Precision cutting of rubber-coated canvas with CO2 lasers
About Optica
13 December 2024
Precision cutting of rubber-coated canvas with CO2 lasers
Rubber-coated canvas is an industrial fabric made by coating base fabrics, like polyester or nylon, with rubber compounds such as synthetic rubbers (e.g., SBR, neoprene) or natural latex. This process improves abrasion resistance, fatigue resistance, tear strength, and water/chemical resistance. Depending on the materials and weaving patterns, it can be classified into EP, NN, PE, and PP canvas.
Primary applications:
- Conveyor belt cores: Used in mines, ports, power plants, and steel mills.
- Rubber products: V-belts, rubber hoses, elevator belts, rubber tracks, etc.
- Construction/outdoor: Includes vehicle covers, tarps, and temporary storage setups.
- Specialised uses: Railway buffer pads, subsea pipelines, oil tanks, tow straps, and lifting slings.
Luxinar’s OEM series of sealed CO2 lasers with powers ranging from 600 to 1000W have successfully cut rubber-coated canvas of varying fibre densities and thicknesses between 0.6 and 2.15mm. The base fabrics can be woven from polyester or nylon warp and weft threads. Cutting along the weft direction is generally easier than along the warp. As material thickness increases, higher laser power is required to achieve adequate cutting speed and quality.
With warp and weft speeds typically varying from 18 to 80m/min, depending on material type and thickness, CO2 laser cutting achieves an excellent edge quality. The edges are smooth, well-sealed, and resistant to wear, with no signs of fraying, discoloration, or scorching.
About Luxinar
At Luxinar, we have a singular focus: developing laser technology to enhance our world.
Like a laser that channels light into a single, powerful beam, we focus on improving the lives of our customers. This allows us to create solutions to meet every single challenge – from heavy industry to delicate, high precision applications. We support the laser technologies of yesterday, focus on today’s and pioneer those of tomorrow.
Luxinar has been at the forefront of laser technology for over 25 years and is a leading manufacturer of industrial laser sources. To date, we have an installed base of over 25000 lasers worldwide in industrial applications environments.
Luxinar Ltd
Meadow Road
Bridgehead Business Park
Kingston Upon Hull
HU13 0DG, UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1482 650088
Joanna Houldridge
+44 (0)1482 650088
