Laser Diecutting: A New Approach

Some challenges

One of the challenges of laser diecutting is defining laser friendly materials. Certain types of vinyl will yellow around the edges and PVC is not recommended due to the gases emitted following laser cutting. Cutting quality depends on both the type of control software a manufacturer uses and on the material construction. The laser beam wavelength for systems in the label market is 10.6 micron, which provides the fastest, best quality, and most versatile laser source for cutting label and packaging stock materials. However, a clear PP on a clear PP liner does not cut well because of the sealed CO2 laser's wavelength of 10.6 micron. The laser actually passes through the top PP material and cuts the carrier liner first. Manufacturers of laser diecutting systems are working hard to come up with laser friendly material configurations to use in the marketplace.