Laser engraving, laser cutting, and laser marking have taken over the textile industry by storm; and for many good reasons too. With no wastage, wear, or loss of quality, laser technology requires no material fixation because of force-free and contact-free processing steps.
Say an emphatic “no” to frayed fabrics, lint, and unclean cuts. Instead embrace the goodness of simple production means via PC design programs and advanced laser machines. Yes, the textile industry has now set itself on yet another path of advancement – one that is driven by precision, cost-effectiveness, best technological inputs, speedy deliveries, contact-free and force- free processes, etc; all courtesy lasers. For instance, fused seams are making synthetic fibers friendlier for cutting and styling. With significant cost savings, proper cutting of high quality raw materials, and extremely high fit accuracy because of cutting gap compensations in place, laser is being readily adopted in the textile industry for many reasons!
Application of Lasers in Textile Industry
Lasers are primarily used in the textile industry to mark, cut and engrave fabrics. In the process of marking out, the material is laid out with the outline for further work on the same. Because of the ability of the laser to be positioned over any particular point with a high degree of accuracy, line lasers are making their presence felt in many different ways in this industry vertical. Such lasers also cause a superficial burn on the fabric which can be used for identifying all drawn markings. Known for their high degree of accuracy, these line lasers are instrumental in marking out multiple layers of cloth kept one on top of the other, like a template.
Textile Cutting using Lasers
Most fabrics can be cut with a laser beam. At most times, numerous layers of fabric are kept one atop the other and the cutting is done all at one go, with a single line laser cutting right through. This method of cutting does not cause the fraying of fabric borders and /or the unraveling of the fabric like conventional cutting done using scissors or cutters. Laser is particularly useful in handling materials that require very intricate designs or patterns.
Engraving the Fabric
Engraving is the process of etching patterns or designs on fabric. The fabric is burnt off from miniscule layers of cloth to leave behind an engraved pattern. Using lasers, this work can be done very accurately, as well as with the speed. Usually, there exist diverse kinds of laser-based software that support designers do this type of work and create very intricate patterns on fabrics.
Advantages of Using Laser on Fabric
Cutting using lasers does not cause the edges to fray or form lint. This results in a very clean and tidy work environment. There are no tools in contact with the fabrics, except the ray of light. This eliminates wear and tear of equipment, and proper upkeep of the same. Additionally, the material being worked upon needn’t be anchored with force. All that is required is a minimal force that needs to be applied on the material; yes, laser driven processes are totally contact free. Here, complex production methods can be controlled by a simple PC. This reduces the costs involved considerably. Since the inherent costs are low, it is possible to work on low volumes of material as economies of scale are achieved sooner. The time needed for the conceptualization and production is reduced to a minimum, thereby causing faster turnarounds.
Way Forward
Just like all others in the textile industry that have jumped on to the laser bandwagon, it is important for you to produce items of clothing in fast, simple and cost-effective ways too. Laser systems defined by the right sources will adjust perfectly to all applications and will help you create the best possible outputs, in cost-effective and precise ways!
All the best.
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