Help Problem Cutting Gaskets

[Sheryl Haley]

I was given some gasket material that is 1/16 of an inch thick. It is made out of Aramid fibers with a proprietary rubber binder.

The brand name of the gasket material is Garlock Leak-Gard style 3750.

I have tried different sp/pw/freq settings and I still am having problems cutting all the way through, even with multiple passes.

If anyone can help I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks, Sheryl Haley
Epilog Legend 75w

[Chuck Stone]

I"m not sure you're going to get through that .. Aramid is often used in flame resistant
clothing and ballistic vests. It has no melting point, although it will start to degrade when
you get it hot enough. You should get through the rubber OK, but the fibers are meant
for heat resistance and strength. Maybe you can mark them with the laser and cut
with shears? I think cutting with the laser is going against the design of the material.

[Dan Hintz]

You're using a hammer to put in a screw. This material should be done with either a waterjet or a punch.

[Sheryl Haley]

Thank you guys for responding to my post. I just didn't know if there was something I was doing wrong or what.

Thanks, Sheryl