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. And our patented controller constantly monitors and adjusts laser power output in response to changes in the web speed. This constant web monitoring and laser adjustment maintains a precise and consistent score depth with no burn-through, even at the low speeds encountered during start up and production run ends.

 

Laser scoring removes material only to a specific depth, weakening the substrate or removing a specific layer while retaining a backing for easy folding, tearing, or peeling. Prominent applications include:

 

• Fold lines in folding cartons and packaging
• Stickers
• Tear strips in packaging
• Pour spouts
• Resealable pouches
• Labels
• Peel-away windows
• Microwaveable containers

Optional sensors and vision cameras on our 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 in downweb and crossweb directions to increase productivity.