The effect of laser engraving on aluminum foil-laminated denim fabric

Abstract

In this paper, a developed textile design method combining laser engraving and foil lamination was explored. With the foil laminating, the surface of denim fabric shows shinning effect. After that, the foil-laminated denim samples were treated with laser engraving by adjusting the parameters, including resolution (dots per inch, dpi) at 20, 30, 40 and 50 dpi and the pixel time (microsecond, μs) at 120 and 180 μs to melt and evaporate the aluminum foil and some surface fibers. The properties of the laser-engraved foil-laminated denim fabric, including weight, tearing strength, air resistance, surface observation, color appearance, colorfastness and abrasion resistance, and some low-stress mechanical properties, were investigated. The experimental results revealed that the changes in these properties are mainly related to the melted and evaporated surface laminated aluminum foil and different sizes of cracks, wrinkles and pores formed on the fiber surface with the increment of laser energy applied. This study also revealed the potential of pattern creation with different values and reflective appearance for the embellishment of denim fabric combining the aluminum foil laminating method through the laser engraving process. With lower resolutions, engraved vague patterns with small laser beam dots can be achieved. While the treatment resolution increased, clear patterns could be performed. Based on the same resolution, the higher pixel time can export more energy, which makes the pattern look more clearly. This design approach opens up new possibilities for metallic denim fabric design without any chemicals used.