Laser Perforating Systems and Equipment

 

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LasX LaserSharp® perforating systems add superior perforations to flexible packaging without tears or processing fragments.

 

Traditional mechanical perforating machines puncture flexible packaging films, weakening the material and causing tears that reflect poorly on the product or degrade the package’s barrier capabilities (or both). Because laser micro-perforation burns through the material, the result is a cleaner, smaller, rounder, more precise hole. LaserSharp® laser perforating systems operate by using a focused laser pulse to vaporize—a very small, controlled point in flexible packaging films, sealing the hole’s edges and strengthening the material around it.

 

LasX builds laser perforating systems and equipment that combine laser perforating with a number of other processes, such as scoring, through-cutting or laser ablation, in both downweb and crossweb directions, which increases manufacturing productivity with each production run. At LasX, your laser processing options are endless.

 

Feature Benefit
Precise micro perforations As with all processing, the smallest feature size is dependent on the composition and thickness of the material processed. At LasX, we’ve created holes as small as 50 µm, at production speeds. 100 µm hole sizes are common.
Multiple applications Laser perforating systems give you the utmost in flexibility for packaging applications. Add breathable or modified atmosphere features to packaging to extend the life of perishable foods. Make your packaging microwavable by adding vent patterns or steam releases. Vents allow rapid filling and simple palletizing while reducing waste and costs and increasing product stability.
Print registration We understand how precise micro perforations can maintain and enhance the appearance of your packaging. Sensors and vision cameras integrated with our laser equipment automatically detect printed features and registration marks to trigger processing for unparalleled accuracy. Run intermittent patterns by print registration or distance.
Damage-free processing The contact-free process of laser perforating gives you smaller, more precise sealed hole edges that are free from fragments, tears, or other processing artifacts. Both round or elliptical holes are available.
Multiple processes Create a system with 2 or more laser modules for unparalleled flexibility. Laser score and perforate and score at the same time in one system. Process downweb micro-perforations and crossweb patterns all in one step at production speeds. Each laser is independently controlled.

Because all of our LaserSharp® systems are fully digital solutions, there’s no downtime for maintenance or pattern change over. Change processing as easily as opening and editing a file, and eliminate the costs of broken or dulled needles. Our patented controller ensures a precise perforating depth and size, each time, every time.

 

Advantages of LaserSharp® Perforating Systems and Equipment

  • Process patterns, straight lines, or contoured lines in both cross-web and machine directions
  • Precise controlled perforating depth and size
  • Adjustable process areas with automatic focus assembly
  • Run intermittent patterns by print registration or distance
  • Multiple laser configurations, independently controlled lasers
  • Eye mark and encoder registration capabilities
  • Retrofit or integrate to any roll handling equipment
  • TracSoft® Web Edge tracking control packages available for dynamic adjustment of laser pattern in response to the lateral movement of the web or print line

 

 

The LPM Flex Series increases converting options by allowing customers to adjust the field of view for different processing applications.

 

Sample of a laser perforated and laser etched packaging film.

 

Close-up of a flexible film laser perforated for a 200µm hole.

 

Laser perforated flexible packaging film for an easy-open pouch.

 

 

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More Information:

Flexible Packaging Equipment Literature