Carboard die-cutting .
Lasers for the Digital Era
For over 30 years Industrial laser systems have been commonplace in manufacturing and R & D facilities all over the world , providing clean and efficient ways of improving manufacturing processes . Such applications include replacing labelling by direct marking onto components or replacing cutting systems with state-of-the-art laser converting processes , a digital technology that enables manufacturers to produce features that otherwise would be problematic or impossible to cut without the need of tooling .
A NEED FOR CHANGE Dynamic market conditions and fluctuating demands necessitate the need for changes to traditional processing methods . Market conditions and demands require shorter production runs , faster times to market and environmentally friendly alternatives , thereby requiring the need for fast , efficient , and cost-effective set-up and change overs , cost-effective programme changes , and the ability to process a wide range of materials .
For packaging and converting equipment OEMs , finding a repeatable baseline process to manage dynamic production needs and incorporate enough processing flexibility to accommodate new materials is challenging . A digitally controlled laser processing systems is the solution ; let ’ s explore some questions on this technology that we are often asked .
WHY USE A LASER SYSTEM ? Quite simply , traditional mechanical processes cannot match digitally controlled laser systems which are very adaptable , and capable of performing multiple processes often in a single pass . Unlike most mechanical methods , laser systems can be combined with other equipment to provide customized latestage alterations , even to finished goods .
Cardboard perforating
36 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
WHAT IS A LASER SYSTEM ? Laser systems are adaptable , digitally controlled , non-contact processing systems , and typically include selfcontained machines , in-line , and robotic systems . A laser system generates a very narrow beam of radiation ( light ) which is directed to the target material to perform a wide range of interactions ( application processes ). At the heart of each system is the laser processing sub-system that