Polystyrene Settings

When laser cleaning Polystyrene, watch its tendency to soften under heat—I've seen it deform quickly if you push the power too high right away. This plastic heats unevenly compared to tougher thermoplastics like acrylic, so start slow to avoid melting the surface. First, lower the energy input to let the laser gently lift dirt without penetrating deep. Polystyrene's lightweight nature makes it less forgiving than metals, which shrug off minor overheating, but it cleans up nicely once you control the beam. Scan at a steady pace, overlapping passes lightly to build even coverage. I've found this works best when you keep the spot focused, preventing hot spots that could warp the material. Unlike denser plastics, its poor heat spread means you must pause between passes to cool down. Finish by checking for residue—Polystyrene holds onto grime stubbornly, but a second gentle run brings back its smooth finish without yellowing. Tends to shine up well for packaging or electronics jobs.