Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly

A method of subdividing a multilayer optical film body, comprising:

• providing a multilayer optical film body comprising at least one multilayer optical film by unwinding a roll of the multilayer optical film body;
• applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film body, wherein the applying step comprises passing the first liner and the multilayer optical film body proximate a static bar;
• directing laser radiation at the multilayer optical film body through the first liner, the laser radiation being adapted to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film body;
• removing the plurality of pieces of the first liner from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body while the pieces of multilayer optical film body are supported by the second liner;
• and
• winding up the multilayer optical film body and the second liner into a roll after the directing and removing steps.

A method of subdividing a multilayer optical film body, comprising:

• providing a multilayer optical film body comprising at least one multilayer optical film by unwinding a roll of the multilayer optical film body;
• applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film body;
• directing laser radiation at the multilayer optical film body through the first liner, the laser radiation being adapted to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film body;
• removing the plurality of pieces of the first liner from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body while the pieces of multilayer optical film body are supported by the second liner;
• and
• winding up the multilayer optical film body and the second liner into a roll after the directing and removing steps;
• wherein the multilayer optical film body comprises a tearable outer layer, and wherein at least some of the cut lines are formed through the at least one multilayer optical film but not through the tearable outer layer.

A method of cutting a multilayer optical film body into a plurality of discrete pieces, comprising:

• providing a multilayer optical film body comprising at least one multilayer optical film;
• applying a first liner to the multilayer optical film body;
• forming cut lines through the first liner and at least partially through the multilayer optical film body, the cut lines defining a plurality of discrete pieces;
• removing the plurality of pieces of the first liner from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body;
• supporting the multilayer optical film body with a second liner during at least the forming and removing steps;
• and
• winding up the multilayer optical film body and the second liner into a roll after the forming and removing steps;
• wherein the multilayer optical film body comprises a tearable outer layer, and wherein at least some of the cut lines are formed through the at least one multilayer optical film but not through the tearable outer layer.

A method of cutting a multilayer optical film body into a plurality of discrete pieces, comprising:

• providing a multilayer optical film body comprising at least one multilayer optical film;
• applying a first liner to the multilayer optical film body wherein the first liner is applied to the multilayer optical film body electrostatically;
• forming cut lines through the first liner and at least partially through the multilayer optical film body, the cut lines defining a plurality of discrete pieces;
• reducing the electrostatic attraction of the first liner to the multilayer optical film body before the removing step
• removing the plurality of pieces of the first liner from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body;
• supporting the multilayer optical film body with a second liner during at least the forming and removing steps;
• and
• winding up the multilayer optical film body and the second liner into a roll after the forming and removing steps.

A method of cutting a multilayer optical film body into a plurality of discrete pieces, comprising:

• providing a multilayer optical film body comprising at least one multilayer optical film wherein the providing step comprises continuously unwinding a roll of the multilayer optical film body;
• applying a first liner to the multilayer optical film body wherein the applying step comprises passing the first liner and the multilayer optical film body proximate a static bar;
• forming cut lines through the first liner and at least partially through the multilayer optical film body, the cut lines defining a plurality of discrete pieces;
• removing the plurality of pieces of the first liner from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body;
• supporting the multilayer optical film body with a second liner during at least the forming and removing steps;
• and
• winding up the multilayer optical film body and the second liner into a roll after the forming and removing steps.