ACRYLIC BENDING
One of the more interesting applications is the selective heating of acrylic sheets and bending along the line of weakness to create a natural fold, identical to paper or cardboard that is scored with a blade. There is only a limited time (seconds rather than minutes) before the fold loses its heat and plasticity and the acrylic becomes brittle. I see some really interesting and unique artistic applications opening up. The term laser origami has been used recently to describe both a form of rapid prototyping:
and more high end scientific micro fabrication:
My attempts included this acrylic box made from a single flat piece of 2mm acrylic. I made multiple passes with a purposely out of focus beam to broaden the application of heat to the fold:
a scored and bent edge of red 3mm acrylic:
Scored and bent edge of 2mm acrylic. The markings on the surface are made with an out of focus beam which creates a nice broad scalloped effect:
