone bands and I have a couple of questions as I’m still a bit gun-shy with the machine.

I’ve heard that silicone creates a lot of dust…
Is the dust very harmful to inhale (thinking silica and silicosis…)? Should I be wearing a mask?
Is it very bad for the machine? If so, how to best clean it up and maintain it?

Apologies in advance if these questions are ridiculous

[evansd2]

Silicosis comes from glass and quartz dust which are made from a mineral called silica. You’re fine on that count.

[bansai8creations]

Though you may want to wear a mask around the machine while it’s running–lots of news about workers on countertops dying due to Silicosis!

Silicosis – countertop manufacturers dying of illness

[deirdrebeth]

This may be of particular interest

Engraved Silicone Bracelets

I’ve ordered these before but wanted to try making my own, just to see how it works. Seemed like a good time since I needed them for my kid’s school stuff. Had to scrub them pretty good with toothbrush and toothpaste (no specific reason for toothpaste other than it was there and I thought the grit would be helpful). Settings were: 700/80 225 single, focus set to .47 even though it measured .27 [69276027_10104495117959603_5516910192068919296_n] [68875666_10104495118019483_6157166558931058688_n…

[laserkyle]

Thanks @evansd2 for confirming. And you’re right, @bansai8creations, a mask couldn’t hurt. I’ll see how dusty it gets.

Thanks @deirdrebeth - super helpful, particularly for the settings!