Makrofol® DE could be cut precisely with the CO₂ laser. The Shuttle Table optimised processing times and increased process reliability. Overall, laser technology offers a flexible, tool-free solution for demanding cutting tasks with medium material thickness.
eurolaser x Covestro: solutions for plastics applications
Covestro AG, Germany
Covestro AG is a global leading manufacturer of materials – sustainable, versatile and innovative. Its products and solutions are used in many key sectors such as the automotive industry, the construction sector and the electronics industry, shaping everyday life. The globally active company is headquartered in Germany, with its corporate headquarters located in Leverkusen.
Further information on the collaboration with eurolaser
eurolaser has tested the following materials from Covestro AG on its laser cutting machines:
Laser test: Makrofol® DE
Laser cutting of polycarbonate films
Material
Makrofol® DE is a thermoplastic polycarbonate film from Covestro, available in transparent, translucent and opaque versions. The films are particularly suitable for all common printing processes. They are typically used for the film insert moulding process, where they are three-dimensionally formed using thermoforming or high-pressure processes and then back-moulded with thermoplastics or bonded. Common applications include automotive displays, electronic components and medical devices.
Test setup
Testing was carried out on a eurolaser M-800 with a 200 W CO₂ laser in combination with a Shuttle Table. The system enables highly precise, non-contact processing with simultaneous loading and unloading of the material carriers. The objective was clean, fast cutting of Makrofol® DE, even with filigree contours and high cycle rates.
Result
Advantages
No material fixation via vacuum table required.
Non-contact and force-free processing.
No sticking of individual parts after cutting.
No tool wear, consistently high cut quality.
High flexibility in contour selection, without tool manufacturing.
Laser test certificates
excellently suitable
Laser test: Platilon®
Laser cutting of thermoplastic polyurethane films
Material
Platilon® is a thermoplastic polyurethane film with excellent mechanical resilience. It is highly stretchable, rubber-elastic, skin-friendly, cold-flexible, heat-resistant as well as puncture- and abrasion-resistant. Its resistance to fuels and oils makes it particularly versatile. Typical applications include medical wound dressings, bulletproof vests or light-impermeable roller blinds.
Test setup
The laser test was carried out on a eurolaser M-800 with a 60 W CO₂ laser in combination with a Shuttle Table. This setup enabled parallel loading and unloading of the material carriers for an efficient workflow. The objective was contour-accurate, non-contact cutting without residues or deformation – even with very thin and flexible film thicknesses.
Result
ll tested Platilon® variants – from 25 µm to 1000 µm – could be cut precisely. The edges were clean and free from adhesion. Non-contact laser cutting prevented deformation, even with thin films. The Shuttle Table optimised the workflow. Conclusion: Platilon® is excellently suitable for laser processing.
Advantages
Fast contour changes possible.
Precise cutting even for printed films.
High repeat accuracy during cutting.
High productivity thanks to the Shuttle Table System.
Laser test certificates
excellently suitable