How does laser cutting and laser engraving of paper work?
Lasers are particularly well suited for realizing even the finest geometries with maximum precision and quality. A cutting plotter cannot fulfill these requirements. Laser paper cutting machines not only allow for cutting even the most delicate paper forms, but also engraving logos or pictures can be implemented effortlessly.
Does the paper burn during laser cutting?
Equally as wood, which has a similar chemical composition, paper is evaporated suddenly, which is called sublimation. In the area of the cutting clearance, the paper escapes in gaseous form, which is visible in the form smoke, at a high rate. This smoke transports the heat away from the paper. Therefore, the thermal load on the paper near the cutting clearance is relatively low. This aspect is exactly what makes laser cutting of paper so interesting: The material will have no smoke residues or burnt edges, even for the finest contours.
Do I require special accessories for laser cutting of paper?
An optical detection system is the ideal partner if you wish to refine your printed products. With the camera system i-cut®, the contours of printed materials are cut perfectly. In this manner, even flexible materials are cut absolutely accurately. No time-consuming positioning is required, distortions in the impression are detected, and the cutting path is adapted dynamically. By combining the optical registration mark detection system with a laser cutting machine from Trotec, you can save up to 30% in process costs.
Do I have to fixate the material on the working surface?
No, not manually. To achieve optimal cutting results, we recommend the use of a vacuum table. Thin or corrugated materials, such as e. g. cardboard, are thus positioned flat on the working table. The laser does not exert any pressure on the material during the process, clamping or any other type of fixation is therefore not required. This saves time and money during the preparation of the material and, last but not least, prevents crushing of the material. Thanks to these benefits, the laser is the perfect cutting machine for paper.
