System and method for efficient laser processing of a moving web-based material

A system for scoring or cutting a moving web to produce discreet scores or cuts in the web, the web moving in a machine direction, the system comprising:

• a mechanism for moving the web at a selected speed;
• a laser source for generating a laser beam;
• a lens for focusing the laser beam to create a focal point;
• a galvanometer for:
• reflecting the focused laser beam to the web;
• moving the focal point in the machine direction at a speed less than the selected speed for a selected distance thereby producing a discreet score or cut in the web;
• and
• repositioning the focal point to form another discreet score or cut once the prior discreet score or cut is formed and moving the repositioned focal point at a speed less than the selected speed for another selected distance;
• and
• wherein the laser beam is generated using less power than would be needed to produce the same type of discreet score or cut if the focal point were stationary as the web is moved at the selected speed.

A method for scoring or cutting a moving web to produce discreet scores or cuts in the web, the web moving in a machine direction, the method comprising:

• providing the moving web at a selected speed in the machine direction;
• generating a laser beam having a focal point positioned to provide either a score or cut in the web;
• and
• moving the focal point of the laser beam at a speed different than the selected speed for a selected distance, thereby producing a discreet score or cut in the web.