Hi all,
i've had a request from a customer to cut
a. 100% polyetser
B. Chiffon
c. Shantung

on my laser into some intricate designs.

I've never cut fabric of any sort on the laser and don't want to burn the place down.

Can it be done?
If so, what settings would you recommend. I have a 45w Helix

Thanks
Dave

Set up a bunch of small lines, each with a different power/speed setting. Usually high speed and low to medium power as Sprinter said.

Engrave them at the edge of a piece. Use the lowest power one that cut through the material.

The only problem is you need to put some weight on the material to keep the airflow from lifting the material and sucking it into the exhaust. Large washers work well but need to be near the edge of the cut or the edge will start to flutter in the breeze.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Thanks sprinter, I'll give it a go this weekend and see what happens

Regards
Dave

Hi harvey,
Thanks for tips, I like the line idea.

Regards
Dave

Hi,

We have both cut and engraved fabric on the laser. We have a large number of quilt makers in our area and we lasered their "signature" panels. We are using a 60w laser and like other members have mentioned you must do the tests for each type of fabric.

Good luck.
Glenn

Hi Glen,
Thanks for your input.
This is for quilters as well so hopefully I can add this to the business as well.

I'll be giving a go tomorrow

Thanks
Dave

Yes, make sure you weight it down. I forgot to do that once and my fabric ended up outside. (Boy, was that embarrassing.)

(Edit) But it did clean out the duct work on the blower ;>)

Hi all,
Thanks for evryone's help. Had a play around and have lots of different settings now for the various material that my customer has supplied.

I didn't have to use the fire extinguisher once :B

Thnaks again for your advice

Regards
Dave