# US 8,785,811 B2 · System and method for efficient laser processing of a moving web-based material > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,785,811 B2 - Document ID: US8785811B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/892,335 - Filed: 2010-09-28 - Published: 2011-03-31 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2009-09-29 - Assignees: Preco, Inc. - Applicants: James J. Bucklew; Kurt Hatella - Inventors: James J. Bucklew; Kurt Hatella - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8785811B2 ## CPC - B23K 26/38: by boring or cutting - B23K 26/0006: {taking account of the properties of the material involved (B23K26/32, B23K26/40 take precedence)} - B23K 26/082: Scanning systems, i.e. devices involving movement of the laser beam relative to the laser head - B23K 26/0846: {for moving elongated workpieces longitudinally, e.g. wire or strip material} - B23K 2103/166: {Multilayered materials} - B23K 2103/172: {wherein at least one of the layers is non-metallic} - B23K 2103/40: {Paper} - B23K 2103/42: {Plastics other than composite materials} - B23K: SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM ## Abstract Systems and methods are described for efficient laser processing of a moving web-based material. In one embodiment, a moving web is provided at a selected speed. A laser beam is generated having a focal point positioned to provide either a score or cut in the web. The focal point of the laser beam is moved at a speed less than the selected speed for a selected distance thereby producing a discreet score or cut in the web in the machine direction. The focal point is repositioned to form another discreet score or cut once the prior discreet score or cut is formed. The repositioned focal point is moved at a speed less than the selected speed for another selected distance. The step of repositioning is repeated to form a plurality of discreet scores or cuts in the web moving at the selected speed. The laser beam is therefore able to be 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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; generating a laser beam having a focal point positioned to provide either a score or cut in the web; moving the focal point of the laser beam at a speed less than the selected speed for a selected distance thereby producing a discreet score or cut in the web; 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; repeating the step of repositioning to form a plurality of discreet scores or cuts in the web; and wherein the laser beam is generated using less power than would be needed to produce a substantially similar discreet score or cut if the focal point were stationary as the web is moved at the selected speed. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein moving the focal point of the laser beam and moving the repositioned focal point are accomplished in the machine direction. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating a laser beam having a focal point comprises providing a lens to focus the laser beam to create the focal point. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of moving the focal point of the laser beam comprises: providing a mirror to reflect the laser beam onto the moving web; and rotating the mirror to cause movement of the focal point of the laser beam in the machine direction. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of repositioning the focal point of the laser beam comprises: providing a mirror to reflect the laser beam onto the moving web; and rotating the mirror to cause movement of the focal point of the laser beam opposite to the machine direction. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring the speed of the web; and controlling the speed of the focal point as a function of the speed of the web. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring the speed of the web; and controlling a power density of the laser beam as a function of the speed of the web. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the web comprises a plastic film. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam comprises a CO2 laser beam. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the selected speed is x, corresponding to an ideal web movement speed for the web if the focal point was stationary. ### Claim 11 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. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the mechanism for moving the web comprises a roller system. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the galvanometer comprises: a mirror for reflecting the laser beam to the web; and a motor for rotating the mirror to cause movement of the focal point. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the web comprises a plastic film. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the laser beam comprises a CO2 laser beam. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein moving the focal point and moving the repositioned focal point are accomplished in the machine direction. ### Claim 17 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the selected speed is x, corresponding to an ideal web movement speed for the web if the focal point was stationary. ### Claim 18 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, further comprising an encoder for monitoring the speed of the web. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The system of claim 18, further comprising a control unit in communication with the encoder and the galvanometer, the control unit for controlling the speed of the focal point as a function of the speed of the web. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The system of claim 18, further comprising a control unit in communication with the encoder and the laser source, the control unit for controlling a power density of the laser beam as a function of the speed of the web. ### Claim 21 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. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein moving the focal point of the laser beam is accomplished in a direction opposite the machine direction. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein moving the focal point comprises varying a speed of movement of the focal point. ### Claim 24 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein moving the focal point of the laser beam is accomplished in a plurality of directions. ### Claim 25 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein moving the focal point of the laser beam is accomplished while varying a speed of movement of the focal point. ### Claim 26 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein generating the laser beam is comprises varying a power density level of the laser beam.