Laser cutting | Trotec Laser

What can I make by laser cutting?

A laser cutter can be used to create detailed architectural models or to refine paper. Laser cutting is also a popular manufacturing process when cutting large-format materials or technical textiles – for example, when cutting car seats or interior linings. The versatility of laser cutting is helpful in the packaging sector, as you can easily and flexibly perforate, groove or score paper or cardboard.

Acrylic award with clear laser cut edges.

Laser cutting wooden puzzle.

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What can I design and produce with laser cutting?

In addition to cutting applications, lasers can also engrave and mark a wide range of materials and products including awards and trophies, signs and displays, industrial part marking, personalisation, medical equipment, architectural models, stamp production and much more.

Laser cutters are therefore a popular choice for many industries, in which the combination of laser cutting, laser engraving and marking enables the development of new products and thus an expansion of the business.

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a thermal separation process. When the laser beam hits the surface of the material, the material is heated so strongly that it melts or is completely vaporised. Once the laser beam has penetrated the material and perforated it at one point, the actual cutting process begins. The laser cutter moves along the specified geometry and cuts through the material. Depending on the application, the result can be positively influenced with the help of process gases.

What are the fields of application for laser cutting?

When laser cutting acrylic, you get a crystal-clear cut edge, while with textiles, the edge is sealed by the heat of the laser beam. The areas of application range from creative applications to cutting large-format materials such as acrylic sheets or foils:

Advertising technology and digital printing: Merchandise and POS displays,neon signs and advertising signs or acrylic letters are produced with crystal-clear cut edges
Creative sector: Toys, puzzles, craft supplies made of wood
Fashion, design & handicraft: Natural leather, artificial leather, cotton, linen, felt can be cut to create clothing, jewellery, decorations and more
Packaging industry – paper (e.g. printed materials)
Architectural model making
Electronics industry: Laser cutting of foils and membrane keyboards made of plastic such as polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide

What is the best laser cutting machine for you?

Different machines are available depending on the field of application.

Large-format laser cutting machine: SP-xP Series

The SP-xP Series laser cutters are the comprehensive solution for cutting large-format materials. Fast and reliable laser cutting for signage and display, furniture and interior design or films and foil cutting.

High-performance laser engraver and cutter: Speedy series

The fastest laser engraver on the market helps you make your daily work more profitable. Whether you are just starting your business or want to increase your production capacity.

Laser cutting is easy with the right software.

The laser software Ruby® makes working with the laser easier and faster. Easily create designs, graphics, photo and text elements. Adjustments can be made quickly with the integrated workflow. You can switch between the “design” and “preparation” steps at any time in software that is both a graphics and a laser program. With all the graphics tools that laser users need. The Ruby laser software enables direct file import of pdf, svg, png, etc. These functionalities halve the time from the idea to the finished product. Without costs for additional software packages.

Interested in a laser cutter?
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Which materials are suitable for laser cutting?

Laser cutting is suitable for plastics (acrylic, polyamide, etc.), organic materials (such as wood, paper, leather, food) and metal foils.
The following table gives an overview of the materials for laser cutting:

Select material

Solid wood
Veneered wood
MDF
Paper
Felt (synthetic)
Foam
Leather
Cork
Cast acrylic

The advantages of laser cutting.

Why are lasers used for cutting?

Application for numerous materials

No other technology can cut so many different types of organic and inorganic materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, textiles, paper, metal, stone, etc.

No post processing is necessary

Laser is a separation process in which no post processing is necessary in many cases. It even seals the edges of textiles such as synthetics or carpet, so that no unraveling starts. This saves post-processing procedures, such as mechanical sealing or sanding, depending on the type of material being processed.

Precise cutting and with the finest geometries (in the tenths range)

The resulting kerf is barely larger than the laser beam itself. This makes it possible to cut very fine geometries of any shape. In addition, integrated cameras (JobControl Vision) can create registration marks and automatically compensate for the cutting path - even if the original template gets out of alignment, turned or distorted.

No tool wear

Laser cutting machines are not subject to wear, for example, tool heads do not become dull. That saves costs in ongoing operation.

Why laser cutting is profitable.

Laser cutting is significantly cheaper than other cutting techniques. Compared to milling, there are no time-consuming or costly production steps. The acquisition costs of a laser cutter are amortised over the course of a year.

Comparison: Milling machine with laser
Gross profit using a laser

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From the idea to the product with laser technology.

The ideal tool for prototyping and digital manufacturing.

FabLabs, Maker Spaces, schools and universities use lasers for model making, industrial design, prototyping and many other DIY ideas. The incredible and inspirational design possibilities offered by laser technology are also ideal for all types of art and design projects: Laser machines are used to process a variety of different materials such as MDF, cardboard, or polystyrene. Laser technology gives users complete freedom in the development and implementation of all their ideas. Laser cutting in combination with laser engraving enables creative minds to create inspiring designs in just a few process steps.

Inspiration: Sample templates for laser cutting.

We offer a selection of laser samples that have been cut, engraved or marked with Trotec laser machines in the sample selection.
All samples are described in detail, complete with instructions and file templates that you can use straight away.

Laser samples with instructions and file templates

Interested in a laser cutter?
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