Laser cutting rubber

Hey @lasertechs, does anyone have any experience cutting rubber in the realms of 5-10mm? Is it possible with our machine?
All videos showing cutting of rubber with the trotec produces some flame when the beam is running. Is this normal?
The handy setting guide suggests settings for 2.3mm rubber but If the material is thicker will multiple passes with the same settings produce results? All assistance welcomed.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Jonathan

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Hi Jonathan,

So I think others have cut rubber, someone engraved to make rubber stamps if i recall.

Personally i have no idea about the settings, but with a bit of trial and error it should be possible.

As with most materials, if you have to slow the speed down a lot (less then .5) then i have found it to cut better with a faster speed and two or more passes.

Let us know how you get on

It cuts easily but makes a mess laser safe rubber is different from normal rubber.

Trotec page:

https://www.troteclaser.com/en-gb/applications/rubber/

Aa ever knowing specifically what your material is is important.

And if you experiment make a note of your settings and results somewhere: very useful for all of us in the future.

PS. Lots of things flame a bit in the cutter, hence the importance of watching the cut.

Thanks all for the contributions.
I shall commence the testing soon and upload the results…

It’ll be interesting to know as I was thinking of making some stamps, also which suppliers you’ll be using! :grinning:

I’d like to make stamps as well. Another thing on the never-ending to-do list…

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Kind of off topic but according to the website the machine can cut fabric!
https://www.troteclaser.com/en-gb/applications/textiles/

And I believe so photo engraving too…

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Hey Jonathan,

I made some stamps a while back, I’ll try dig out the settings I used for the space and post.

@lasertechs there a section where we can post successful settings for laser cut jobs? If not let me know when your next in and we can have a session.

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In the #tools page for the cutter. It’s a wiki, so feel free to edit as you see fit :slight_smile:

Some feedback from initial testing…
The laser battles to penetrate rubber thicker than 4mm, I’ve tried numerous settings and speeds and even multiple passes don’t seem to help. Flaming occurs during the cutting process and even occurred when I tested cutting 2.3mm laser rubber. The laser rubber does produces less black residue in the cutting process.
Not sure how much difference it will make but the rubber I was cutting was pure rubber with about 60 shore.

I get the impression laser rubber isn’t real rubber tbf.