Product category:
General packaging materials, equipment and services
News Release from: Rofin-Baasel UK | Subject: Laser Perforation For Micro Holes In Food Packs
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 April 2005
Laser Perforation
New laser perforation technologies open up new possibilities to make micro-holes in packaging in food packaging where small holes are used in plastic packaging to prolong the shelf life of the food.
New laser perforation technologies open up new possibilities to make micro-holes in packaging in the food packaging market where small holes are used in the plastic packaging of fresh foods, such as salads, to prolong the shelf life of the food According to Rofin-Baasel, the right size and number of holes can guarantee air circulation and preservation of humidity
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Typically, the hole sizes are small (in the region of 50 to 80 microns) and the number of holes per bag necessary to achieve the desired result is minimal.
Almost all the types of film commonly used in the food industry (BOPP, PE, Cellophane or laminated materials) can be processed at the desired quality and speed, said the company.
Lasers with optimal beam quality are used with laser power in the range of 100W to 2,000W, depending on the material.
The perforation pattern is generated via special polygon mirrors for high-volume production or fixed optics with synchronous pulse triggering.
That procedure only allows perforations in lines.
Up to 16 lines can be made in parallel with the laser system on a single web, which can be as wide as 1,200mm, said the company.
In one line, up to 50 holes per centimetre can be perforated, allowing not only for ventilation but also for easy-tear applications.
Special optical set-ups like the patented variable pattern generator (VPG) allow a choice of the distance between holes flexibly in one line (distance between holes 4mm-500mm).
Typical hole sizes in foils without aluminum layers range from 60um to 400um.
Aluminum-coated foils require considerably more laser power, and the thermal input is correspondingly higher, added Rofin-Baasel.
The company believes that for perforating of polymer foils, laser technology competes particularly with needle technologies and flame perforating.
The advantages of the laser technology are smaller, crack-proof holes, due to the micro melted edge.
In addition, with lasers, there is no wearing of tools in comparison to needles where blunting or even breaking can occur, added Rofin-Baasel.
Due to the polygon technology and the extremely short laser pulses, it is possible to perforate holes at extremely high web speeds of 300 metres per minute, claimed the company. Request a free brochure from Rofin-Baasel UK ...
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