A CO2 laser achieves an excellent edge quality when cutting rubber-coated canvas
Rubber-coated canvas is an industrial fabric made by coating base fabrics, like polyester or nylon, with rubber compounds such as synthetic rubbers (e.g., SBR, neoprene) or natural latex. This process improves abrasion resistance, fatigue resistance, tear strength, and water/chemical resistance. Depending on the materials and weaving patterns, it can be classified into EP, NN, PE, and PP canvas.
Primary applications:
- Conveyor belt cores: Used in mines, ports, power plants, and steel mills.
- Rubber products: V-belts, rubber hoses, elevator belts, rubber tracks, etc.
- Construction/outdoor: Includes vehicle covers, tarps, and temporary storage setups.
- Specialised uses: Railway buffer pads, subsea pipelines, oil tanks, tow straps, and lifting slings.
Luxinar’s OEM series of sealed CO2 lasers with powers ranging from 600 to 1000W have successfully cut rubber-coated canvas of varying fibre densities and thicknesses between 0.6 and 2.15mm. The base fabrics can be woven from polyester or nylon warp and weft threads. Cutting along the weft direction is generally easier than along the warp. As material thickness increases, higher laser power is required to achieve adequate cutting speed and quality.
With warp and weft speeds typically varying from 18 to 80m/min, depending on material type and thickness, CO2 laser cutting achieves an excellent edge quality. The edges are smooth, well-sealed, and resistant to wear, with no signs of fraying, discoloration, or scorching.