Tekstilna industrija (Jan 2019)
Textile finishing by laser
Abstract
Laser finishing is replacing many traditional textile decoration methods. Processing textile materials with laser through-cutting, kiss-cutting, engraving and marking are most often used decoration methods. During the last period of time fashionable are textiles with fully cut out different shapes. Laser kiss cutting is used to cut the top layer of a textile material. Different kind of multiple-layer embroideries, appliqués and labels are created using this method. During laser engraving, the material surface in certain places is melted and evaporated by the laser beam. Engraving is used in carpet and rug manufacturing, producing garments from textiles with low cut pile. During laser marking the laser beam only slightly alters material properties or appearance. The colour change of the treated material is widely used in denim finishing. Textiles of different origin differently react on laser treatment. Natural materials vaporize resulting in smooth edges. Cutting synthetic materials, laser beam melts material edges and with it protects them from frying. Processing by laser is more effective in cutting artificial fur, velcro, very light textiles and materials with intricate patterns.