Lab Report Feb 2026 LLB001

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Experiment No. 001
Mission Title Patch & Press
Technique Engraving Leatherette
Date 2026 / 02
Course Code LLB001
Lead Scientists Kim & Garrett
Overview

The Heritage Collection by Lonestar Adhesive is a premium 1.5mm leatherette with a smooth, satin sheen. This report establishes a "Laser Agnostic" baseline to ensure professional-grade results across CO2, Diode, and Fiber systems. By following these protocols, users can test more and waste less, building a brand that lasts.

Materials Guidance
  • Primary Substrate: Heritage Leatherette (1.5mm thickness).
  • Adhesive: Durra-Bull Heat Activated Adhesive.
  • Cleaning Agent: LA Awesome (citrus degreaser) applied with a soft toothbrush.
  • Pre-Cleaning (Metallics): Use masking tape to lift residue before liquid cleaners.
  • The "Dish Soap" Hack: Spread a thin layer of Dawn over the area before engraving for high-volume runs.
The Protocol (Steps)
  1. Protocol Selection: Match settings to your specific wattage below.
  2. Air Assist Calibration: Engrave with Air OFF (or 10%) to keep grain clean.
  3. Engrave & Score: Perform pass. (Defocus by 1.5mm on RF lasers for richer blacks).
  4. The Cut Pass: Engage MAX air assist here to prevent edge charring.
  5. Sanitization: Clean residues with Citrus degreaser or Dawn.
  6. Bonding: Apply heat via press or iron to activate the Durra-Bull bond.
Laser Settings Matrix
Laser System Wattage Speed Power Air Assist Resolution
Diode (D1) 10W 80 mm/s 50% Off / Low 120 lines/cm
Diode (Flatbed) 20W 150 mm/s 15-20% Off / Low 120 lines/cm
Diode (S1) 40W 300 mm/s 10-15% Off / Low 140 lines/cm
CO2 (P2S) 55W 400 mm/s 10-15% 10% / Low 140 lines/cm
CO2 (OMTech) 80W 350-450 mm/s 20-25% Off / Low 254 LPI
CO2 (NOVA 14) 100W 552-600 mm/s 20-25% Off / Low 300 LPI
xTool F1 (Diode) 10W 4000 mm/s 85% N/A 120 lines/cm

VISUAL DATA (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Heat Press Calibration
Press Type Temp Time Pressure
IQ360 (Dual) T: 280°F / B: 320°F 45s Medium/Firm
Single Platen 300°F 50s Medium/Firm
Flat/T-Shirt 350°F 60s Medium/Firm
Household Iron Cotton (No Steam) Until Set Manual
The Profit Lab (Product Ideas)

Use this month's skills to launch these high-margin items:

Premium Hat Patches
Branded Journal Covers
Pet Identity Tags
Bottle Opener Wraps
Luggage Identifiers
Custom Keychains

For more detailed data and troubleshooting...

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