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Laser Engraving Cloth - Can You Laser Engrave A Towel?
Have you ever tried laser engraving cloth or fabric? I know it sounds a bit like using a lightsaber to sign your jeans—maybe not the most practical autograph, but definitely one of the coolest. While the fact is, a desktop laser engraver can really do that, as long as you engrave cloth with the right laser and parameters. We take a towel in a barber shop as an example, to show you how to laser engrave cloth.
Can You Laser Engrave a Towel?
Yes, you bet—and the proof is in the video below. We’re using our newly released EM-Smart Dual SE, which packs both a 20W fiber and a 20W diode laser. That diode laser? It’s actually the secret sauce for great clothing laser engraving.
Actually in the past few years, people had tried laser engraving cloth with CO2 laser, and we have to recongnize that CO2 laser is the best laser for non-metallic laser engraving. And we write this blog to tell you that diode laser also has such kinds of ability.
Blue diode laser engraving works by using the laser's intense heat to locally dehydrate and carbonize the surface fibers of a towel (usually cotton). This changes the color of those areas, creating the design. On light-colored (especially white) towels, the carbonized black marks create the sharpest contrast, making the pattern appear most vivid and distinct.
Related Reading: Fiber laser vs Diode laser
How to Laser Engraving Cloth?
Common steps for laser engraving -- importing files, rearranging the area and setting the right parameters. Here we take a 20W tabletop laser engraver machine as an example, use the parameters below:
|
Laser Type |
Power |
Speed |
Frequency |
File Operation |
|
Diode Laser |
100% |
300mm/s |
20kHz |
Fill |
Here's the rngraving files:
If you would like to explore more laser cut files, we have blogs sharing lightburn files webs.
First import the png into your LightBurn software and size the engraving area. Then right click on the image, choose "trace image" and you can change the related datas for clear line. When it's done, click "ok" and you will find an extra layer on your right operation area, in which you can put the parameter above for a try.
Or you can change your png file into bitmap in LightBurn. Also right click the image and you'll find the "change into bitmap" choice. Then save the file as a svg file.
Extra Showcase
This isn't our first rodeo with laser engraving clothing. Just a few months back, we put some denim to the test—and let’s just say the denim shirt came out looking sharper than ever. Here's the evidence:
Can You Laser Engrave on Felt?
Yes, and not only felt. A diode laser can also work on more similar materials:
- Cotton: Natural cotton fabric is commonly used for laser engraving fabric due to its versatility and good absorption of laser energy.
- Polyester: Synthetic polyester fabric can also be laser engraved, offering vibrant and durable results. Some may ask, "Can you laser engrave on 100% polyester?" Yes, but it's important to use the right settings and do a test first.
- Denim: Denim fabric, known for its durability, can be engraved with intricate designs, perfect for personalized laser engraved clothing.
- Felt: Soft and pliable felt fabric can be engraved with precision, ideal for crafts.
- Silk: Delicate silk can be laser engraved to create intricate patterns, adding a luxurious touch.
- Linen: Linen fabric can be engraved with laser technology to create unique, customized designs.
What Else Can I do With a 20W Laser Engraver?
In this blog we talks about how can a laser engraver help in cloth designing. Let us back to our topic -- Can you laser engrave a towel? Now we get the answer, and the reason why I mentioned barber shop is because if you can laser engrave on a towel, you can engrave your own logos in that. With a laser engraved logo, you build your own brand with this small steps.
For people who prefer personalized clothing styling, laser engraving provides you a new way out. Much people would like to be different, and such ideas do not hide in stores or online shops, they lie in our minds and ideas. You can even design your own jewerly with a dekstop laser machine.
And for people who like embroidery, you can first engrave the outline with a diode laser, then use an embroidery machine to finish the work. This new idea came to me when I saw my mom drawing her designs on fabric before embroidering.
FAQs
Is nylon safe to laser engrave?
It depends. For solid nylon, like any plastic, the high-temperature laser causes thermal decomposition, releasing harmful fumes and particles. These fumes are hazardous if inhaled, so ensure proper ventilation. For nylon fabric, the laser heat melts the fibers instead of carbonizing them, which risks burning, warping, or creating holes in the material.
Can laser cut cloth?
Yes, but it's not recommended. Except for UV lasers, common fiber, diode, and CO2 lasers all involve thermal processes. Prolonged exposure can cause the cloth to burn, but operating at low power, high speed, and with multiple passes might work. CO2 lasers are suggested for experimentation. In short, unless necessary, let's just use scissors.
Conclusion
Easy to find your material, I mean, just grab your towels and mark something on it, names, fruits, or your artist souls. DO NOT USE FIBER for laser engraving cloth! Please remember it! Desktop lasers may adds more fun into your daily life, from engraved towels to custom laser engraved clothing, it provides a durable, unique touch. Give it a try and start creating what truly represents you.
