This section introduces the principles and common problems of conventional die-based processing, by the advantages of using laser cutting instead.

Conventional method: Press die construction

Common problems with conventional die processing

Advantages of laser cutting

Utilising laser wavelengths for high-quality processing

Conventional method: Press die construction

Basic principles of cutting using press dies

This machining method involves cutting targets by applying pressure from above. 

The example on the right shows a formed flexible PCB. The gate areas circled in red are cut using a press die. 

There are three general categories of press die types.Basic principles of cutting using press dies

Single-shot stamping

This method includes one stamping for processing a single target. 

This is the simplest processing method and includes the worker loading and removing the material.Single-shot stamping

Progressive stamping

Material moves sequentially through several processing stations of a single die, each with equal pitches. A feeder moves the material from one station to the next one pitch at a time for every rotation of the press.Progressive stamping

Transfer stamping

Various dies—each with a separate shape—are arranged in a single press. Automatic processing is performed continuously as the material moves through the press machine, which includes a synchronised feed mechanism.Transfer stamping

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Common problems with conventional die processing

Problem 1 — Changing the size and shape of the processing target

With conventional die processing, a new die must be used any time the shape of the target being cut changes. This results in both increased die costs and additional effort for changeovers in the production line.

PCB A

PCB A

PCB B

PCB B

Shape of die

Problem 2 — Gradually decreased quality of components, and increased maintenance work

Because cutting is performed by applying pressure to the cutting edge, there is always a risk of adversely affecting the product itself, such as warpage in PCBs. In addition, wear eventually appears on the cutting edge, resulting in decreased cutting quality and increased maintenance work such as for replacing consumables.

Cutting risks

Cutting risks

Decreased cutting quality due to blade wear

PCB warpage due to stress during cutting

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Advantages of laser cutting

Basic principles of cutting using laser markers

This method involves cutting or drilling any part of a target using non-contact laser light irradiation.

Customizable shape configurations using software

Non-contact processing for greater stability

No consumable supplies for simpler maintenance

Laser cutting of flexible PCB

Laser cutting of flexible PCB

Application

Film

Film

Gate cutting

Gate cutting

Cable coating

Cable coating

Non-woven fabric

Non-woven fabric

Labels

Labels

Lenses

Lenses

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Utilising laser wavelengths for high-quality processing

Compared with standard wavelength lasers, UV lasers and green lasers generally have a remarkably higher material absorption rate, so the irradiated light is efficiently absorbed on the marking surface. 

This means the power does not need to be increased to perform high-quality processing.

Absorption rates for various plastic materials

Utilising laser wavelengths for high-quality processing

The values are for reference only and do not account for surface reflectivity.

The ability to supp