laser cutter.

PROJECT ABSTRACT

In the textile world the laser cutter is primarily used as a pattern maker by only cutting out shapes. It is not often seen as a machine that can be used to transform the material itself. In my work I used the laser to construct patterns on the textiles itself rather than using the standard settings. I approached the input file as a way to create more fluid, dynamic gradients and lines. Normally a laser is operated by standard settings but they are also able to interpret graphical files. By using and playin with the input graphics as a way to push the fluidity and dynamic nature of how the laser works, I achieved a result that is not associated with standard cutting or engraving and added new qualities to the material.

- How do I manipulate the depth spectrum of a fabric by the use of graphic files and therefore work around the standard ways of laser cutting?

- What is the potential of creating something new by using a subtracted process and it being an additive product of a material that is normally created by the a main fabric technique like knitting or weaving?

central questions.

key experiments.

- Experimenting with the input file, each gradient, line and opacity gives a different outcome. By experimenting with these factors it taught me more about the power of the laser.

- Interfering with fabric mixtures that nowadays contain a lot of plastics in them. With this experiment I gained knowledge about the different melting points and the influence of the z-ax of the laser.

- The product shouldn't straight away reveal that it's made with a laser cutter but rather show the possibilities after you take a closer look.

- It needs to be an ambient product and have an effect on a space but not doesn't need to be primary

- My product should have a strong graphic element in it, since it was created with it.

- The constructed fabric needs to be transparent into a certain degree

design
criteria.

relevance.

With this project I explored the many possibilities the laser has to offer. Going around the standard way of only cutting or not cutting. The thing that is most important is the input file. Prepare the making of textile utilizing new patterns and new qualities of the material. We can radically change the outcomes by only changing the input files and open up to new sources of fabric.