Laser cutting and CNC knife cutting are two different technologies that clients often confuse. Both cut parts from fabric precisely, but each has its own limits, costs and typical applications. This article explains the differences from our experience with the Bullmer cutter and from watching the market.
Laser cutting – strengths and weaknesses
A laser cuts a single ply of synthetic fabric while sealing the edge, which removes the need to overlock. It works excellently for openwork patterns, logos cut into fabric and perforations. The drawbacks: it does not cut stacks of plies, it generates fumes and needs strong extraction, it cannot handle natural materials – cotton scorches – and it cannot handle most PVC-coated fabrics, which give off toxic fumes.
CNC knife cutting – strengths and weaknesses
A CNC knife such as our Bullmer cuts many plies at once and practically any material, including natural, technical and coated fabrics. It gives higher output on production series and a lower unit cost. The drawbacks: it does not seal the edge, so a further finish is needed, and it cannot cut very fine detail below around one millimetre.
What to choose for your product
- Single pieces with openwork detail: laser.
- Series production of clothing, rucksacks, tarpaulins, upholstery: CNC knife.
- PVC-coated or cotton fabrics: always CNC knife.
- Thin synthetics in a complicated shape, small series: laser.
At PRO Clo, for series and contract production we almost always recommend CNC – edge quality we solve with the right seam or by overlocking.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a fabric laser in house?
No. We specialise in CNC knife cutting with the Bullmer, which is more versatile for series production. Clients who need a laser – for openwork patterns or synthetics with a sealed edge – we point to trusted laser partners in Poland.
Which is cheaper, laser or CNC knife?
For production series clearly the CNC knife, because it cuts many plies at once. For single pieces with openwork detail, the laser. For most clothing and technical production CNC is three to ten times cheaper per piece.
Which materials cannot be laser cut?
Cotton scorches, PVC-coated fabrics give off toxic fumes, flame-retardant treatments degrade, and most natural materials do not take it. For these, choose the CNC knife.
We will advise on the technology
Send a material sample and your product idea – we will recommend the cheapest and fastest route to production. info@proclo.eu