Using laser machines to cut fabric

From crisp shapes to complex cut outs, laser machines are offering a whole new dimension to the fashion and sportswear industry, all whilst reducing waste.

Laser cutting in the garment industry is nothing new. We have been manufacturing laser machines for our customers for decades now. But where once, laser machines were used for smaller jobs, we can now offer laser machines that are ideal for precise pattern cutting that is quick and precise.

How does a laser machine work?

Laser cutting machines use concentrated heat from the laser to burn or melt a material, leaving a clean, sharp edge. Modern laser garment cutting machines use a computerized system to convert digital computer files into instructions on the laser bed. There are two ‘limiting’ factors of a laser machine – the size of the machine and the material it can cut. Commercial laser cutting machines for garment manufacture can operate large runs of a set design for high volume garment production work.

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (laser) work by amplifying light by absorbing radiation energy and using the concentrated energy supplied to a crystal rod or gas mixture (depending on the laser function) to create either light (modern cars come with laser headlights) or electric discharge.

The cutting speed of 150 mm/sec by a laser machine such as the one in our range can provide cutting solutions tailored to your requirements.

Laser Machines and garment cutting

The light of a CO2 laser is infrared which means that you can’t see it with your naked eye. The intense heat and long wavelength of this type of laser means it can cut through a wide variety of materials both very quickly and very precisely. They are also adjustable and energy efficient making them ideal for cutting fabric in the garment industry.

What fabrics can a laser machine cut?

Laser machines can cut many different fabric types in the garment industry including:

Cotton

A laser cutting machine can cut through the natural fabric of cotton by burning through the material. The intensity of the laser can be adjusted to minimise any burning of the fabric and can make intricate pattern cuts to meet unique and traditional garment pattern design alike. Laser machines cannot however finish the edges of cotton which may, depending on the quality of the fabric, require a fray blocker.

Felt

The thicker material of felt can hold up well to the intensity of a laser machine making it a great fabric to be used for laser garment cutting compared to scissors or rotary blades which can struggle to cut the thicker material and its tighter angles. The heat from the laser actually causes the felt to melt at the edges of the cut which then seals the cut to prevent any future fraying.

Leather

From cutting to engraving, laser machines are already a popular choice for garment cutting with leather material. The low fray nature of leather means you do not need any finishing to t he edges of the fabric. When we refer to leather, we are referring to natural leather. Synthetic leather however is often made from plastics which are not suitable for cutting with a CO2 laser.

Polyester

Like cotton laser machines cut through polyester very well. Unlike cotton, polyester does not need finishing on the edges as the cutting edges will not fray. The heat of the laser will melt the edges to seal them off.

Silk

One of the most delicate fabrics, silk is much like cotton in that a laser machine will work brilliantly (on a low setting) to cut garment patterns in silk but will not finish the edges.

What materials can a laser machine NOT cut?

PVC based fabrics should not be cut with a laser machine. The PVC in the fabric can release a dangerous gas while also damaging the laser itself.

Ardmel Laser Garment Cutting Machines

High performance and flexibility allows our laser cutting machines to truly make their mark.

Our laser cutting machine is ideal for a huge range of market sectors. With advanced software controls, our laser cutting machines provide cutting edge solutions tailored to your requirements. We offer an in-house laser cutting and engraving service for our customers from small to larger quantities. To find out more about our laser machines and range of garment manufacturing machinery, please contact us today.