Engraving Mousse EVA at 3 mm with a Cloudray CR-5030

This page describes a laser engraving setting published for Mousse EVA at 3 mm, tested on a Cloudray CR-5030 fitted with a CO2 50W source (10,600 nm CO2, 50 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.

Why those four facts matter: a engraving setting that works on Mousse EVA at 3 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 50 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.

Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.

No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.

Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Mousse EVA, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 10,600 nm CO2, and never leave the machine unattended.

About Cloudray machines

Cloudray is primarily a component supplier (fibre sources, galvos, tubes, optics) and sells markers built around those parts. Two machines with the same name can carry different sources, so the useful setting always belongs to the source, not the cabinet.

What to know about Mousse EVA

EVA foam is the material of cosplay, tool inserts and game mats. It cuts very easily with a laser, with a smooth heat-sealed edge no knife can match.

EVA is soft: very little power is enough and speed can stay high. Too much energy melts the edge into a bead and shrinks the foam around the line.

On thick foam (8 to 10 mm), one slow pass gives a straighter edge than several fast passes, which carve a V.

When engraving, EVA carves into very readable relief: perfect for armour textures or labelled tool pockets.

EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) contains no chlorine and remains laser-safe, but molten foam smoke is dense and irritant: extraction is imperative. Beware foam of unknown origin, sometimes filled or plasticised.

Foam ignites on a slow cut: do not leave the machine.

The sealed edge takes paint and contact cement very well, unlike a knife-cut edge. A light pass with a heat gun smooths the surface further before painting.