The Thunder Laser engraving and cutting machine is an excellent choice for this task. Miss Sonia from Ready for Laser sent us some special rubber for laser engraving, and after testing with our Nova 35, we found it produces outstanding stamp quality. Let’s take a look at how it works.
1. Laser Engraving and Cutting Workflow for Rubber Stamps
The software used for laser engraving and cutting rubber stamps is LightBurn, which is fully compatible with Thunder Laser machines. To cut rubber, a CO2 laser cutter and a 50mm by 50mm piece of rubber are all you need, and the process only takes a few minutes.
Batch production is also supported. Simply copy the rubber stamp designs onto the LightBurn panel to produce multiple stamps at once.
However, please note that white debris may appear on the rubber surface after fabrication, so it’s important to clean it with a toothbrush.
You can also create a beautiful mermaid rubber stamp. Come and try it out!
2. Common Questions about Laser Engraving Rubber Stamps
As you begin laser engraving rubber stamps, there are several important considerations to ensure the best results. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about laser engraving rubber stamps, from design tips to troubleshooting.
2.1. What should be considered when laser engraving rubber stamps?
When designing stamp graphics, ensure that the design file has been mirrored; otherwise, the pattern will be imprinted in reverse. To achieve clear and clean impressions on paper, we need to set the ‘Ramp length’ in the LightBurn software to provide sturdy support for stamp pressing. Ramp length is generally set to 0.6mm.
2.2. How deep should laser engraving on rubber stamps be?
The laser engraving depth for rubber stamps should be set to 0.9 – 1.1 mm. Here are the setting parameters for Odin 32 55W:
Mode | Speed mm/s | Max power % | Mini power% | DPI | Bi-directional |
Engrave | 300 | 80 | 80 | 500 | One-Direction |
Cut | 10 | 70 | 30 | 500 | One-Direction |
2.3. Can I laser cut rubber?
Yes, lasers can cut rubber into various shapes, such as circles, rectangles, or other designs.
2.4. How to choose the right focusing lens for laser engraving rubber stamps?
For stamps with a lot of text and intricate details, it is recommended to use a 1.5″ focusing lens.
2.5. How to deal with harmful fumes produced during rubber cutting?
Laser processing of rubber produces odors and harmful fumes, so it is essential to have a robust dust extraction and purification system. The filtration system should also include activated carbon filters to remove odors. It is recommended to perform laser engraving in a top-down manner to prevent the accumulation of smoke and dust particles, which can affect engraving quality.
2.6. How to further improve production efficiency?
Laser engraving of rubber requires relatively high laser power to achieve a certain level of production efficiency. The higher the laser power, the faster the laser engraving speed.
2.7. How to clean engraved rubber?
After engraving, it is necessary to clean and tidy up the rubber material to remove residual laser dust and burrs. Cleaning can be done using a brush or cleaning cloth, followed by rinsing with water. Alternatively, an ultrasonic cleaning machine can be used for thorough cleaning.
Conclusion
Laser engraving and cutting rubber stamps is a simple, fast, and highly customizable process with the right tools. Whether you’re creating one-of-a-kind designs or producing stamps in batches, the Thunder Laser Nova 35 paired with LightBurn software offers both precision and efficiency. Ready to bring your creative stamp ideas to life? Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself.