Laser processing system and method of use

A method for laser processing a film, the method comprising:

• rotating a metal belt having a belt surface with a substantially smooth topography;
• biasing a roller toward the belt surface of the metal belt;
• feeding a film to and pressing the film against the belt surface such that an adjoining surface of the film is in intimate contact with the belt surface;
• moving the biased roller apart from the belt surface based on a rotation of the roller to disengage the roller from the fed film;
• reengaging the biased roller with the fed film to press the fed film against the belt surface;
• generating a laser beam having a focal point that is directed toward the pressed film;
• moving the focal point of the laser beam relative to the pressed film to cut into the pressed film based on a predetermined pattern;
• directing a plume created by the laser beam upward and away from the belt surface;
• and
• discontinuing the laser beam, wherein, after discontinuing the laser beam, the adjoining surface of the pressed film remains uncut.