Laser Cutting

Application Explanation

Conventional methods for cutting the coating of electric wire involve contact-type cutting using a knife. Such methods are difficult to adjust and carry the risk of damaging the core wire. In addition, the cutting blade must be replaced periodically to maintain sharpness, thereby increasing running costs.
Because CO₂ lasers are not absorbed by metal (and instead reflected), there is no need to worry about accidentally cutting the core wire. The ability to reliably cut only the outer film means fewer defective targets and improved quality.

When processing a coaxial cable, the coating is cut using a CO₂ laser that is not absorbed by the metal, while the inner and outer conductors of the microfabricated metal are cut using an ideal YVO₄ laser. In this way, simultaneous processing is possible by taking advantage of the various characteristics of each laser.

In addition, using a mirror finished surface such as an SUS material makes it possible to reflect the laser light in order to cut both the back and front of the electric wire at the same time. This allows both back and front processing to be completed in one step, drastically reducing takt time and allowing for improved production efficiency.

Application Explanation

One of the best examples of shallow cutting is the perforation made on bags and other products for easier tearing by hand. Conventional methods involve using a cutting blade to make shallow cuts, but this presents various problems such as difficulty with adjustments and time required for changing settings between product types. This method also requires the blade to be replaced periodically, thereby increasing running costs, and there is always a risk of the blade breaking off into the bag.

Advantages of laser processing

The lack of consumable components helps reduce costs and improve productivity.

With non-contact laser processing, running costs can be drastically reduced thanks to the elimination of maintenance and replacement of worn parts required with conventional methods. In addition, because parts do not wear out and adversely affect processing quality, stable processing can be ensured, and productivity improvements are possible.

Support for varying product sizes and 3D shapes

Using a 3D laser marker makes it possible to set the focal distance anywhere up to 42 mm. This eliminates the need for focusing using lifting equipment for the marking head unit or using receiving jigs for each type of target. Not only does this contribute greatly to reductions in installation costs, it also reduces time spent on changeovers.