Here’s a more casual rewrite for your post on the LightBurn forum:
Hey everyone!
Has anyone here tried using a laser to transfer stamping foil onto an object as the design source? I know it’s possible because Roland’s LD series does exactly that.
The Roland LD-300, for example, uses just a 2W laser and some kind of film that turns the laser light into heat, which melts the foil and transfers the design. But here’s the weird part—some people on TikTok are using diode lasers without any special film, and it works! Check this out: TikTok - Make Your Day
I’ve got a 20W fiber laser and I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out how to replicate this. Every time I try, I end up burning the metallic lining of the hotfoil. Any ideas?
Never tried. But I will investigate that too.
The video shows almost nothing of final result. Is something there, but we don’t know if it stiks or just melt the plastic.
Anyway, if I’m not mistaken, the wavelength of light from a laser diode is different from that used in fiber laser machines.
In my opinion, the reason for your difficulty may be there.
After looking at many plots of absorption coefficients on several materials… seems to me that what roland was probably using was a thin sheet of polyimide material as it peeks light absorption on that 450nm wavelength and is quite heat resistant (it is also translucent yellow as roland’s membrane)
I dont have a diode laser… but if you try with a kapton on top of the foil it should work (probably…). Now… searching for a fiber wavelength solution…
I don’t know much about laser machines, but as the specifications say, what must change between the fiber laser and the common diode is that the fiber must use optics that project the beam onto one (or more mirrors), controlled by steper motors, which project the beam where it is needed at a much faster speed.
I was reading and thinking exactly about the kapton tape. I happen to have a tape like this available for experimentation…
I just don’t know how to use it exactly. I even understand that it can withstand a lot of temperature (around 300ºC I believe), but what about the rest? Do I paint the tape on the side that sticks? Or is there another way to transfer the image I want, for example?
I have to investigate.
Kapton should work with a blue (450nm laser) for this purpose. Kapton is just to convert light to heat and to press the foil to the material and since you dont need the glue on the tape you can remove the glue with isopropyl alcohol and use it like so…
Kapton tape generally has a silicone-based adhesive that laughs at common solvents. Your mileage may vary, but my experience has been the adhesive stays bonded to the tape for life.
hummm… i donnow… i may try tho. Isopropyl usually does the job… but i have not tested it. I have isopropyl here… maybe i can find some kapton on a circuit board or something…
Well… it’s not a quick easy-peasy job but it can be done. I have striped the glue out of the kapton using isopropyl. But i have no clue what type of kapton i managed to get my hand on…
I have tested this with my fiber… and… well… on just 10% power and 1500 mm/s it simply passes the kapton and obliterates the foil. The laser light is not absorbed like the 450nm wavelength is on kapton… so… this test can only be done with a blue laser diode type … i think…
As I’ve never done it and I don’t know exactly what we’re talking about, please tell me the materials needed to take the test.
I have the Kapton tape and the 450nm diode laser machine.
What do I need to do the test?
Regarding the material to be engraved, does plywood work or does it have to be another material?
Basically, you’ll want to replicate that process. First, place the plywood, then the foil on top, and finally a layer of Kapton tape over everything. The Kapton helps apply a bit of pressure and turns the laser’s light into heat at that spot.
You’ll need to experiment with speed and power settings, since the LD300 uses a laser that’s only 1.6W.
No problem!
Check your profile settings. Or this topic settings. I know somewhere you can set how you will be notified.
So,…
Diode laser machine - Check
Kapton tape - Check
Hot foil stamping - Uncheck
I have too look for that in small stoers around here. Other way is to buy on ebay but that takes too long to arrive.
Yes, of course I have to adjust settings,
I will take a look.
Last update:
I lost track of the Kapton tape. I recently moved work premises and I don’t know where the Kapton tape was kept.
Hot foil stamping I also can’t find in the craft stores I know around here. I would have to purchase it from an online store in a quantity that I won’t use.
I’m sorry but I won’t be able to do the experience, at least not recently.
After investigating I’ve found that this is not as simple as one might think.
The Roland LD-300 uses a laser diode and a “light absorbing film” to heat the foil, AND the laser head touches the film and exerts a mechanical pressure to the foil. This is the same process as using a heat pen : heat and pressure.
Looking at this video you can see that the laser head goes down to touch the film :
and in this user manual, page 81 you can see that there is a lever to adjust the imprinting pressure :
Meanwhile the kapton tape has already appeared. (I had already taken it home) but when it showed up I didn’t remember what I needed it for.
Aging is messed up!!!
