Process Date: May 2004

One of the primary advantages of laser-cutting fabrics is that the edges are typically sealed during cutting, which prevents fraying. This feature eliminates additional steps required later in the manufacturing process to seal any frayed edges.

Sailcloth, a generic term that encompasses several specific fabric types, is often cut on large-area flatbed cutting systems equipped with lasers. This 0.0145” thick material demonstrates a relatively linear cutting speed of 10 IPM per watt of power. We achieved cut speeds of 250 inches per minute (IPM) at 25 watts; 450 IPM at 50 W; and 1000 IPM at 100 W. Using 240 watts of power we exceeded the 2000 IPM limit of our XY stage. In all cases, the material exhibits cleanly cut, sealed edges with no discoloration.

Our cutting setup consisted of 25 to 240 watts of power focused through a 2.5” positive meniscus lens. Spot size is 0.004” with a 0.07” depth of focus. Nitrogen at 20 PSI provided the gas assist.

This 0.0145” thick material demonstrates
a relatively linear cutting speed of 10 IPM
per watt of power.

Sailcloth material exhibits cleanly cut, sealed
edges with no discoloration.