Black Polypropylene

Useful to know

Polypropylene is a flexible, tough material that is easy to fabricate with. Polypropylene has different texture on each face. One side is very slightly textured, the other side is has a smooth flat finish. Polypropylene isn’t supplied with protective film on either side. It doesn’t tend to scratch very easily but it can get quite dirty particularly if light in colour. It can also get quite static meaning dust particles can stick to the exposed faces quite easily. This can easily be cleaned away with warm soapy water.

Vector and raster engraving

We can 'score' the top face of polypropylene by using a reduced power setting that does not cut all the way through. This is good for putting fold lines on your creations.

Avoiding burn marks

Polypropylene is generally not cut with a protective film as the film has trouble sticking to the surface.

Laser cutting

Top – A slight glossing of the material will appear along the cut lines.

Edges – Edges have a slightly melted look, but are otherwise clean.

Bottom – A slight glossing of the material will appear along the cut lines. The bottom will have a slightly raised lip where it was cut.

Finishing treatments

Polypropylene does not readily accept paint without a special primer. You will need to use a good plastic primer before painting.