Laser Processing Guidebook

STEP.3
Drilling/Cutting/Half-cutting

Laser Processing Guidebook

In STEP.3, we continue with specific applications of laser processing. Important points/tips will be summarised as we explain actual application examples.

Drilling
By applying the laser beam under controlled power settings, a small hole can be cut into certain materials. Previously this process was done using moulds or drill bits. The correct power and wavelength should be selected to ensure the right laser is used for this application.

Laser beam

Drilling a hole in a lens

Cutting
Cut materials to desired shapes by applying the laser in a predetermined path. Cover a 300 x 300 mm area or cut patterns out of a continuous moving production line. This method eliminates the need for molds and cutting devices that require maintenance and downtime.

Film processing

Half-cutting
Half-cutting is possible by adjusting the laser power and scan speed to completely cut through some areas and to simply etch the surface of others. The illustrated below shows a label where the barcode has been etched away and the label cut away from its backing.

Laser beam

Label half-cutting

Laser Processing Guidebook Application example of laser processing (Drilling)

CREATING AIR VENTS IN PACKAGING
Creating air vents in packaging was previously done using a needle or punch tool. This can pose a problem if the points of those tools break off and remain inside the packaging. Also these tools require constant maintenance. Laser marking can be used to drill a hole pattern in material packaging without the maintenance or the risks required for physical drilling methods.

TIPS
A DVA N TAG ES O F L ASER PRO CES SI N G
y No physical tools such as needles are used. No consumable items are required for stocking.
LOWER COSTS

Consistencies in hole sizes are always maintained.

IMPROVED CONSISTENCY/QUALITY

PLUS,
KEYENCE 3-Axis CO2 lasers are well suited for laser processing with a 30W power output and the ability to mark on complicated shapes and designs.

Laser Processing Guidebook Application example of laser processing (Cutting)

CUTTING CABLE SHEATHS
A physical blade primarily has been used to cut and strip cable Sheaths. However, it may sometimes cut the wire too deep and damage the cable core. Another source of concern is the running cost; the blade needs to be replaced regularly to keep its sharpness.

TIPS
A DVA N TAG ES O F L ASER PRO CES SI N G
y CO 2 lasers are not absorbed but rather reflected by metals. That means it never damages the wire core.
LESS DEFECTS/BETTER QUALITY

Reduced the running costs because lasers do not use consumable items.
IMPROVED CONSISTENCY/QUALITY

PLUS,
The back side can be processed at the same time by reflecting the laser light with mirror finished stainless steel.

How to cut sheathing from coaxial cables?

Take the following steps: First, cut the wire coating and insulator using a "CO2 laser which will not cut into metals; second, cut the metal conductor using a "YVO4 laser which can process thin metal.

A technique that utilizes both CO2 and YVO4 lasers

Laser Processing Guidebook Application example of laser processing (Half-cutting)

FILM PERFORATION
Using a laser to process packaging that require perforations for easy opening is a more cost effective alternative to blade cutting machines that require maintenance and downtime to keep the machine running properly. Blades wear out over time and the machine needs to go through extensive changes to switch products. With a laser marking system, product changeover can be implemented instantly by switching between programs.

TIPS
A DVA N TAG ES O F L ASER PRO CES SI N G
y Blade maintenance is not necessary, allowing for lower running costs.
CONSISTENCY AND LOW COSTS

Easy program switching between product patters.

IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH THE OPERATION UPGRADE

PLUS,
Unlike physical blades, it can process 3 Dimensional surfaces.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LASER MARKERS, CONTACT YOUR NEAREST KEYENCE SALES OFFICE

30 W High-Power Fibre Laser Marker MD-F3000 Series

3-Axis YVO4 laser marker MD-V9900A Series

3-Axis CO2 Laser Marker ML-Z9500 Series

Easily setup and align marking on 3D targets using Keyences Marking Builder software.
Cylinder
Marking using conventional technology With a standard 2 dimensional laser marker, 3D shapes cannot be compensated for. 3-axis marking 3-axis control produces a perfect mark, even on curved surfaces, allowing for precise yet flexible marking and processing.

Cone

Conventional Technology

MD-V9900

Conventional Technology

MD-V9900

More detailed information is available from the Laser Marker Professional Site

http://www.marking-central.com

Please visit:
KEYENCE CORPORATION
1-3-14, Higashi-Nakajima, Higashi-Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 533-8555, Japan
AUSTRIA Phone: +43 22 36-3782 66-0 Fax: +43 22 36-3782 66-30 BELGIUM Phone: +32 1 528 1222 Fax: +32 1 520 1623 BRAZIL Phone: +55-11-3045-4011 Fax: +55-11-3045-5219 CANADA Phone: +1-905-366-7655 Fax: +1-905-366-1122 CHINA Phone: +86-21-68757500 Fax: +86-21-68757550 CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: +420 222 191 483 Fax: +420 222 191 505 FRANCE Phone: +33 1 56 37 78 00 Fax: +33 1 56 37 78 01

www.keyence.com
MALAYSIA Phone: +60-3-2092-2211 Fax: +60-3-2092-2131 MEXICO Phone: +52-81-8220-7900 Fax: +52-81-8220-9097 NETHERLANDS Phone: +31 40 20 66 100 Fax: +31 40 20 66 112 POLAND Phone: +48 71 36861 60 Fax: +48 71 36861 62 ROMANIA Phone: +40 269-232-808 Fax: +40 269-232-808 SINGAPORE Phone: +65-6392-1011 Fax: +65-6392-5055 SLOVAKIA Phone: +421 2 5939 6461 Fax: +421 2 5939 6200

SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read the instruction manual carefully in order to safely operate any KEYENCE product.

Phone: +81-6-6379-2211
SLOVENIA Phone: +386 1-4701-666 Fax: +386 1-4701-699 SWITZERLAND Phone: +41 43-45577 30 Fax: +41 43-45577 40 TAIWAN Phone: +886-2-2718-8700 Fax: +886-2-2718-8711 THAILAND Phone: +66-2-369-2777 Fax: +66-2-369-2775 UK & IRELAND Phone: +44-1908-696900 Fax: +44-1908-696777 USA Phone: +1-201-930-0100 Fax: +1-201-930-0099

GERMANY Phone: +49 61 02 36 89-0 Fax: +49 61 02 36 89-100 HONG KONG Phone: +852-3104-1010 Fax: +852-3104-1080 HUNGARY Phone: +36 1 802 73 60 Fax: +36 1 802 73 61 INDIA Phone: +91-44-4963-0900 Fax: +91-44-4963-0901 ITALY Phone: +39-02-6688220 Fax: +39-02-66825099 JAPAN Phone: +81-6-6379-2211 Fax: +81-6-6379-2131 KOREA Phone: +82-31-789-4300 Fax: +82-31-789-4301

WW1-1062

The information in this publication is based on KEYENCEs internal research/evaluation at the time of release and is subject to change without notice. Copyright (c) 2010 KEYENCE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. LMGStep3-WW-AG-E 1082-1 E 600910 Printed in Japan
* 6 0 0 9 1 0 *