Die board cutting with CO2 lasers
About Optica
15 October 2024
Die board cutting with CO2 lasers
Die cutting is a quick and low-cost way of cutting printed items into identical shapes multiple times. A pattern printed on paper or card is placed in a machine loaded with a custom-made ‘die’ – a block of wood with a metal blade, bent and folded into the desired shape. When the machine presses the printed sheet and the die together, it cuts out the shape of the blade into the material.
.png)
Die boards are made from thick, high-quality plywood, typically birch or maple, chosen for their strength, flatness and durability, and come in many different thicknesses. CO2 lasers are ideal for cutting the slots to hold the metal blades for the following reasons:
- The process is precise and flexible, so designs and dimensions can be changed on the fly.
- Accurate control of the cut width allows for blades of different sizes, and the natural taper of the cut helps to grip the blades tightly.
- A high-quality beam and good alignment avoid any directionality of the cut.
- Speeds are generally scalable with laser power.
Luxinar’s OEM and SR series of sealed CO2 lasers with powers ranging from 100 to 1000W have successfully cut die boards of varying thicknesses between 12 and 18mm. The speed of the cut allows control over the thickness of the cut on the bottom of the material, with slower speeds resulting in wider cuts. The focal point controls the cut width at the top surface. As the focal point is moved downwards below the material's surface the top line becomes thicker. As the focal point lowers, the speed generally needs to decrease to maintain the same line thickness on the bottom.
.png)
In summary:
- The kerf width at the top surface is directly proportional to the focused spot size.
- If the speed is optimised, the difference in quality based on power level is minimal.
- The kerf width at the bottom of the board is directly proportional to the speed.
- For thin die board, the maximum speed that can be reached is directly proportional to the power used.
About Luxinar
At Luxinar, we have a singular focus: developing laser technology to enhance our world.
Like a laser that channels light into a single, powerful beam, we focus on improving the lives of our customers. This allows us to create solutions to meet every single challenge – from heavy industry to delicate, high precision applications. We support the laser technologies of yesterday, focus on today’s and pioneer those of tomorrow.
Luxinar has been at the forefront of laser technology for over 25 years and is a leading manufacturer of industrial laser sources. To date, we have an installed base of over 25000 lasers worldwide in industrial applications environments.
Luxinar Ltd
Meadow Road
Bridgehead Business Park
Kingston Upon Hull
HU13 0DG, UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1482 650088
Joanna Houldridge
+44 (0)1482 650088
