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Machinery for Textiles

Many people think of the manufacturing industry having big bulky machines and drills, perhaps even lasers but that certainly is not always the case. Knitting machines and lace making machines are part of the manufacturing industry, for merely textile products of course. Knitting machines can quickly create loops out of yarn and it essentially mimics the way a person knits and completes the task at a much faster pace. However, a human still needs to operate it and use their skills to guarantee precision. Textile machinery can also include lace making machines, and they tend to be used to braid, loop, or thread the fabric. It’s quite an art and rather than a person spending days on an intricate textile product, it can be created in a fraction of time....

Understanding Cutting Technologies

Cutting technology is a necessary part of manufacturing a product, and an important consideration for businesses. As new cutting technologies come into play, the adaptation of them into your business will save time and money for years to come. This post looks at some of the current technologies and how understanding them can help your specific business requirements. Die Cutting and Water Jet Cutting From small, swing arm cutting presses to fully automated die cutting lines. Die cutting is a widely used method of automated cutting. For some applications however, water jet cutting or CNC knife cutting may be more appropriate, especially where shorter runs and enhanced versatility are required. These two types of cutting technology vary in several ways. Die cutting is a technology suited more for softer materials, such as leather,...

Focusing a Laser Cutting Beam

Laser cutting is carried out on a range of materials for many different purposes. While some of those functions have been discussed here, the specifics about how the laser beam itself is rarely discussed. So this post looks at just that, and how a laser cutting beam is focused. A special lens is used to focus a beam, additionally a curved mirror can be used, but it all takes place in the laser cutting head. The beam is precisely focused so that the shape of the focus spot and the density of the energy in that spot are perfectly round and consistent, whilst centred in the nozzle. Focusing the large beam down to a single pinpoint causes the heat density to increase to a high degree. Much like using a magnifying glass to focus...

Laser Cutting on Paper – Optical Detection Systems

Lasers are particularly suited for cutting the finest geometries with maximum precision and quality, which is something a cutting plotter is unable to do. Laser paper cutting machines not only allow for cutting even the most delicate paper constructions, but also the effortless engraving of logos or pictures. An effective way of making the most out of laser cutting is to use specialised accessories. Including an optical detection system. An optical detection system is a camera system, which allows refined cutting of printed products. With a camera system, the contours of printed materials are cut perfectly. Using this system, even flexible materials are cut as accurately as possible. No manual positioning is required, distortions in the impression are detected, and the cutting path is adapted automatically and appropriately. By combining the optical detection system with...

Laser Cutting Techniques and Methods

Laser cutting is an intricate and unique way of creating tactile items. Part of the uniqueness comes from the different techniques and methods that can be incorporated into the production process. This post looks to outline some of the processes that can be used to create a unique design. Masking Masking involves protecting areas of an engraving, so as to not induce a smoking effect on the engraving. Laser engraving causes smoke to form. This smoke can then stain the edges of the engraved surface. So to avoid this, masking tape is used. This creates a cleaner finish over all. Adjusting Pre-sets A laser cutter should have some suggested settings for cutting or engraving different materials and different thicknesses. You should also be able to load these settings into your computer or laser and save them as pre-sets. Adjusting the...