Laminates

TroLase - the all-rounder engraving material

Learn more about how to use our Trotec laminates in the most ideal way, to achieve flawless results in this Tips and Tricks post. We also provide you with tested laser parameters for the engraving material.

Which applications can be perfectly realised with TroLase?

Create any kind of sign

Laminates are ideal for creating all sorts of signage. When the top layer of the laminate is removed by the laser cutter, the bottom coloured layer appears. By doing this, both colors stand out from each other and the engraving is then visible. Combining numerous laminates on top of each other, is also a great idea for creating special effects and personalising your sign. There’s no limits to the creativity of your design! For example, try creating a name tag from TroLase. Watch this application video for inspiration.

Easy creation with two-toned stickers

Contrasting stickers can be easily created by processing TroLase Foils and Thins. This happens through the so-called kiss-cut in which the upper adhesive foil is cut but the layer underneath is not. The top layer is thus “kissed” by the laser beam but not separated. This allows the sticker to be quickly and easily pulled off, the adhesive foil is protected and the sticker adheres perfectly to the surface where it is applied.

Processing and application information for TroLase materials

Selecting the correct table

Optimum processing of engraving material starts with the careful choice of the correct table. We advise using the aluminum grid table or the acrylic cutting grid table. To optimize the vacuum, simply cover the remaining open surfaces. This ensures the laminate remains in the right place during laser engraving.

Engraving direction

Engraving laser materials from bottom to top is strongly advised considering the exhaust hose is above (in back of) the machine. It helps ensure that the already lasered areas remain clean and the core layer is not discolored. This is especially relevant when processing laminates with a light carrier layer and dark cover layer.

Resolution from 500 dpi

Selecting the correct resolution is also incredibly important for the best results with material. Graphics and processing time also playing an crucial role. For processing TroLase, a medium resolution of 500 dpi is recommend for achieving optimal results. It allows the finer details in the workpiece to be engraved. However, don’t forget: the higher the resolution, the longer the processing time.

Use the 2” lens

Our experts recommend the 2” lens for engraving laminates. Using this lens allows for intricate, delicate details in the workpiece to be processed, as well as to engrave large surfaces in excellent quality. The reason behind this is that the universal lens has a broader focal length but is still small enough to engrave the details. Thicker laminates can also be cut with this focus length.

Laser engraving and cutting with short nozzle

Use the large nozzle

For processing TroLase, use the large nozzle. That makes a weaker dose of Air Assist so that the freshly melted material doesn’t cool off too fast. If the Air Assist is too strong, the engraving takes on a light gray effect. A moderate Air Assist is also necessary for the life span of the lens since smaller dirt particles do not reach the lens on the air flow.

Laser engraving for large surfaces: De-focusing recommended

For laser engraving large surface areas with lasers, intentional de-focusing is generally more well-suited, than processing the material “in focus”. Adjust the z offset to between 2 and 7 mm, depending on the power of your laser engraving machine and the graphics, to achieve a more consistent finished product. By de-focusing, the notches are eliminated and the final product has a smoother surface. The lens also plays an important part: for large surfaces, it is better to use lenses with larger focal lengths. For intricate details (e.g., a 4 point font), we recommend not using any z offset.

Cleaning the material

Generally speaking: if the parameters are ideally set, minimal cleaning should be needed. Most often, you could simply use a damp cloth to wipe off the smolder, since only minimal residues are created. If the residues are slightly more excessive, and are unexpectedly visible on the product, we advise cleaning using an alcohol-free cleaner. After cleaning, nothing else should keep you from brilliant end results.

Determining the ideal laser parameters

Our experts have tested and collected the ideal parameters for processing TroLase materials. Achieve flawless results with our laminates using your laser engraver.

To the laser parameters

We recommend the grayscale matrix for determining the laser parameters for new materials and product groups. This will easily allow you to find the best suited parameters.

Tips & Tricks: Grayscale matrix

TroLase laminates are ideal for interior and exterior applications, for individualising and personalising.

TroLase laminates are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The materials can be easily individualised and personalised. We offer single or multi-layered laser materials, a wide variety of colors and a selection of material thicknesses. They are also available with self-adhesive reverse sides and special textured surfaces suitable for applications in challenging environments. Discover the diverse world of the TroLase product family.

TroLase laser material