Laser Cutting Layout in Industrial Printing for Printed Cut Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial printing processes face inefficiencies due to the need for separate die-cutting tools for different printing layouts, leading to increased manufacturing efforts and downtimes.

Innovation Solution

An industrial printing device with a laser cutting stage arranged upstream of the printer stage, allowing for continuous processing and enabling the printing of cut edges, thereby reducing the need for multiple cutting tools and minimizing downtimes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate die-cutting tools are used for different printing layouts, then cutting precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing efforts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a single laser cutting device that can handle multiple cutting layouts through software control, replacing the need for multiple physical die-cutting tools. The laser system can be programmed with different cutting paths and patterns, enabling one device to perform the functions of many specialized tools, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical die-cutting tools with a laser cutting system. Instead of using physical dies and mechanical pressing forces, the invention uses laser beams to cut the material. This substitution eliminates the need for manufacturing and storing multiple mechanical die tools, reducing device complexity and manufacturing efforts while maintaining or improving cutting precision through digital control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate die-cutting tools are used for different printing layouts, then cutting precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to tool changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser cutting device is designed to be universal, capable of executing different cutting layouts by loading different cutting paths into its control system. This eliminates the need to physically change tools between different printing layouts, allowing continuous operation and maintaining high productivity while achieving precise cuts for various patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting paths and patterns are pre-programmed into the laser cutting device's control system before production begins. This preliminary preparation of cutting data allows the device to switch between different layouts instantly by loading different programs, without requiring physical tool changes, thus maintaining both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If laser cutting tools are arranged subsequent to the printing stage, then cutting flexibility is improved, but product quality deteriorates due to unprinted cut edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting flexibilityVSAvoidproduct quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sequence by placing the cutting stage upstream of the printing stage. Material is cut first by the laser, then printed. This inversion ensures that the cut edges are created before printing occurs, allowing the printing process to cover and enhance the cut edges, resulting in high-quality finished products with printed edges while maintaining the flexibility of laser cutting for various layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances manufacturing efficiency by allowing for a wide variety of cutting layouts without tool changes, reduces production costs, and ensures high-quality printed products with printed cut edges.

Implementation Method 1

the cutting stage comprises a laser cutting device such that material is continuously processable between the input stage and the output stage by at least the cutting stage and the printer stage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4458583B1Industrial printing device and industrial printing process

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 BOBST MEX SA

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AI summary

The present invention generally relates to an industrial printing device (10) and an industrial printing process (42). The industrial printing device (10) comprises at least an input stage (12), an output stage (14), a cutting stage (18), and a printer stage (20). The printer stage (20) is arranged between the input stage (12) and the output stage (14). The cutting stage (18) is arranged upstream of the printer stage (20). The cutting stage (18) comprises a laser cutting device (19) such that material (16) is continuously processable between the input stage (12) and the output stage (14) by at least the cutting stage (18) and the printer stage (20).