Cutting technique for bending applications

By laser processing bending cut geometries or ‘kerf cut’, sheet materials that are rigid such as acrylic and wood can be bent. We have tested a wide variety of different materials including acrylic and wood from 3-5 mm, and have provided the appropriate graphic templates for download for you on a select few.

Cutting straight lines will form a solid radius and the further apart that each cutting line is, the greater the bending radius will be. Depending on your specific material and graphic, a distance up to 0.5 mm between the lines can be processed.

Cutting small interconnected waves will give the material a large bending radius and flexible appearance. This technique is best suited for materials that are up to 3 mm thick

With large honeycombs, the curves are cut out of the sheet and tapered at each end. Because of the large honeycomb, wooden boards can be used with flexibility up to about 5 mm thick. This pattern is most commonly used in model making.
The honeycombs can be easily taken apart as well as put together, and can also be combined with connections, such as with bracelets for example.

Similar to pattern 1, this laser cut pattern consists entirely of cut lines, but offers different bending properties as it is much more flexible.

The uniquely formed pattern of this bending cut offers flexibility in all directions, which makes a variety of creative applications possible, such as in bag design for example.

These cuts are versatile and work well with several different types of materials. The shape given to the individual cut lines allow for flexibility and stability.

Due to its design, this cutting pattern is most commonly used as a graphic element and can be bent in all directions.

The triangular shape of this cutting technique is well suited for materials up to around 3 mm of thickness, and becomes inflexible and rigid after 5 mm or more.