How the Combination of Poly Overlay Film and Perforated lay Paper Works in CNC Garment Auto Cutting Machines
- SATVA BY JR
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
In the modern garment manufacturing industry, CNC auto cutters have revolutionized the cutting room with their speed, precision, and consistency. A crucial component that makes this level of performance possible is the smart use of materials like poly overlay film and perforated underlay paper during the spreading and cutting stages. When these two materials work together, they create the optimal environment for clean, accurate, and efficient cutting. Let’s dive into how this combination works and why it’s essential for high-performance fabric cutting systems.
The Role of Perforated lay Paper
Perforated paper, also known as punched paper, holed underlay paper, or underlay paper, is a specially designed kraft paper with holes. These evenly spaced holes allow for seamless air passage across the cutting surface.
During the cutting process, a vacuum table underneath the cutting bed holds the fabric layers in place. For this to work efficiently, the paper at the base of the fabric stack must allow airflow without compromising stability. This is where vacuum assisted underlay paper shines.
When the vacuum is activated:
Air is sucked downward through the punched underlay paper.
This creates a suction effect that locks the fabric layers together.
It minimizes fabric shifting and distortion during high-speed cutting.
The holed design of this perforated lay paper is essential for uniform vacuum distribution, especially for large marker widths and long lays.
Why the Top Needs a Poly Overlay Film
The fabric layup is covered with a poly overlay film before cutting begins. This HDPE film, also available as LDPE poly overlay film, forms an airtight seal on top of the fabric stack. This film works with the underlay paper to create a sealed air chamber around the fabric.
Benefits of using garment CNC polyfilm:
Enhances vacuum pressure from the bottom up.
Prevents fabric shifting at the top layer.
Reduces fraying and distortion of delicate fabrics.
Supports clean, burr-free cutting edges.
Often called auto cutter HDPE cover film, plastic film, or polythene film, this polyethylene film roll comes in various thicknesses depending on the cutter's requirements and fabric types. The film HDPE acts like a lid, ensuring the suction from the underlay works efficiently throughout the entire fabric lay.
How the Combination Works in a CNC Garment Cutter
Here’s a step-by-step look at the interaction between these two materials in a typical CNC cutting environment:
1. Underlay Preparation
A roll of punched underlay paper or perforated paper is laid onto the cutting table. This base layer creates a perforated surface that allows airflow without tearing easily under the weight of multiple fabric layers.
2. Fabric Spreading
Multiple layers of fabric are spread on top of the holed underlay paper. Each layer is aligned accurately for the best cutting precision.
3. Poly Overlay Application
A poly overlay film—typically an HDPE poly overlay film or LDPE poly overlay film—is spread over the top of the lay. This creates an airtight sandwich around the fabric stack.
4. Vacuum Activation
When the vacuum motor starts:
Air is drawn through the paper with evenly spaced holes.
The plastic film on top prevents external air entry, so vacuum force is concentrated on pressing down the fabric layers.
This forms a rigid, compressed, stable layup ready for precise cutting.
5. CNC Auto Cutting
The CNC garment cutting machine begins the cutting operation using a computer-generated marker. Because the fabric stack is held firmly by the vacuum system, guided by the punched underlay paper and sealed by the poly overlay film, the cut lines are sharp, accurate, and repeatable.
Benefits of Using Perforated Paper and Poly Overlay Film Together
✅ Superior Fabric Hold: The vacuum evenly distributes across the lay due to the combination of perforated lay paper and poly overlay.
✅ Waste Reduction: Clean cuts reduce material waste, saving money over large production runs.
✅ Time Efficiency: Strong vacuum grip means faster cutting speeds with less chance of fabric movement.
✅ Cleaner Working Environment: These materials minimize dust and fraying, maintaining cleaner workspaces and reducing the load on filters and vacuum systems.
✅ Enhanced Machine Longevity: Stable lays reduce mechanical stress on CNC auto cutters, helping protect the cutting head and conveyor components.
Choosing the Right Materials
It’s important to match the materials with your fabric types, vacuum system capacity, and cutter speed:
For heavy or thick fabric lays, stronger HDPE film and high-grade perforated kraft paper may be preferred.
For lighter or delicate fabrics, LDPE poly overlay films and thin, yet durable punched underlay paper are optimal.
Ensure the polyethylene film roll is consistent in thickness to avoid pressure leakage or film breakage.
Final Thoughts
The science of garment cutting has advanced rapidly, but it still relies on smart material choices to get the best results. The combination of poly overlay film and perforated underlay paper is the backbone of efficient CNC cutting in modern garment factories. When chosen and used correctly, these materials ensure not just clean cuts but also faster workflows, reduced material loss, and better production consistency.
Whether you call it punched paper, perforated paper, or kraft paper with holes, pairing it with a high-quality garment CNC polyfilm or HDPE cover film will always be a smart decision for high-speed, high-precision apparel manufacturing.
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