Hello,

I just received my Rabbit HX3040 and spend the last two days trying to cut felt (1/8"). Thing is: I get the laser to cut throught the felt, I also get the shapes right, but I always end up getting charred edges.
There are a few threads and websites discussing the possibiliy of lasercutting, but I couldn't reproduce any of their tactics. I also tried nearly all possible configurations - yet without success :(
If there is anybody here who could help out with some hints or ideas his help would be greatly appreciated.

Greetings,

Stefan

When we used to machine foam, we'd freeze it in a block of ice, then machine it before the ice melted. You could get pretty exact shapes and sizes that way.
You might give it a try.

Hey Dorsal,

thanks for your answer - I'll give it try!

Just noticed that people who seem to get good results with felt used a laser with air assist. Maybe this would do the trick for me?

Stefan,

I have a JSM-40 with NewlyDraw (similar system to the Rabbit).

The only clean cuts I have been able to get in 1/8" felt are using 2-pass, this allows a lower power which doesn't cause charring. I had power at ~2W (I'm not sure how accurate the pot is on this thing, but 1/2 turn) and using 2cm/s. It cut very nice, with the odd piece still connected by a thread or two but most fell right out.

You might also try adjusting the focus slightly 'off', I have found setting 2.5" (actual focus length is 2.25") works well on some materials (or it could just be the setup on my system).

To do 2-pass I just copy and paste the artwork back over itself, seems to work better than running the job twice.

Good luck!