T shirt experiments

Oh that’s nice, thanks for sharing the results of your testing! :grinning:

2 Likes

Interesting… I ordered one of the Seklema® mats - will have to try that.

1 Like

Very cool!

I’m glad you are layering this t-shirt with another. Those cutouts look like they might fall in critical coverage areas! :laughing:

4 Likes

Thank you for taking the time to set up parameters.

1 Like

Great job on the testing! Thank you for sharing your results.

Great description.

I wonder if cutting a t-shirt should be more like paper.

With paper, I found that cutting really just needs engrave at a higher power. Using the cutting laser just burns paper, but engraving at a higher power and/or slightly slower speed is just enough to nicely burn away the paper without charring or discoloration.

2 Likes

Seriously good info and the butterfly design looks brilliant!

@PlGHEADED, can you elaborate on what a Seklema mat is? I get that it’s sticky, but how does it survive the laser beam - is it strictly for low-power settings?

It’s “self-healing” like a cutting mat is for xacto knives.
From one web site’s description…
"The Seklema TableMat is a multi-purpose “tack-down” mat engineered for laser and computerized engraving machines, flat bed plotter/cutters, routers or any applications that require a non-clamp set-up method.

A usable two-sided design doubles the product life! Expect up to years of productive use with proper care and daily cleaning."
A bit pricey but will let ya know if it seems worth it !

@PlGHEADED, any updates on the Seklema TableMat?

I received it… haven’t used it yet… 2 50 hr weeks keeping me busy at work… will hopefully get to it maybe this coming up weekend try a project with cardstock or fabric… will keep updated when I do

If it’s a thicker t-shirt, or a thin hoodie, I’ve had success with 200/18, which will toast the edges a little, but cuts well.

Thanks for sharing your settings for cutting cotton knit!

The settings I used for a cotton t-shirt are 800 speed
20 power
It turned out great and doesn’t show any marking through the other side.

3 Likes

How does it hold up to washing?

It definitely fades out in the wash, unfortunately. Not sure what to do about that.

Hmm I’ve seen projects that use laser cut freezer paper to make a stencil on a shirt that can then be sprayed with dye or bleach to make a wash-proof image on a shirt….

There are also some dyes that are destroyed by a relatively light laser treatment. Maybe a dark shirt with a light colored design would lighten the shirt permanently, and be wash-proof?

1 Like

There we go.

3 Likes

try a polyester shirt :slight_smile: