Bobst experts talk about laser digital die cutting

With regard to laserless die-cutting technology, there may be many questions. Is it really magical? How is its current application? Can it pose a threat to the traditional die-cutting system? Then, we interviewed Mr. Jiang Ye, a product expert of BOS Group Hong Kong Co., Ltd., and asked him to give us a systematic introduction to this little-known domestic product. New technologies to help everyone capture cutting-edge technologies and seize business opportunities.

Q: When was laser die cutting technology developed?

A: I'm not sure about the exact time. In 1996, the laser die cutting technology was heard. At the time, Dachang Yanghang cooperated with several companies to promote digital printing and digital die-cutting technology. The digital printing unit introduced in 1995 by Indigo was provided by the company; another company provided a laser cutting system. As a new technology that was just introduced at the time, the cutting speed was slow, and the linear cutting speed of the laser was only 150 to 250 m/s, which was of course related to the thickness and shape of the object to be cut.

According to this inference, it should be Indigo's launch of its digital products, providing the possibility of laser die-cutting technology. So it can be said that in the mid-1990s laser die-cutting technology appeared.

Q: Which suppliers exhibited laser cutting at Drupa 2004?

A: There were several companies exhibiting laser die-cutting technology and equipment at Drupa 2004. For example, MORLOCK GMBH+Co.KG (mprint exhibited), CARTGS equipment company and AB Graphic, etc., mainly concentrate on the field of die cutting of trademarks and stickers. There are also similar laser cutting systems, such as the laser system exhibited by TAMPO print. Its application range is wider and it can be engraved on taps and keys. Judging from the situation exhibited by many companies, the current laser die-cutting technology is relatively mature.

Q: What is the working principle of laser die cutting?

A: The working principle of laser die cutting is similar to the principle of laser illumination. The rotation of the prism determines the point at which the laser falls. When die-cutting, the substrate should be stagnant. At this time, you can see a blue smoke coming out. Although this process is very short, the laser has already gone through the pre-designed path. The current laser speed has reached 1000m/s.

Q: What are the characteristics of laser die-cutting compared to traditional die-cutting methods?

A: First, compared with the traditional die-cutting method, laser die-cutting eliminates the die-cut version and other hardware, reducing the production cost of this part, which is the most direct.

Second, because it does not involve plate making, the production cycle is greatly shortened. If 2 hours are required, laser die cutting is feasible, while traditional die cutting methods are difficult to achieve.

In addition, the role of laser die cutting is further expanded, and it also has an anti-counterfeiting function. For example, an embossed effect is produced, or the thickness of the paper is burned in half. This is difficult to achieve with other processes.

Eliminating mechanical vibration is also a distinct feature of laser die cutting technology. In this way, die-cutting can be performed in the office and the working environment is improved. Although laser die cutting produces a certain amount of smoke, it can be solved by installing a protective cover, and the resulting smoke is not a toxic gas.

Of course, laser die cutting also has the advantage of saving space and the like compared to conventional die cutting.

Q: What are the main applications of laser die cutting technology?

A: The application of laser die cutting technology is relatively extensive.

First, it can be used for die cutting of traditional trademarks, stickers, and cards. This is also its main application area.

Second, it can be used for anti-counterfeiting. For example, the production of relief, shaped holes and latent effects. Foreign anti-counterfeiting industry tried to use laser die cutting to produce relief effect around 1997. The stamp industry is trying to use it for perforating stamps, which can not be imitated by mechanical punching. It can also play a security role. For example, tickets for the Asian Cup football match have a higher price, so we must consider security. Laser drilling for anti-counterfeiting should be very effective. The application of the latent image is also a technology that needs to be tapped. If it is used well, it will have a certain impact on the die-cutting industry. For example, after a pattern is engraved on paper, the paper on that part is thinner than other parts. If a layer of special material is applied on the surface of the paper, the thickness is the same, but there is a latent image that can play a role. Similar effects to watermarks.

Thirdly, by using the dot-mapping principle, laser ablation produces dense holes that can also form images. This technique has been applied experimentally. A few years ago, foreign countries had already implemented the stamps, but only as proofs.

Q: At the Drupa 2004 show, the Mprint system exhibited by MORLOCK GMBH+Co.KG was more impressive. According to the company's technical personnel, the system is mainly used for high-end product die cutting, such as used in the license plate, after printing, die-cutting, stuck to the surface of the license plate.

A: Although the application of laser die cutting is very wide, it is mainly applied to trademarks and labels, such as stickers, beer labels, coasters, logos representing corporate images, and special prints with high anti-counterfeiting requirements.

Q: How is the current use of laser die-cutting technology at home and abroad?

A: As mentioned above, laser die-cutting technology has already been applied abroad. For example, mprint has sold 5 or 6 units a year. At present, it has not been heard that the domestic trademark industry has adopted laser die cutting.

Q: What do you think is the reason why laser die-cutting technology has not yet entered the country?

A: I have communicated with some people in the industry about this issue. The first thing they considered was the cost issue. Although there was no need to make a die cut, the cost of the laser head was still high. Second, it is speed. When a conventional flexographic printing press is connected to a conventional die-cutting device, the speed can reach 100m/min. If you connect a laser die-cutting device, the average setting is as good as twenty or thirty meters in one minute. In addition, they believe that the domestic delivery time is not yet tight enough to use laser die-cutting, and traditional die-cutting can also cope.

Q: What is your opinion on the future of laser die cutting technology?

A: For the following two considerations, laser die-cutting in the country is to be worthwhile. First, if the hourly depreciation of die-cutting plates and laser heads is measured scientifically, the prices are close to each other, or the difference is not much. The second is to consider anti-counterfeiting features, and use anti-counterfeiting to make up for other deficiencies.

In short, with the development of laser power, control technology, and the emergence of new brands of laser light sources, the cost performance of laser die cutting will gradually increase, and laser die cutting technology will also be applied.

During the interview, I clearly felt that Mr. Jiang was very interested in digital die-cutting technology and was full of confidence in the future development of digital die-cutting technology. Let us wait and see the first person to eat crabs in China!

Source: Ke Yin Media