Re: cutting fabric ?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "skykotech" <rick@...> wrote:

>
>
> >
> > Is it possible to laser cut fabric, or does it just set it on fire?
> >
> > Dave K
> >
>
> CO2 lasers cut fabric just fine. They don't set it on fire because
> there is nothing left to set on fire - they vaporize it. You can use
> an inert gas (like nitrogen) but sometimes just dry shop air will cut
> down on any charring. Just today I was laser cutting some posterboard
> and got the air pressure just right and had edges that were not even
> brown! Also, kinda cool that you can turn the power way down and
> lightly score fold lines in the posterboard..it makes me want to CAD
> up some complicated shapes or something :-)
>
> What type of fabric do you want to cut? I can try a piece out if it
> is something my wife happens to have.
>

My wife is 5'-10" and a size 8. she says she cannot find high waisted
dress pants in Rayon, anywhere. Jut finding 36" inseams is almost
impossible in womens clothes.

A friends girlfriend does sewing and has offered to make the pants,
but wanted a pattern.

Since my friend is making a CNC machine and I am always updating or
making another one, we got to thinking....

I did see a 30 watt Covad CO2 laser on e-bay about a year ago. lost it
as it went past $1,250.00 As i was to understand, it was complete so
I could mounted it on my Z and be done.

As for materials, her first choice is Rayon, but if this works, I
would probably want to do denim for pants and shirts for me as well.

Dave