Napkin ring | DIY Trotec Laser

In this tutorial we will show you how to create a wooden napkin ring using the the "Kerf Cut" laser cutting process. The materials used in this tutorial can be ordered from our engraving supplies webshop.

Preparation

Material required

1 sheet TroLase Foil White/black
1 sheet Wood Veneer Walnut
Material to cover the engraving table

Laser cutting machine used

Speedy 360, 120 Watt
1.5" Lens
big and small nozzle
Vacuum table with acrylic and honeycomb cutting tables

Any Trotec Laser engraving machine Speedy series can be used to create the napkin rings.

Tips

We used a 1.5" lens due to the detailed cuts of the design.

napkin-ring.zip

ZIP

Download now

ZIP

Download now

Step by step

Step 1

Step 1: Design

As usual you can use our template our import your own graphic. Import our graphic and adapt it to your requirements. In this sample we have already tested the laser cutting techniques for you. In our Tips & Tricks "Kerf Cut" you'll find further examples of how you can use this application.

Print Settings:

Process mode	Resolution	Cut line
Vector Job	1000dpi	No

Halftone	Others
Colour	Optimised Geometries, Inner Geometries first

Step 2

Step 2: Laser cutting the wood veneer

Place the honeycomb cutting table into your laser machine and attach the small nozzle to the laser head. Load the wood onto the laser bed and cover the remaining surface with paper to maximise extraction. The parameters used will vary depending on the laser machine used and its available laser power.

Laser parameters:

Colour	Process	Power (%)	Speed (%)	ppi/Hz
Red	Cut CO₂	100	1.2	1,000

Passes	Air Assist	Z-Offset	Advanced
1	On	0mm	-

Different nozzles are suitable for different laser cutting and laser engraving applications.Read our guide on how to choose the right nozzle.

Step 3

Step 3: Sending the graphic

Send the graphic for the TroLase Foil decoration to your Trotec Laser machine using the following print settings:

Process mode	Resolution	Cut line
Vector Job	1000dpi	No

Halftone	Others
-	Optimised Geometries, Inner Geometries First

Step 4

Step 4: Laser process the TroLase Foil

Remove the honeycomb cutting table and replace it with the acrylic grid cutting table and the large nozzle. Insert the TroLase Foil into the laser and cover the rest of the working area to maximise extraction.

Laser parameters:

Colour	Process	Power (%)	Speed (%)	ppi/Hz
Red	Cut CO₂	20	1.0	1000

Passes	Air Assist	Z-Offset	Advanced
1	On	0mm	-

Tip:

As TroLase Foil is a thin material it is especially important to closely monitor the vacuum to ensure a flat surface is maintained throughout the laser process.

Step 5

Step 5: Cleaning and assembly

Clean the finished components using a damp cloth. We recommend cleaning the back of the wooding ring as well so that the napkin does not get dirty later.

Keep the wooden napkin ring flat and glue the TroLase Foil (roughly half way).

To make sure that the overhanging half does not stick to the napkin, we scored and removed half of the adhesive foil on the back with a craft knife. To finish, form a ring around a cloth napkin and secure it with the circular connector.

Inspiration

Different wood types and TroLase Foil colours can be combined to create pieces suitable for any interior.

The napkin holders can form part of a wedding table top. Take inspiration from our other DIYs. and get creative using your trotec laser machine and engraving materials.