Fabrics
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Including:Most fabrics can be easily and precisely cut with a CO2 laser. The resultant cut (particularly with man-made fibers) is a clean edge free from loose fibers. For this reason lasers are often used for cutting fabrics used in medical applications or where sealed edges are required. Applications using fabric range from multi layered fabric patches to precision-drilled arterial stints.
THE BEAM DIFFERENCE
Many fabrics, including natural and synthetic textiles, can easily be cut with a laser. The lack of thickness, coupled with their high combustion ability minimizes the power output requirements of a laser to no more than a few hundred watts. The resultant edges are clean and free from fraying.
Most Beam Dynamics customers involved in fabric cutting use the system in a flat bed configuration. They place sheets of material, stacked when appropriate, in the system. Following completion of the laser cutting process, the cutting pallet is rolled out of the machine and cut pieces are removed.
A BEAM laser cutting system is an important tool for cutting fabric for many reasons, including:
- No fraying: Because the laser is non-contact, the edges of the fabric will not fray. In some materials, such as polyester, a thin microscopic seal will even be created. Cotton can still be frayed after the cutting is completed, but will not be caused by the laser itself.
- Extremely low operating costs: The machine costs less than $1/hour to run and maintain.
- Tool variability eliminated: Absolute repeatability with a tool that never dulls.
- Zero tool load: Clamping, complex, or dangerous holding methods are not required when cutting with a weightless beam of light. This is also very helpful when cutting small parts.
- The small tool cut width (kerf of .006") enables the cutting of any shape that can be drawn.
- Power control: The system monitors the actual cutting speed and dynamically adjusts laser power as the speed changes to maintain consistent cut quality.
- Auto Focus: A sensor automatically measures the material thickness and sets the focus appropriately so you don't have to do it by hand.
Want to learn more about how a BEAM machine can meet your cutting needs? Contact a Sales Representative at 650-654-4453 or via email.
