Precise laser scores at any web speed - LasX’s patented controls keep score lines consistent.
Lasers provide the ability to precisely and consistently score materials at controlled depths. The key to this technology involves the advanced LightGuide® control software used in our laser systems, which constantly monitors and adjusts the laser’s power to ensure a consistent score depth even at varying web speeds. This constant web monitoring and continual laser adjustment maintains a precise score depth with no burn-through, even at the low speeds encountered during start up and production run ends.
Scores created by traditional mechanical tooling can be inconsistent due to uneven wear on dies and knives. Worse yet, conventional die cutting machines have difficulty maintaining a precise, consistent score depth. In contrast, laser beams never dull or lose their edge, eliminating the costs and downtime associated with tool wear and consumables. By precisely removing material only to a specific depth, the substrate is weakened facilitating easy folding, tearing, or peeling. Prominent applications include:
Optional sensors and vision cameras in our laser scoring systems trigger processing based on distance or printed features, and can adjust processing for precise placement registered to printed details. Laser scoring can also be combined with other processes such as laser cutting or laser perforating in downweb and crossweb directions to increase productivity.
One of the most common applications for laser scoring is in the flexible packaging industry, to create tear strips and easy-open features in flexible packaging. Score lines are created by vaporizing specified areas of a flexible film, creating a narrow channel in the material for a tear to follow. A laser weakens specific layers of a material to produce score lines without compromising the barrier properties of a flexible film. Straight line crossweb scoring, straight line downweb (or machine direction) scoring, contoured machine direction scoring, and cross web patterns are all achievable in a single production run.
Score lines can be precisely registered to print on a product’s package. Registration sensors and vision cameras integrated directly within LaserSharp® digital converting systems automatically control processing in response to print cues, to ensure pattern accuracy. Our laser scoring equipment can be integrated into existing or new slitter/rewinders or pouching lines. Flexible packaging is ideally suited to lower power CO2 lasers, as these lasers are more than adequate for cost-effectively processing relatively thin films while maintaining a small footprint, low maintenance requirements, and high reliability.
In addition to flexible packaging applications, laser scoring can be utilized for a wide range of applications. Laser score lines can be added to greeting cards, folding cartons, and other commercial print applications to facilitate bending or tearing. By adding laser scoring to the laser cutting process, you can achieve a complete finished piece in a single production run. Laser cut a unique design in a greeting card and laser score it at the same time for a ready-to-use product. Laser cut the perimeter or decorative features in a folding carton and add laser scored lines for easy folding, all using one system. Laser processing is especially ideal for short or personalized production runs.
Laser kiss-cutting, is also ideal for labels, stickers, or any adhesive material. Laser kiss-cutting, like laser scoring, selectively removes material only to a specific depth without penetrating its backing or liner, resulting in the easy removal of the top layer from bottom release liner. Unlike metal die cutting, lasers vaporize material, eliminating adhesive buildup that needs to cleaned from metal surfaces. Lasers also offer the ability to create unique shapes or complex geometries that may be problematic to create using metal dies. Save time and benefit from the flexibility to process variable patterns on a single roll using digital laser technology.
LasX can help you build entire laser scoring systems for your unique production needs or can integrate laser modules into your existing equipment.
Additionally, our converting services teams will laser process your materials in-house, offering cost-effective contract production for both small and large volume runs.
Contact us to learn more about laser scoring equipment and services.
