Stan Lightner
01-31-2013, 8:44 AM
I'm a manufacturing engineer for a uniform rental company that makes its own emblems for shop & man names. Currently we die cut the emblems after the name/logo is applied to the fabric, but we are exploring other technologies including laser.
I recently sent samples to a laser manufacturer for testing. Upon return the brown, black, blue, etc fabric was excellent. The edges were fused together (the fabric is laminated with 2 layers of polyester) but, the white fabric has unacceptable singeing around the edges. They used a 50 watt laser at 100% power and 300 ppi on a honeycomb board and the machine uses a down draft exhaust system. I know they have air assist available, but I'm not sure if they used it. Actually I doubt if they did as I do not think it would help in the cutting process.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to settings, other laser makers, other cutting technologies? I just sent samples to the builder of a cutting table that uses a sonic knife with the hope it will perform better than the laser.
I've already rejected waterjet due to the high maintenance and consumable costs associated with the technology.
Currently we use forged dies, but have just received a steel rule die (AKA ribbon die) to test. The steel rule die is more accurate than the forged die, but does not have the lifespan of the forged die.
Thanks in advance
Stan
I recently sent samples to a laser manufacturer for testing. Upon return the brown, black, blue, etc fabric was excellent. The edges were fused together (the fabric is laminated with 2 layers of polyester) but, the white fabric has unacceptable singeing around the edges. They used a 50 watt laser at 100% power and 300 ppi on a honeycomb board and the machine uses a down draft exhaust system. I know they have air assist available, but I'm not sure if they used it. Actually I doubt if they did as I do not think it would help in the cutting process.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to settings, other laser makers, other cutting technologies? I just sent samples to the builder of a cutting table that uses a sonic knife with the hope it will perform better than the laser.
I've already rejected waterjet due to the high maintenance and consumable costs associated with the technology.
Currently we use forged dies, but have just received a steel rule die (AKA ribbon die) to test. The steel rule die is more accurate than the forged die, but does not have the lifespan of the forged die.
Thanks in advance
Stan