Laser cut
A print finishing process that involves the use of a laser to cut shapes into the stock. Laser cutting is similar to die cutting but it can produce more intricate shapes with a cleaner edge. Faster set up times also mean that a quick job turnaround is possible. However, the heat of the laser can burn the cut edge.
The word laser is an acronym the stand for 'light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation', there are three main types of lasers used; CO2, Nd and Nd-YAG, but CO2 lasers are the most popular within the design industry due to their efficiency and high power output.
The power and speed of the laser can be adjusted to produce different depths of cuts, for example setting the laser to a high power and a slow speed will result in a deeper cut than setting the machine to a low power and high speed. The computer automatically adjusts the laser cutter for you depending on what cut you select. There are four different cut methods;
Cut through- this setting cuts completely through the material.
Engrave- this engraves a thick line around the selection.
Kiss Cut- this also carves a line around the select, this time being much more subtle.
Raster- this burns out the inside of the selection by cutting individual lines.
Engrave- this engraves a thick line around the selection.
Kiss Cut- this also carves a line around the select, this time being much more subtle.
Raster- this burns out the inside of the selection by cutting individual lines.