Advantages of laser cutting plastic foils and films

The laser beam allows controlled melting of foils and films, resulting in a clean, sealed cut edge. With a laser you can cut even the smallest radii with precision and produce simple geometries at high speed. In laser cutting, no tool applies any pressure to the foils and films, the process is contactless, so the end product is flawless. In addition, in contrast to mechanical perforators or tool processing, laser cutting of foils and films does not cause paint to fall off the end product.

The advantages of a laser cutter: Faster than a mechanical engraving and cutting machine, more precise than a punching die, more economical for small batches of 1,000 pieces.

How does laser cutting of foils and films work?

The controlled melting of the material ensures a clean cutting edge without any contaminants. Laser machines offer many advantages when processing multi-layer films: Multiple layers, such as backing films and top films, can be cut in one operation. Depending on the structure of the laser machine and the strength of the film, up to 10 layers of composite materials can be cut.

Why is laser processing faster than with mechanical engraving and cutting machines?

Perfectly matched axis drives and innovative control systems ensure precise and fast laser cutting with Trotec laser systems. Unlike engraving and cutting machines, there is no material resistance when using lasers. This makes laser cutting faster and, in addition, laser processing does not require lifting or rotating like a blade. The Trotec laser machine's advantages in terms of speed and detail are particularly evident when processing delicate geometries.

Do I have to secure the material to the work surface?

No, for best cutting results we recommend using a vacuum table. This will ensure that thin or wavy materials lie flat on the table while the laser is cutting. When laser cutting foils and films, no pressure is applied to the material; therefore, no clamping or any other type of securing is required. This saves time and operating costs in material preparation and prevents the material from being crushed. All these advantages make the laser the perfect machine for cutting foils and films.

Are special accessories required for precise cutting of foils and films with the laser?

When processing printed products, camera systems are the best choice. A LICE laser cuts perfectly contoured printed materials. Even flexible materials such as banners and flags can be laser cut with absolute precision. No time-consuming positioning is required, deformations in the image are detected, and the cutting path is adjusted dynamically. By combining a target system with a Trotec laser system, you can save up to 30% of your processing costs. There are no costs for manufacturing, maintaining and storing cutting dies. In addition, the processing is flexible and the laser system can respond to any changes in the design in the shortest possible time.