LaserSharp® Laser Scoring for Flexible Packaging

LaserSharp FlexPak Services, LLC delivers a precise laser scoring process for a variety of different applications. The LaserSharp® scoring process delivers a controlled score depth for easy open packaging while maintaining a film’s barrier properties. The laser scoring process improves the aesthetic appearance of your bag or pouch because film propagates down a well defined line in registration with print on the package. Unique scored features and designs can be added to your package, resulting in improved user satisfaction, product safety, and brand identification. This process has been proven for resealable, retort, and pourable packaging. 

The LaserSharp® Scoring Process

LaserSharp® technology delivers selective scoring patterns through a non-tool, fast, clean, and precise processing method. This advanced non-contact technology enables easy open packaging features while maintaining the barrier properties of the package. As a result, precision score depths are attainable to achieve high quality and reliable easy open packaging features that will consistently tear along your score lines. Depending upon your specific product, a tensile target or necessary strength to open a bag/pouch is normally taken into account and used as a reference when developing a scoring process. LaserSharp FlexPak Services also offers tensile strength testing to certify the laser scoring process.

During the thermal process of laser scoring, vaporization and melting of the top layers of flexible film occurs as a result of the energy created by the laser beam. A taper, a V-shaped channel, is created in the film where material has been vaporized, thus generating the basis of a desired score line. On either side of the taper where heat is absorbed rollback is produced, identifiable by a slightly raised “kerf” as the melting film transforms from a liquid state to a solid state after cooling. 
Score lines can be precisely registered to print on a product’s package. Registration sensors and vision cameras integrated directly within our laser systems automatically control processing in response to print cues to ensure pattern accuracy. Cross web (transverse) and down web (machine direction) scoring is available in both straight and contoured lines, all in a single production run. The benefits of laser processing involve the speed, flexibility, accuracy, and repeatability of our LaserSharp® systems, which deliver superior quality. 

Material Selection and Applications

Materials best suited for laser processing are those with a narrow liquid to vapor temperature range. These include PVDC Barrier and Polyolefin Shrink Films, Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Nylon, and metalized films. Multilayer laminates are ideal for laser scoring, as one layer absorbs the laser beam for a precise score line while the laser beam transmits harmlessly through the other layer. Different materials absorb energy at varying rates and therefore vaporize at different temperatures. Our adaptable laser processing systems adjust laser settings to meet the varying requirements of each flexible material. 

Applications for laser scoring include easy open tear strips for:

• Resealable pouches
• Pour spouts
• Zipper bags
• Microwaveable packages
• Peel away windows

These convenience features add value to a package, which influences the purchasing decisions of customers. Precision laser scoring offers many possibilities to improve the usability of your product. LaserSharp FlexPak Services is dedicated to working with its customers to develop and perfect a unique laser scoring process depending on varying packaging requirements. The quality and convenience achieved with laser scoring allows a package to stand out among its competitors because of the increased functionality of the product to the user. To learn more about the benefits of laser scoring and to schedule a trial of your material, contact LaserSharp FlexPak services today.