Print & Cut

We were able to achieve all our aims in our test. The cut edge shows no smoke residue meaning that the white back remains faultless. The laser cut causes no kind of damage to the applied ink. This means the print remains excellent right up to the cut edge.

There is no need for polishing or post-processing the cut edge as the laser automatically achieves the desired smooth cut edge in one pass. eurolaser therefore recommends using a laser for cutting printed acrylic. Combined with Canon IJC 258 ink, you will achieve ideal results.

Aims:

• Testing ink for laser capability
• No peeling of the print at the cut edge
• No blistering

Test set-up:

• Material: 0.2mm thick film sheet
• Printer: Canon Océ Arizona flatbed printer
• Ink: IJC 256
• Laser system: eurolaser M-800
• CO₂ Laser power: 60 W

In this test, we want to prove that digital printing is also suitable for industrial production and the printed films can be cut well by laser. Without the limitations of the five or six colours used in screen printing, digital printing systems such as the Océ Arizona provide for a range of colour combinations. Our test achieved excellent cut edges.

The fast drying process of the ink in conjunction with the heat development at the cut edge due to the laser process led neither to the ink peeling nor to blistering. Using the IJC 256 ink in the digital printing of membrane keyboards in conjunction with eurolaser cutting technology significantly increases your flexibility. You will achieve perfect results and produce even short runs or prototypes economically.