The Laser Cutting process is a demanding one. It was the case with the old CO² technology and remains such with the newest fiber capabilities. The processing and protective films required for this process need to be resilient. Appropriate Laser absorption and resistance to cutting gas pressure are always the main prerequisites for Laser Cutting film.
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Reliability is the key word. The Novacel Laser films ensure productivity and quality of LASER processes. Indeed, using Novacel films ensure the cutters:
Novacel is the worldwide leader in laser cutting solutions. Thanks to years of experience, innovation and customers recommendations, Novacel offers the widest range on the market to meet all needs.
Novacel’s processing and protective films are designed to prevent scratches and damage during the laser cutting process. This protection is crucial for maintaining the aesthetic and functional quality of high-value materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and coated metals.
Thanks to their high absorption capacity of the laser wavelength, Novacel’s films ensure a cleaner and more precise cut in a single-step. This leads to a more efficient process with reduced waste and lower rework costs.
Understanding that each material and laser cutting machine has unique requirements, Novacel offers customized film solutions tailored to specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with intricate designs or thick materials, Novacel has a film solution that can enhance your cutting process.
In response to growing environmental concerns, Novacel is committed to providing eco-friendly film solutions that are recyclable and made from sustainable resources. These efforts contribute to a greener manufacturing process and align with global sustainability goals.
Discover our processing and protective films
for Laser cutting
Laser cutting processing and protective films, also known as a laser cutting mask or laser cutting tapes, serves as a temporary layer on materials during the laser cutting process. It acts as an indispensable second skin in a laser cutting process. Without it, laser cutting would not be possible. It prevents damage or contamination of the material's surface and ensure precise and clean laser cuts. Novacel assists you from the choice of your process and protective film for laser cutting, right through to its removal.
Applied on the surface to be cut, the film acts as a shield, preserving the material from potential damage during the laser cutting process.
To apply the processing and protective film, start by thoroughly clean the material and remove any grease, oil, or residues that could interfere with adhesion. Then, ensure that the surface is completely dry.
If you're using a laminating machine, it's essential to ensure its settings, beforehand, to ensure a perfect application of the laser cutting processing and protective film on the surface.
Once the protective film is in place, you can proceed with laser cutting.
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Configure your laser equipment according to the specifications of the material and the type of laser film you're using. Conduct a preliminary test on a small piece to ensure the setup is correct. If the test is successful, continue with the laser cutting.
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After completing the laser cutting, allow the material to cool, if necessary, and then remove the processing and protective film. Gently peel it off from one corner, pulling steadily but carefully. Finally, give the material a final cleaning to ensure it's debris-free.
Discover the key factors affecting film quality, and some practical tips to ease the removal.
Bubbles may form under the film if cutting gas escapes between the sheet and the film during cutting. The risks are as follows:
In 90% of cases, bubbling occurs during the drilling phase.
The risk of bubbling is amplified when the cuts are very close together. For example, small holes that are very close together. The gas pressure is concentrated on a very small surface and bubbles appear. There is also a strong risk of bubbling when the holes are less than 5mm apart. In this case, vaporisation must be carried out to avoid bubbling, i.e., burning the film before the cutting and, more specifically, the drilling phase. ‘Pre-drilling’ is available on most machines and can be done in the same operation as drilling, without significantly impacting productivity.
When the distance between the holes is greater, the holes are made in an area where the film is intact. There is therefore less risk of bubbles.
Protective film on sheet metal impacts the production process. Yet, suppliers standardise films, at the cost of optimising the cutting process. However, when the volumes are high enough, or if the film is applied in-house, then the manufacturer can choose a more suitable film.
When choosing the film, it’s important to find a balance between high adhesion to limit bubbles and low adhesion to make the film easier to remove.
A) With this in mind, there are several aspects to consider when choosing a film :
? the cutting technology: fibre laser source or CO2 laser
A fibre laser’s wavelength is ten times shorter than that of a CO2 laser and is not absorbed by the plastic. Thus, using a film designed for CO2 laser would create a very uneven cut if used with a fibre laser source. In fact, films specifically for fibre laser cutting have built-in absorbers.
? the material: stainless steel, aluminium, pre-lacquered, etc.
Stainless steel/aluminium: Some materials are highly thermally conductive, e.g., aluminium, copper, etc. In this case, the heat spreads when cutting and can melt the film. The sheet protection for these materials therefore must be adapted, with a higher level of thermal resistance than a film for stainless steel, for example.
Pre-lacquered steel: Cutting pre-lacquered steel can be problematic if the lacquer used is not designed for good laser wave absorption. Even if there are specific films, the lacquer must be adapted, in particular with specific additives.
Double-sided: Double-sided protection can cause a small amount of burring during cutting, because the film on the table side retains the material. It is therefore recommended to use thin films, which reduce, or even eliminate, quality problems.
? Thickness of the sheet metal used
Depending on the thickness, the pressure of the cutting gas is different and therefore does not require the same level of adhesion. As a result, a film designed for thin sheet metal will result in a lot of bubbling if used on thick sheet metal.
? Material finishes: brushed, glossy, scotch-brite, etc.
Adhesion depends on the surface and the film products are adapted to each surface. It is therefore important to take the finish of the material into account when choosing a film.
B) Quality control: how to ensure that the film is suitable and properly applied?
? Specific colour codes and markings enable the operator to identify the type of film for visual inspection. Brice Lequette – Novacel explains: "The protective film for a CO2 laser is black on the glue side and white on the outside, whereas for a fibre laser it is black on the glue side and grey on the outside.”
? It is important to properly apply the film, especially by limiting its elongation. This is because plastic is a shape memory material that will return to its original size if elongated. Elongation reduces adhesion and the film will therefore be less resistant to gas pressure, leading to an increased risk of bubbling.
A quick test can be carried out to check that the film has been properly applied:
A few visual clues can also alert to any issues, such as small application defects like bubbles, etc.
? The sheet metal should not be cut for 48 hours after applying the film.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Laser Cutting Protection Film Supplier.