Laser Cutting And Engraving of Fabrics And Textiles

The laser machine for fabric can cut out and engrave various types of textiles — both natural and synthetic. Machines with a CO2 emitter are used for laser cutting of fabrics.

In this article we will tell you what are the advantages of laser cutting of fabric and its engraving, what types of textiles are suitable for this, what can be done with this type of processing, what are the features when choosing a laser machine for fabric, and also give some tips on laser cutting of fabric and its engraving.

Advantages of laser cutting of fabric on a CO2 machine

• Laser cutting of fabric, as well as laser engraving, is actively capturing the textile production market, as it has a number of advantages:

• Working speed. The speed of laser cutting of fabrics reaches 400 mm/s, and the speed of engraving is 600 mm/s;

• Controlled partial melting. During laser cutting of fabric, the laser beam melts the edge of synthetic materials, which prevents fraying. This is especially true for loose fabrics.

• Cutting fur without damaging the pile. With the help of a laser machine for fabrics, with the correct setting of parameters, it is possible to cut out fur without damaging the pile;

• CNC. Computer numerical control of the laser machine for fabric minimizes the probability of reject, since it eliminates the human factor during laser cutting of fabrics, while guaranteeing absolute repeatability of products and accurate cutting along complex trajectories;

• Fineness of the laser beam. The diameter of the laser beam is 0.012 mm, which allows precise laser cutting of fabrics along thin contours;

• Positioning accuracy. The precision of laser cutting of fabrics is 0.03 mm, which allows you to cut high-precision figures, patterns and lace with a high degree of detail;

• Service life of the cutting tool. Since the cutting tool is a laser beam, it does not blunt, unlike traditional methods of cutting fabrics. Laser CO2 tubes are designed to work up to 10,000 hours without replacement. At the same time, laser cutting of fabrics takes place at a minimum power, which can significantly extend the claimed service life;

• Easy to learn. To master the basics of working on a laser machine for fabric, one day of training is enough;

• Low noise level. The process of laser cutting of fabrics and the movement of the laser machine units do not create a high level of noise. The loudest when laser cutting fabric are the exhaust hood and compressor ;

• Multipurposeness. The laser machine for fabric can cut and engrave not only textiles, leather and fur, but also plywood, veneer, MDF and other wood materials and almost all types of plastics. You can also engrave glass, stone and ceramics.

What types of textiles are suitable for laser processing?

Almost all types of textiles can be cut on a laser machine for fabric. It is also possible to cut materials that are used as a lining. Some fabrics can not only be cut, but also engraved on a laser machine on the fabric.

List of textile materials for laser cutting:

• cotton and linen,

• silk,

• knitted,

• artificial and synthetic,

• fleece,

• kevlar,

• polyester,

• polyurethane,

• polypropylene,

• polyamide,

• nylon, including armored tarpaulin,

• blended fabrics,

• woven and plush fabrics,

• technical and heat-resistant textiles,

• furniture fabrics and foam rubber,

• cushioning and lining fabrics,

• velcro,

• natural and artificial leather,

• natural and artificial fur.

  
  

What can be done on a laser machine for fabric?

As you have already understood, when using laser machines for fabric in industry, two main types of processing are possible — cutting and engraving.

Laser cutting of fabric

The radiation of the laser machine for fabric has a small, but very concentrated zone of thermal impact. Due to this, textile materials are carefully and without ignition of adjacent areas are burned or melted at the focus point of the laser beam. 

Laser cutting of fabric is usually used for several purposes:

• Setting up technology, creating patterns. Laser machines for fabric are convenient because you can easily and quickly correct the dimensions or lines of the layout directly in the program to achieve the desired result;

• Final or intermediate laser cutting of fabric. A laser machine for fabric can create both a final product, for example, polyester filters that can be sold immediately, and an intermediate product — cut fabrics intended for further stitching (clothing, toys, furniture);

• Decoration. With the help of laser cutting of fabrics, you can make chevrons and stripes, cut fabrics along a complex contour, create lace.

Laser engraving of fabric

Engraving with a laser machine for fabric is obtained by reducing the emission power to such values that the laser beam does not burn through the material, but only removes it to a predetermined depth. In this way, you can create patterns, images and inscriptions on the surface of the material without violating its integrity.

The best fabrics for laser engraving are non-woven materials such as felt or pile fabrics, such as fleece. When engraving on fleece, a pleasant tactile effect is obtained. 

Among the woven materials, dense denim may be suitable. It is important to adjust the engraving parameters so that the laser beam vaporizes the paint without destroying the fabric. Laser engraving of other woven materials is likely to damage the fibers.

How to choose a laser machine for fabric

There are special laser machines for fabric, which are somewhat different from the usual models of CO2 laser machines. The basic principle of operation remains the same, but there are important differences that make working with fabric more convenient and productive.

If you are faced with the topic of choosing a laser machine for the first time, we recommend reading our article: "How to choose a CO2 laser machine". In this article you will find all the main parameters that affect the choice. Now we will focus on the features of models designed for laser cutting of fabrics.

The size of the working field of the laser machine for fabric

The most important thing is that the size of the working field should be wider than the rolls of fabric. The most common width of the material is from 1.1 to 1.5 m. In addition, it is desirable to take into account an additional allowance of at least 5 cm on both sides of the material. Thus, the width of the working field for laser cutting should be at least 1.6 m.

Broaching table of a laser machine for fabric

In most cases, the length of the fabric roll is from 36.5 to 91.5 m. In order to be able to carry out laser cutting of fabric in rolls without preliminary cutting, laser machines for fabric are equipped with a special technical hole in the housing at the level of the working field. 

As a rule, a roll of fabric is fixed on a roll-unwinder at the back of the machine, then the fabric is stretched onto the working field, secured with pressure shafts and stretched as it is cut into the working area.

Conveyor table of laser machine for fabric

The conveyor table is a mechanism that helps to pull a roll of material into the working area for laser cutting of fabric. The main advantage of such a design is that it performs automatic material transfer and makes the work almost continuous.

In standard machines that are not designed for laser cutting of fabrics, in the usual configuration, the working field of the machine is equipped with lamellae — it is on them that the material for cutting and engraving is usually laid. In the case of fabric, this is not very convenient, since it can sag between the lamellae, which leads to defocusing of the laser beam and under-cuts during laser cutting of fabrics.