Member Article

Latex expertise opens up new markets for Barnsley laser firm

A laser cutting and engraving firm is finding work in an unexpected sector after perfecting a tricky laser cutting technique.

Originally developed to meet an order for laser cut neoprene rubber sheets for an electronics company, Barnsley-based Cutting Technologies has now transferred its skills to laser cutting latex.

The move has opened up the glamorous world of high-end latex fashion and fetish wear design.

Last month, Cutting Technologies’ work was on display at Paris Couture Fashion Week in Charlie Le Mindu’s Gold Sabah collection.

The milliner to the stars collaborated with exclusive latex fashion designer Atusko Kudo for the show, which combined statement sculptural pieces using real human hair and luxurious gold leather, silk and couture latex.

Cutting Technologies employed its specialist skills in laser cutting to produce delicately patterned latex used to make lingerie by Atsuko Kudo, a pioneering latex fashion designer who has dressed celebrities such as Lady Gaga and developed a pop-up shop in London’s Selfridges.

Jane Robinson, co-founder and director at Cutting Technologies, explained: “Latex is a notoriously tricky substance for laser cutting – the heat of the lasers returns the latex to its natural wet state – so we had to experiment with various solvents and applications.

“Through a process of trial and error we eventually mastered the art of laser cutting latex. Whilst laser cutting has been used on latex before, it’s only been on small pieces for applique–type effects.

“Being able to laser cut using our large bed 3m x 2m machine meant that we could look at laser cutting latex on a large scale.”

Cutting Technologies is based in Barugh Green, Barnsley and employs 30 people at its 18,000 sq ft warehouse.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .