Technique

Laser cutting

The laser cutting machine in the TextielLab can be used to cut or engrave various materials with a high degree of precision. The technique has a different effect on different materials.

Technique
An intense beam of light is used to cut or engrave fabrics and other materials. Every material reacts differently to the technique. Bring along your own materials and learn by experimenting. Laser technology is mainly used in fashion, interior design and product applications.

Laser cutting machine
The TextielLab uses a laser cutting machine made by BRM Lasers. This produces a laser beam with a diameter of 0.1 mm. The machine has a working surface of 100 x 160 cm, but a larger area can be covered by moving the fabric.

Working in the TextielLab
Would you like to work in our laser cutting department? Click ‘Submit request’ to send us a project proposal. The project must relate to interior design, art or fashion. We will assess the proposal on motivation, innovation and artistry. If there is a match, we will invite you for an intake interview to determine whether the project is feasible. After the interview, we will send you a work plan and quote. Once you have approved this, we will schedule the development of your project. For the best result, we recommend that you are in the lab as much as possible during the development phase. If are unable to come yourself, you can also work remotely. Please contact the Front Office to help you set this up.

Laser cutting

Photo: Maria van der Heyden

How to submit a design
The type of file you need to submit depends on whether you are laser cutting or engraving.

  • For engraving, submit an Illustrator, JPEG or TIFF file.
  • For cutting, submit an Illustrator AI or DXF file.
  • Bring the material you want to work on as well as extra material for experimenting.

Costs
The cost of developing a project in the laser cutting department depends on several factors that vary for each project. These include the number of development days, the materials used and whether any assembly is required. The full rate for a development day is approximately €400 (excl. VAT).

Thanks to a subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Province of Noord-Brabant and the City of Tilburg, the lab can reimburse a part of the development costs. 

After the intake interview, the lab team will determine how many development days are needed to realise the project. Additional fees will be charged for materials, assembly and any other costs incurred. After the intake interview, the lab will send you a final quote.