Scorch-free and discolouration-free cutting edges
eurolaser x KOHLSCHEIN: solutions for graphic applications and displays
KOHLSCHEIN GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
KOHLSCHEIN is a leading manufacturer of sustainable board grades and sheet materials made from renewable paper fibre resources. The portfolio includes a wide range of environmentally friendly sheet materials for graphic applications, signage and display purposes as well as industrial packaging. Well-known brands include KROMA®, STUDIOBOARD® and EKA board, which are distributed worldwide. The family-owned company was founded in 1932.
Further information on the collaboration with eurolaser
eurolaser tested the following KOHLSCHEIN materials on its laser cutting machines:
Laser Test: KROMA®
Laser cutting of display boards
Material
KROMA® stands for a range of high-quality, plastic-free display boards made from virgin fibres – available in various surfaces, colours and strengths. The materials are rigid, highly printable and recyclable, making them excellently suitable for POS displays, packaging, signage or creative applications. Whether bright white, natural brown, deep black or wet-strength for temporary outdoor use – KROMA® offers the right solution for almost any design or technical requirement. The following KROMA® variants were tested:
- KROMA® Displayboard
- KROMA® Kraft
- KROMA® Outdoor
- KROMA® Natural White
- KROMA® Inkjet Pro
- KROMA® All Black
- KROMA® All White
Test setup
Various KROMA® variants were processed with the laser during testing – carried out on the eurolaser M-800 cutting machine with 200 W and Shuttle Table System as well as on the XL-1600 cutting machine with Twin Table System. The objective was scorch-free cutting edges, precise contours and high processing speeds.
Result
All tested KROMA® variants impressed in the laser test with very high cutting quality. The cutting edges were clean, burr-free and without visible discolouration – even with sensitive, light-coloured or dyed-through materials. Intricate contours were implemented precisely and without overcut.
Advantages
Maximum precision without overcut
Smooth cutting edges without scorch residues
High cutting speed
Material-friendly processing
Laser test certificates
excellently suitable
excellently suitable
Certificate KROMA® Displayboard
excellently suitable
Certificate KROMA® Inkjet Pro Matt
excellently suitable
Certificate KROMA® Inkjet Pro Silk
excellently suitable
excellently suitable
Certificate KROMA® Natural White
excellently suitable
excellently suitable
Laser Test: COASTER BOARD – from KOHLSCHEIN
Laser cutting of absorbent solid board for creative applications
Material
COASTER BOARD is an uncoated natural white board with good absorption properties. The material is printable on both sides and suitable for food contact. Typical applications include beer mats, cake bases, food packaging as well as sealing discs, greeting cards and promotional materials. Growing demand for individually cut contours prompted us to test the cutting capability of COASTER BOARD on our laser systems.
Test setup
The laser test was carried out on a eurolaser M-800 cutting machine with a 60 W CO₂ laser and Shuttle Table System with honeycomb table. Material thicknesses of 0.9 mm and 1.4 mm were tested. The objective was precise, scorch-free cutting at high processing speed.
Result
COASTER BOARD was cut easily and precisely with low laser power. The cutting edges were smooth, scorch-free and without visible discolouration. Both tested material thicknesses achieved excellent results – we award the rating excellently suitable for laser processing.
Advantages
No overcuts with intricate details
High processing speed without tool production
Processing with low laser power
Laser test certificates
excellently suitable
Laser Test: STUDIOBOARD®
Laser cutting of high-white chromo board
Material
STUDIOBOARD® is a double-sided high-white, FSC-certified chromo board with triple-coated top layers. Made from 100% virgin fibres, the material offers high bulk, a smooth surface and excellent print quality. Thanks to its good flatness and stability, it is suitable for a wide range of applications – such as packaging, brochures, calendars and POS materials.
Test setup
The laser test was carried out on a eurolaser M-800 laser cutting machine with a 200 W CO₂ laser. The Shuttle Table System enabled efficient, automated processing. The system size is optimally designed for standardised board formats. STUDIOBOARD® was tested in 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm thicknesses.
Result
With 200 W laser power, high cutting speed was achieved while maintaining clean and precise cutting quality. All tested KOHLSCHEIN grades fully met the requirements. STUDIOBOARD® proved to be excellently suitable for laser processing.
Advantages
Precise, radius-free cutting without overcuts
Burr-free and discolouration-free cutting edges
High processing speed without tool production
No damage to the material or print
Laser test certificates
excellently suitable
Laser Test: EKA Board (Wood Pulp Board)
Laser cutting of machine wood pulp board / groundwood board
Material
EKA Board is a Finnish machine wood pulp board made from pure groundwood pulp, featuring smooth, natural white outer layers, a light-coloured core and high bulk. It is excellently suitable as a laminating board for displays, signage, POS/POP applications, packaging, book covers, model making and toys, and is recyclable as well as PEFC-certified.
Test setup
EKA Board was tested on the eurolaser M-800 with Shuttle Table System. The honeycomb table concept was used, which is suitable for cardboard and wood-based materials and reduces residues on the underside. Thicknesses of 1.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm were evaluated with regard to precise contours, radius-free inner cut-outs and efficient processing.
Result
EKA Board is excellently suitable for laser cutting. Excellent cutting results were achieved across all tested material thicknesses. From a thickness of 4 mm, and more noticeably at 8 mm, slight charring or darkening of the cut edge may occur due to the material, without affecting the cutting quality. Based on the test results, we recommend a laser power of 200 watts. The eurolaser certificate also applies to the thicknesses 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm.
Advantages
Precise cutting even with complex contours
Radius-free internal contours without tool-related overcut
Efficient material change thanks to the Shuttle Table System
High process stability across various material thicknesses
Suitable for cartons, displays, packaging and model making
Laser test certificates
excellently suitable