Cutting felt with a HX3040

[Stuckis]

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

[Dorsal]

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.

[Stuckis]

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?

[zax15uk]

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!