Page 185 - Industrial Cutting of Textile Materials

172 Industrial Cutting of Textile Materials

10.8.3.1 Single-head integrated lasers

In this case, a laser cutter is fixed to a single-head embroidery machine to perform
the work process together with it. There are two types of single-head embroidery
laser machines – integrated add-on lasers and all-in-one embroidery machines/laser
units.

Integrated add-on lasers
They are laser cutters that can be attached to any model of embroidery machine. They
use the embroidery machine's frame (or pantograph) to move the laser beam creating
the image. Usually, the laser beam delivery system is attached next to the first needle
of the machine. When the first needle is activated, the laser works instead of the nee-
dle. The speed of this type of laser is limited to the speed of the embroidery machine.
The laser can cut only within the sewing area of an embroidery hoop (frame). This
kind of laser cutters typically has 25–30 W power. They are ideal for workshops to get
attached to an existing single-head embroidery machine. They can be used to process
the common apparel fabrics, fleece, and ready T-shirts.

All-in-one embroidery machine/laser units
This kind of laser cutters are fixed to the certain embroidery machine. They cannot
be detached and reattached to another machine. The advantage of these machines,
comparing with the previous type, is the much higher cutting speed. This is obtained
by redesigning the pantograph or moving the laser by the machine's motor, not by the
pantograph. The lasers have 10–50 W power. Some manufacturers offer a two-head
machine with a laser built into both heads.

10.8.3.2 Standalone lasers
Standalone lasers are independent units that are not connected to any embroidery ma-
chine and can be positioned in any facility. There are two types of standalone lasers,
plotters and galvanometric lasers.

Plotters
Laser plotters (gantry laser systems, see Sections 10.2.2.1 and 10.5) are used to
cut, engrave, and mark simple shapes in large quantities (e.g. labels and stickers).
Servomotors of the plotter are moving the laser cutting head in X and Y directions. Z-
axis movement can be used to raise and lower the cutting head and process different
thickness materials. Two work surfaces can be used to increase productivity. While the
first is in the process, the next frame is prepared for cutting. Rolled materials can be
processed using a special roll-feeder unit, placed next to the plotter.

Galvanometric lasers
Single galvanometric laser (see Section 10.2.2.2) can be placed close to one or more
embroidery machines. The operator has to move the hoop from the embroidery ma-
chine to the laser unit to do laser cutting. After it, he can return the hoop back to the