Cutting textile into pieces is one of the crucial stages in the process of soft material production. It’s only after the cutting of the materials that they can be sewed or heat pressed into desired shapes and sizes. One of the very popular methods of getting it done is the laser cutting process. With proper use of good quality laser parts, laser cutting process can be very effective and low cost.
At the same time, it does have a few downsides as well. So let’s explore those great qualities and disadvantages more closely.
What Are the advantages of Laser Cutting?
The reason why clients prefer laser cutting more and more lies with the long list of upsides it offers. The advantages of laser cutting are flexibility, precision, repeatability, speed, cost-effectiveness, great quality, contactless cutting, material saving, versatility and automation possibilities.
Flexibility
Laser cutting offers freedom for the design and the quantities of product. Indeed, you can choose anything! For the design, once you have your software and respect the material design guidelines, you can do anything. There is almost no constraint while using this manufacturing technique. And no matter if you want to customize one piece or massive thousands of pieces, you can all use this laser technology to have same cutting cost and no extra model needed.
Precision and Material Saving
The highly accurate and precise nature of cutting is one of the greatest benefits that lasers have brought. It allows for highly accurate cuts that leave a clean cut and a smooth finish. This vastly reduces the amount of material wastage that has been seen in the past.
Reduced Finishing Requirements
Because laser cutters produce highly precise cuts, they will lead to fewer necessary finishing requirements. Edges produced by a laser cutters are smooth and free from burrs. The beams are also tightly focused, meaning there will not be internal flaws from heat exposure. Because laser cutters will produce high-quality, precise cuts, quality checks will take less time.
Quality
As laser spot size is very small and the repeatable precision is very high, each cutted pieces’ size and shape are same and it makes the next sewing or pressing process much easier and the final product very high quality.
Contactless Cutting
This means that the laser beam used doesn’t physically touch the material that it is working with, instead causing the melting and cutting process through heat. This means that damage to the material is minimized and the shape is exactly as the original designed.
Labor Saving
Due to the easy operation of the laser cutting machine, the operator only need to take care of the cutted patterns pick-up job. Generally one worker can take care 1-3 cutting machines due to different product. It will reduce a lot of pressure of finding experienced worker and can save you a lot of cost.
What Are the Disadvantages of Laser Cutting?
And because not everything can be good, here are what we considered disadvantages:
Thicker materials are more difficult to cut or require very low speeds.
Multi layer material cutting mode is not suggested due to the contaminated cutting edge.
The laser beam is powerful and can cause some burns if it accidentally comes in contact with human workers.
Some composite material with glue inside or PU or authentic leather will have some yellow edge due to heat cutting.
While you can find other cutting methods which are inexpensive and being preferred since a long time, you cannot ignore the plus points that laser cutting has to offer. The quality of cut that laser cutting provides can hardly be achieved by other methods available for carrying the process.
Should you have any interest, just feel free to let us know.
KASU Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
Link to Eastsign
Web: http://www.kasulaser.com
E-mail: kasu@kasulaser.com
Whatsapp: 0086 18601718317
Laser cutting offers manufacturers working with technical fabrics three major advantages:
These benefits are ideal for companies designing and producing for military and law enforcement applications, as well as outdoor and adventure gear like tents and camper awnings. Using a fabric laser cutter to cut and seal may be a viable solution for manufacturers working with any technical textile designed for rugged conditions.
Types of Materials Compatible with a Laser Cutting Machine
Fabric laser cutters are often the great option for particularly difficult-to-cut textiles, including CORDURA®, Kevlar®, Sunbrella®, sailcloth, leather, and nylon ripstop. Lightweight materials like polyester, cotton, and fleece, are also ideal for laser cutting tables, as the results can quickly be replicated with ease and precision.
Is Laser Cutting Right for You?
See Eastman’s industrial ceramic core CO2 laser cutting machine in action during demonstrations at our headquarters in Buffalo, NY, USA. We offer both in-person and digital cutting demos on a variety of in-stock textiles as well as your specific manufacturing materials.
This live presentation is an excellent opportunity to see how laser cutting can benefit your facility and ask questions about the equipment in real time.
Laser cutting is not the right solution for hazardous materials, including flammable textiles and fabrics that emit toxic fumes when cut.
A Machine for Every Need
Eastman Machine Company prides itself on delivering customized cutting and material handling solutions for manufacturers in a variety of industries working with a vast array of textiles. The L135 Laser system adds precision and flexibility to the cutting floor while remaining user-friendly and long-lasting. Of course—like every Eastman cutting solution—the industrial fabric laser cutting machines we design and build for our customers are paired with lifetime customer support.
Learn more about Eastman’s cutting and material handling options engineered specifically for advanced textiles.
Flexible
Our lightweight textile-cutting laser system mounts to the gantry of a static or conveyor Eastman cutting table. This allows for a quick transition from traditional cutting to laser cutting. Adding a laser to your cutting solution does not affect your ability to utilize marking and labeling tools, or any other tool head options.
Customizable
Customize your fabric laser cutter to fit the needs of your manufacturing facility. Eastman offers lasers with 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 watt configurations. Higher-wattage lasers are more powerful cutting solutions, ideal for thicker materials. Lasers with lower wattages can cut thin materials, including paper, or engrave more durable textiles.
Operate your laser cutter with compressed air, nitrogen, or CO2 depending on your material and facility. Your material will also dictate how fast you can cut and seal. Eastman’s fabric laser cutting machine is capable of moving at speeds ranging from 1/2 inches per second up to 30 inches per second, depending on the type of material, textile thickness, and cut files. Consumable cutting belt options include galvanized steel, steel honeycomb, and wire mesh surfaces that easily slide in place over the cutting tabletop. An Eastman specialist will assist in determining what cutting surface is best for your needs based on your material and application.
Safe and Easy to Use
Adding a fabric laser cutter to your production floor means increasing precision and streamlining processes—not adding more work for your machine operators or facility managers. Eastman’s laser is fan-cooled; no chiller is required. The machine is key switch activated for laser lockout. There are multiple fume extraction options available to capture hazardous fumes and particulates at the source, ensuring they don’t enter the operator’s breathing zone, damage the laser system, or discolor your material.
Our laser system is a Class 4 laser product. Avoid eye and skin exposure to direct or scattered radiation.
Long-Lasting
The ceramic core laser tube used in Eastman’s textile laser cutting machine is built to last, even when used in harsh cutting room conditions. Our laser system is backed by decades of advanced textile cutting experience and industry-leading customer support. From test cuts to technical troubleshooting, the team of experts at Eastman can help you customize and maintain the right solution for your performance textiles.
When you choose an Eastman fabric laser cutting machine, you’re investing in a high-quality, American-made cutting machine and partnering with a team dedicated to lifelong performance.
The company is the world’s best Fabric Laser Cutting Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.