Processing Trotec’s LaserPaper products
LaserPaper Wood, Synthetic & Colors
Trotec’s LaserPaper is a line of laser-friendly paper products which produce outstanding results when laser cut and laser engraved. This line of laserable materials has been engineered to produce a high level of color contrast when laser engraved and a crisp, clean edge when laser cut.
In order to receive the best laser processing results, follow our tips & tricks.
LaserPaper Wood consists of a thin layer of wood with a white paper material as the base, which creates an optimal combination of wood and paper. Advantages such as a natural wood grain appearance with processing properties of paper, flexibility, and high-quality printing performance are achieved within this product line.
When processing LaserPaper Wood, start with selecting the recommended wood or paper settings within the laser software. For engraving purposes use low DPI (333-500) and approximately 1000 Hz when cutting the material. This line of laser-friendly paper can also be perforated or scored using the provided settings. To produce a greater level of color contrast engraving, increase the Z-offset. Reducing the speed of the laser will also produce high-contrast results.
Printing on LaserPaper Wood
In addition to high-contrast engraving and crisp, clean cutting results, LaserPaper Wood can also accommodate high-quality printing. Printing on this line of paper materials is quick and easy! Just select the correct paper thickness from any office printer.
The LaserPaper Synthetic product line is a polyester based material that provides maximum strength and longevity with excellent laser cutting properties. LaserPaper Synthetic products are UV-resistant and waterproof.
LaserPaper Synthetic products can only accommodate laser cutting techniques. To achieve high-quality cutting results, use a 1.5" or 2" lens, the small nose cone and turn on the Air Assist function. This laser-friendly material can be cut with approximately 2000 Hz. To achieve a crisp, clean cut edge, adjusting the Hz to the cutting speed is recommended. If cutting the material at a slow speed (0.1-2%), a Hz level of 1000 will be sufficient. However, if cutting the material at 3% speed and 1000 Hz, individual pulses from the laser source may be visible. If this occurs, it is recommended to increase the frequency to 5000 Hz.
Printing on LaserPaper Synthetic
The white LaserPaper Synthetic option can accommodate high-quality printing. Any office printer can be used as long as the proper paper thickness settings are selected. The transparent LaserPaper Synthetic option cannot be used for printing purposes because the ink does not adhere to the material.
The LaserPaper Colors product line consists of a wide variety of paper options in various colors and thicknesses. This line of laser-friendly paper does not fade and is foldable and bendable, which makes it perfectly suited for laser processing. When laser processing the LaserPaper Color line, the individual color pigments are bleached and colored in again. Depending on the color of the paper being processed, engraving results ranging from whitish to dark brown can be achieved.
Light engraving on dark paper: Partially bleaching the paper product will allow for a light colored engraving on the material. Bleaching the paper is achieved through using a low laser power setting and no Z-offset.
Dark engraving on light paper: Adjusting the laser settings to reflect a resolution of 333-500 DPI and setting the Z-offset will produce a dark engraving on light paper products. Reducing the speed of the laser will allow for a higher level of contrast.
Marking a hairline: Using a low-performance parameter, a hairline can be drawn. Although the parameter is defined as "cutting," select a low power setting and the Z-offset to achieve a unique color change result.
Scoring: Creating a controlled fold mark with the LaserPaper line is possible by inserting a hairline in an RGB color within the graphic. Assign the "cutting" function to this color in the parameter database. When setting this parameter, be sure to adjust power settings to a low-moderate range. This will result in a scored and bendable material.
Cutting: When cutting the LaserPaper Colors line, adjust the frequency to 1000 Hz and activate the Air Assist function. Use caution with very fine cuts because the air pressure can force pieces to move, which can cause errors. In this case, deactivate the Air Assist function or, if possible, adjust to a lower setting. The lens can be protected from powder deposits in this case by using the small nose cone.