So this is my first post, though I have owned my GF Pro since 2019.
I have recently been experimenting with laser-friendly “vinyl” (aka. polyethylene PE aka. “Laser-Safe” vinyl) materials determining whether my 40W GF Pro can do as good (or better/faster) job than what I can cut-out with say a plotting machine (Cricut, Silhouette, Graphtec, etc.). Having not seeing anyone in this forum tackle Brick 600 material, thought I’d throw my results and findings out there for feedback.
Recently I decided I liked the look folks were getting on shirts and hats from using Siser’s (brand) Brick 600 Heat transfer Vinyl (again, product made primarily from polyethylene or PE).I have included a screen shot from Siser’s website noting they consider it “Laser Safe”, though clearly NOT a certified GF material.
So getting right to it, my best results came from using the following settings:
40W GF Pro
Speed: 490
Power: 75
These settings seem to provide more than enough power to cut through the working material, but not enough to cut through the transfer film underneath the working material. This makes for easier time weeding. See example before and after weeding:
Additionally, I have not seen this material become discolored on the edges from the laser. so I have not found masking to be necessary (also, masking may interfere with the heat-activated adhesive material (dull colored side) that needs to be upward facing when cutting. Also, you’ll want to consider mirroring (flipping) your design (as applicable) before cutting as with most heat transfer vinyl projects. Most of the designs appearing in my sample photos are uni-directional.
Here are a few pics of some hats I did for my son (lover of classic cartoons and video games like his old man). For those looking to apply Brick 600 to hats like this I recommend doing a quick YT search for “Brick 600 Hat press”. there are at least two or three great vids on this topic.
Brick 600 was applied to the hats in the photos below using a Hotronics 360 IQ Hat Heat Press. This is an amazing heat press really, but to apply Brick 600 you do NOT need to use the heated lower-platen feature of the 360 IQ (standard heat presses with upper heat only will work just fine).
Thanks for your time and let me know if you have any questions.