• What is the difference between CNC and laser cutter?
• Should I consider CNC router knife cutting?
• Should I use die-cutters?
• What’s the best cutting method for me?
Have you been confused by these questions and have no idea about how to choose the right fabric cutting machine to improve your fabric production? Many of you are in the early stage of learning fabric laser cutting machine and may wonder whether the CO2 laser machine is the right choice for me.
Today we will focus on textile & flexible material cutting, and cover more information on this. Remember, the laser cutter machine is not for every industry. Considering its pros and cons, the fabric laser cutter is indeed a great helper for some of you. Who that will be? Let’s find out.
Quick Glance >>
Buy Fabric Laser Machine VS CNC Knife Cutter ?
Which fabric industry are suitable for laser cutting?
To give a general idea of what CO2 laser machines can do, I want to share with you all what MimoWork's customers are making by using our machine. Some of our customers are making:
And many many others. The laser cutting fabric machine is not limited to cutting clothing and home textiles. Check out Material Overview - MimoWork to find more materials and applications you want to laser cut.
Comparison about CNC and Laser
Now, how about the knife cutter? For fabric, leather, and other roll materials, CNC Knife Cutting Machine is the choice that manufacturers would compare with a CO2 laser cutting machine. First of all, I want to make it clear that these two processing methods are by no means simply opposing choices. In industrial production, they complement each other. we can state certain materials can only be cut by knives, and others by laser technology. So you will see in the majority of large factories, they will certainly have a variety of different cutting tools.
◼ Advantages of CNC Cutting
Cut multiple layers of fabric
When it comes to textiles, the biggest advantage of a knife cutter is that it can cut multiple layers of fabric at the same time, which greatly improves production efficiency. For factories that produce a large volume of clothing and home textiles daily, such as OEM factories for fast fashion brand Zara H&M, CNC knives must be the first choices for them. (Although cutting precision is not guaranteed when cutting multiple layers, the cutting error can be solved during the sewing process.)
Cut toxic fabric like PVC
Certain materials shall be avoided by laser. When laser cutting PVC, toxic fumes called chlorine gas will be generated. In such cases, a CNC knife cutter will be the only choice.
◼ Advantages of Laser Cutting
Fabrics require high quality
What about laser? What’s the advantage of laser cutting fabric? Thanks to the heat treatment of laser, the edges of certain materials will be sealed together, providing a nice and smooth finish and easier handling. This is especially the case with synthetic textiles like polyester.
The contactless cutting will not push or displace the material while laser cutting textiles or leather, which delivers even more intricate details most accurately.
Fabrics require fine details
And for cutting small details, it will be difficult to knife cut due to the size of the knife. In such cases, products like clothing accessories, and materials like lace and spacer fabric will be the best for laser cutting.
◼ Why not both on one machine
One question that many of our customers commonly ask is Can both tools be installed on one machine? Two reasons will answer you why it’s not the best option
1. Vacuum System
Firstly, on a knife cutter, the vacuum system is designed to hold the fabric down with pressure. On a laser cutter, the vacuum system is designed to exhaust the fume generated by laser cutting. The two designs are logically different.
As I said at the beginning, the laser and the knife cutter complement each other. You can choose to invest in one or the other based on your current needs.
2. Conveyor Belt
Secondly, felt conveyors are often installed on the knife cutter to avoid scratches between the cutting surface and the knives. And we all know that the felt conveyor will be cut through if you are using a laser. And for the laser cutter, the conveyor table is often made of mesh metal. Using a knife on the such surface will destroy both your tools and metal conveyor belt instantly with no doubt.
Who should consider investing a textile laser cutter?
Now, let’s talk about the real question, who should consider investing in a laser cutting machine for fabric? I've compiled a list of five types of businesses worth considering for laser production. See if you're one of them
1. Small-patch production/ Customization
If you are providing a customization service, a laser cutting machine is a great choice. Using a laser machine for production can balance the requirements between cutting efficiency and cutting quality
2. Expensive Raw Materials, High-Value-Added Products
For expensive materials, especially technical fabric like Cordura and Kevlar, it’s best to use a laser machine. The contactless cutting method can help you save material to a large degree. We also offer nesting software that can arrange your design pieces automatically.
3. High requirements for precision
As a CNC cutting machine, the CO2 laser machine can achieve cutting precision within 0.3mm. The cutting edge is smoother than that of a knife cutter, especially performing on fabric. Using a CNC router to cut woven fabric, often shows ragged edges with flying fibers.
4. Start-up Stage Manufacturer
For start-up, you should carefully use any penny you have. With a couple of thousand dollars budget, you can implement automated production. Laser can guarantee the product quality. Hiring two or three laborers a year would cost far more than investing a laser cutter.
5. Manual production
If you are looking for a transformation, to expand your business, increase production, and reduce reliance on labor, you should talk with one of our sales representatives to find out whether laser will be a good choice for you. Remember, a CO2 laser machine can process many other non-metal materials at the same time.
If you are one of them, and has the invest plan for cutting fabric machine. The automatic CO2 laser cutter will be your first choice. Waiting to be your reliable partner!
Fabric Laser Cutter for you to choose
Any confusions and questions for textile laser cutter, just inquire us at any time
Post time: Jan-06-2023