# Laser-Ablative Structuring of Elastic Bandages—An Experimental Study

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new laser processing method for elastic bandages that improves uniformity and performance by optimizing laser parameters and preheating.

## Contribution

A novel laser processing method using flat top light sources and low power lasers is proposed to enhance uniformity and performance in elastic bandage fabrication.

## Key findings

- Optimized optical path improves temperature field uniformity and focusing performance during laser scanning.
- Preheating and specific laser parameters enhance breaking strength and color consistency in elastic bandages.
- Optimal parameters include laser power 28 W, scanning speed 2800 mm/s, and preheating temperature 175 °C.

## Abstract

To address the problem of excessive ablation in conventional laser processing caused by the inhomogeneous energy distribution at the focal point, along with the inherent heterogeneity and surface irregularities of textile materials, a new method for laser printing elastic bandage fabrics was developed. We used flat top light sources, short focal field mirrors, and low power lasers instead of the Gaussian light sources, long focal field mirrors, and high-power lasers used in traditional methods. First, the sample was preheated, and the aspherical lens system was designed and simulated. Then, the physical and chemical properties of laser-processed elastic bandage fabrics were investigated. Finally, based on single-factor experiments, orthogonal experimental analysis was conducted to determine the optimal process parameters. The results show that the optimized optical path can effectively improve the uniformity of the temperature field during laser scanning and enhance focusing performance; as energy gradually accumulates, chemical bonds in polymer molecules break; when the elastic bandage fabric is in a highly elastic state, it exhibits appropriate breaking strength and color difference. The best parameters obtained from the single-factor experiment are as follows: laser power range of 25–34 W, scanning speed range of 2200–2800 mm/s, preheating temperature range of 125–200 °C. The best parameters obtained from the orthogonal experiment are as follows: laser power 28 W, scanning speed 2800 mm/s, and the preheating temperature 175 °C.