• 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?
Are you feeling a bit lost when it comes to choosing the perfect fabric cutting machine for your production needs? If you’re just diving into the world of fabric laser cutting, you might be wondering if a CO2 laser machine is the right fit for you.
Today, let’s shine a light on cutting textiles and flexible materials. It’s important to keep in mind that a laser cutter isn’t necessarily the best option for every industry. But if you weigh the pros and cons, you’ll find that a fabric laser cutter can be a fantastic tool for many. So, who exactly should consider this technology?
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
What about knife cutters? When it comes to fabric, leather, and other roll materials, many manufacturers often weigh the CNC Knife Cutting Machine against the CO2 laser cutting machine.
It’s important to understand that these two methods aren’t just opposites; they actually complement each other in the world of industrial production.
Some materials are best cut with knives, while others shine when using laser technology. That’s why you’ll typically find a variety of cutting tools in large factories. Each tool has its own strengths, making it essential to choose the right one for the job!
◼ Advantages of CNC Cutting
Cutting Multiple Layers of Fabric
When it comes to textiles, one of the standout benefits of a knife cutter is its ability to slice through multiple layers of fabric at once. This feature can significantly boost production efficiency! For factories churning out high volumes of clothing and home textiles daily—think OEMs for fast fashion giants like Zara and H&M—a CNC knife cutter is often the go-to choice. While cutting multiple layers can introduce some precision challenges, don’t worry! Many of these issues can be resolved during the sewing process.
Tackling Toxic Fabrics Like PVC
It’s also important to remember that some materials aren’t suitable for laser cutting. For instance, cutting PVC with a laser generates toxic fumes known as chlorine gas. In these cases, a CNC knife cutter is the safest and smartest option. Keeping safety and efficiency in mind will ensure you make the best choice for your production needs!
◼ Advantages of Laser Cutting
High-Quality Fabric Cutting
Now, let’s talk about laser cutting! What makes it an appealing option for fabrics? One of the biggest advantages is the heat treatment that comes with laser cutting.
This process seals the edges of certain materials, giving you a clean, smooth finish that’s easy to handle. It’s particularly beneficial for synthetic textiles like polyester.
Another perk of laser cutting is its contactless approach. Since the laser doesn’t physically touch the material, it won’t push or displace it during the cutting process. This allows for more intricate designs and precise details, making it a fantastic choice for textiles and leather alike. So, if you’re aiming for quality and precision, laser cutting might just be the way to go!
Fabrics that Require Fine Details
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 Laser & CNC Knife Cutter on One Machine?
A common question we hear from our customers is: “Can both tools be installed on one machine?” While it might sound convenient, here are two reasons why it’s not the best idea:
Vacuum System: The vacuum system on a knife cutter is designed to hold the fabric down with pressure, while on a laser cutter, it’s meant to exhaust the fumes generated during cutting. These systems serve different purposes and aren’t easily interchangeable. As we mentioned earlier, laser and knife cutters complement each other perfectly. You should choose to invest in one or the other based on your specific needs at the moment.
Conveyor Belt: Knife cutters typically have felt conveyors to prevent scratches between the cutting surface and the blades. However, using a laser would cut right through that felt! On the flip side, laser cutters often use mesh metal tables. If you tried to use a knife on that surface, you’d risk damaging both your tools and the conveyor belt.
In short, while having both tools on one machine might seem appealing, the practicalities just don’t add up! It’s better to stick with the right tool for the job.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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Post time: Jan-06-2023