Laser die-cutting technology has always attracted much attention, and its future development is objective!

Digital printing has been developed for several years from research and development to commercial application. Since the 2016 drupa exhibition, it has been attracting much attention from the industry. Hong Kong and foreign-funded packaging and printing companies have taken the lead in introducing digital post-press processing equipment to try out the latest scientific and technological achievements. The domestic printing industry is somewhat hesitant. On the one hand, in the early stage of equipment introduction, companies should analyze the use restrictions, efficiency, workflow, product design, etc. of the learning equipment and consider product positioning; on the other hand, since digital printing equipment is expensive, companies need to consider how to increase high value-added products to match digital post-press equipment. Therefore, whether to introduce digital post-press equipment, companies should comprehensively analyze their business philosophy, team, strategy, product application field, quality, etc. according to actual conditions. The advantages and disadvantages of laser die-cutting technology and its current application status are discussed.

Advantages of laser die-cutting:

In the process of die-cutting machines to fully automatic mechanical equipment, the efficiency and cost of die-cutting machines have been greatly improved, and die-cutting technology has entered a mature stage. However, domestically produced laser die-cutting creasing machines and some semi-automatic laser cutting equipment have changed our concept again.

Cultivate innovation ability:

The digital cutting and creasing revolution has released the inspiration of designers. Combined with cutting technology, the 3D stereoscopic display can be completed directly on the computer using software, which can be viewed at a glance before production, avoiding design defects and errors in the production process, which is time-consuming and time-consuming. In addition, due to the lack of restrictions on knife molds, the creative space of designers has also been greatly expanded.

First, from computer design to finished product landing, errors can be repeatedly processed and corrected as needed, but no special tools and technicians are required; second, successful works are made before production, and third, the designer's creativity can be played in an unlimited space. This box has not been used before. As can be seen from Figure 2, the creative design combines the artistic style of paper with three-dimensional cutting, which is of great significance for display, function application, product protection, etc.

Make up for the shortcomings of traditional die-cutting:

In the traditional production process, traditional die-cutting equipment will produce virtual cutting. In order to ensure the quality of die-cutting, it is necessary to stop and fine-tune frequently. Cutting stickers (without cutting the bottom paper) is more difficult to handle. The adjustment time is long, the finished product efficiency is low, and the operator's proficiency is required to be high. The general production time is 25%. The long-term output is only 35%, and the other time is to adjust the parameters. Especially when making corrugated cartons, the die is easy to damage the corrugated edge, affecting the quality of the box. If a steel die is used, although the quality will be slightly better, the customization time is long, the production cost is high, and the mold must be proofed. If there are slight changes, it will cost a higher price. Although ordinary knife dies are cheap, they have to be reused three or four times, and the die-cutting quality cannot be guaranteed. In addition, the printing volume should be increased, otherwise it will be troublesome to reprint due to insufficient quantity.

In practical applications, laser die-cutting plus connecting line indentation can completely solve the problems in traditional die-cutting production, and the amount of paper added will be less. Whether using traditional offset printing or digital printing, laser die-cutting technology can be printed and cut after cutting. Especially for some complex paper structures and patterns, digital processing technology is used, without considering factors such as tool life, process limitations and mold costs, and the design can be modified arbitrarily until it is satisfied. Small batches and high value-added orders can be produced, the workflow is simple, and product quality is improved. For example, when making corrugated cartons, the laser die-cutting process can make the cut of the carton smoother, thus ensuring the quality of the carton.

In terms of structure, laser die-cutting equipment has many similarities with traditional die-cutting equipment, including automatic feeder, automatic paper collection, etc., but there is no die-cutting knife die, only 3D digital indentation and laser cutting components. Compared with traditional die-cutting, laser die-cutting machines can also reduce mold backlogs, reduce the use of wood boards and glue, and reduce carbon emissions. Laser die-cutting equipment has absolute advantages when it comes to small batches, B1 large-format cutting, and increasing urgent items. For example, the innovative design of easy tearing can design some very personalized zipper openings according to different customer needs, without any special tools, as long as the PDF knife line is designed well. The pull mouth is very smooth to use and the box shape is not easily damaged.

Laser die-cuttingTechnical disadvantages:

There are also certain technical problems in the laser die-cutting process, such as different degrees of smoke and dust will appear on different substrates, which will cause fog pollution to some dark prints, especially substrates with dark backgrounds. If the substrate contains a large amount of brightener after laser energy cutting, the cut will have yellow edge marks, similar to coking.

Currently, new patented solutions developed for the above situation have appeared on the market. The use of new software can control the laser energy value and cutting process, which can solve most of the problems, but some substrates still have similar situations to varying degrees. To this end, users should select materials in advance and understand the limitations of the equipment so that production can be completed smoothly.

Now many packaging and printing companies have realized that they should transform from processing service providers to service providers to enrich the development of customer planning and provide a full range of technical, proofing, approval, production and other services. At the same time, there are more and more short orders in the market, and the trend of personalization, customization and Internet + is becoming increasingly obvious. The application of digital technology in the field of packaging and printing is imperative.

Therefore, the author is very optimistic about the future development of laser die-cutting, which is a tool for intelligent innovation. As Mr. Randa said: Future digital applications will be digital. From the changes in the past 30 years, it can be seen that it is the 30 years of digital technology taking off. With the popularization of pre-press CTP plate making and the vigorous development of digital printing equipment including surface hot stamping and laser die-cutting, the entire industry is full of challenges and opportunities. How to find new technologies for innovative development, develop new strategic opportunities, and get out of the red ocean market and enter the blue ocean market is a question worth pondering.