* General guide only, there are many crossovers and caveats, please contact us for more details.
About
Cutting and Laser Engraving Silicone
Silicone, a versatile material that has revolutionised countless industries, is known for its unique properties and wide range of applications. From the medical field to construction, electronics to personal care, silicone has become an indispensable material due to its exceptional characteristics and versatility. Let’s delve into this unique material’s properties and find out how laser cutting and laser engraving silicone has transformed a wide range of sectors…
Key Characteristics
Properties of Silicone
Silicone is a synthetic polymer composed of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. Its molecular structure gives silicone its distinctive properties, making it stand out among other materials. Let’s explore some of its key characteristics…
Temperature Resistance
Silicone exhibits excellent thermal stability and can withstand extreme temperature ranges. It remains flexible and functional in temperatures ranging from -100°C to 300°C, making it ideal for applications requiring high or low-temperature resistance.
Flexibility and Elasticity
Silicone is highly flexible and elastic, allowing it to be easily moulded into various shapes and sizes. This property makes it suitable for applications requiring stretchability, such as medical devices and gaskets.
Biocompatibility
Medical and healthcare industries benefit greatly from silicone’s biocompatible nature. It is non-toxic and does not cause allergic reactions, making it suitable for medical implants, prosthetics, and wearable medical devices.
Cutting & Engraving
The Process
Laser engraving silicone involves using a high-powered laser beam to remove a thin layer of the silicone material. The laser’s heat causes localised melting and vaporisation, resulting in precise and permanent etchings. This process enables the creation of intricate designs, text, and even 3D effects on silicone surfaces.
Laser cutting silicone involves using a high-powered laser beam to create precise cuts on silicone sheets, moulds, or 3D objects. The laser beam melts and vaporises the silicone along the cutting path, resulting in clean and accurate edges.
Typical Uses
Cutting and Laser Engraving Silicone
Promotional and Branding Products
Laser-engraved silicone wristbands, keychains, and phone cases offer an innovative way to showcase logos, slogans, or personalised messages for promotional and branding purposes.
Medical and Healthcare Devices
Silicone is widely used in the medical field due to its biocompatibility. Laser engraving allows for the precise marking of medical devices, such as catheters, implants, and surgical instruments, ensuring accurate identification and traceability.
Fashion and Accessories
Laser-engraved silicone bracelets, watch straps, and jewellery offer a unique and stylish appeal. Intricate patterns, names, or symbols can be engraved, making each piece one-of-a-kind.
Industrial Applications
Laser engraving on silicone is employed in industries where silicone components require identification or branding. It provides clear and permanent markings on silicone seals, gaskets, and connectors, aiding in product recognition and quality control. Furthermore, laser cutting is also commonly used in industries where silicone components require precise and accurate cutting. This includes gaskets, seals, O-rings, and custom-shaped silicone parts used in machinery, electronics, and automotive applications.
the benefits
Cutting and Laser Engraving Silicone
Durability
Silicone is known for its resilience and resistance to wear and tear. Laser engraving adds a durable and long-lasting dimension to silicone products without compromising their inherent properties.
Precision and Detail
Laser engraving allows for incredibly fine details and intricate patterns. The laser beam can achieve precise cuts and engravings, enabling the reproduction of complex designs accurately.
Customisation
Laser engraving on silicone opens up a world of customisation. Whether it’s personalised gifts, promotional items, or branding materials, laser-engraved silicone products offer a unique touch that sets them apart.
Non-toxic and Safe
Laser engraving on silicone is a non-toxic process, as it does not require the use of additional chemicals or inks. This makes it safe for various applications, including medical devices, food-grade products, and children’s items.
Clean and Sealed Edges
Laser cutting on silicone produces clean edges without the need for additional finishing processes. The heat from the laser melts the silicone, sealing the edges and preventing fraying or unravelling.
Speed and Efficiency
Laser cutting is a fast and efficient process, especially for cutting intricate designs. It eliminates the need for manual cutting or using traditional cutting tools, saving time and increasing productivity.
MACHINE
Recommendations
At Lotus Laser Systems we manufacture a wide range laser marking and engraving solutions ideally configured for laser cutting and laser engraving silicone. From UV to CO2, our experts would be happy to recommend which configuration best suits your application.
As one of the first commercially available UV laser marking machines, the Meta-C UV is able to mark practically anything. Designed to serve the commercial and industrial sectors, built with our time-tested Meta-C chassis, with a projected working life of over 15 years.
| Beam Delivery | Laser Type | Power (W) |
| 3D (3-Axis) | Ultraviolet | 5-15 |
Built for etching and engraving at speed, the Meta-C CO2 laser etching machine is a different beast to our Blu systems, built within the Gen7 Meta-C chassis, this 3D (3-Axis) Galvo CO2 laser source is extremely accurate and comes in a wide range of power options.
| Beam Delivery | Laser Type | Power (W) |
| 3D (3-Axis) | CO2 | 60-80W |
With more than twice the power commonly found in this size of laser cutter, the Blu70 delivers twice the cutting speed and cuts thicker materials more safely. Built to be the cost-effective and flexible solution for business and education alike.
| Work Area | Laser Type | Power (W) |
| 700mm x 500mm | CO2 | 60 |
Trusted and loved by thousands of businesses, including:
