Process Date: November 2005

Cellulose acetate is a tough thermoplastic material created from processed wood pulp or, in some cases, cotton. Because cellulose acetate (CA) is based primarily on wood pulp, this “plastic” is actually a renewable, biodegradable material. Manufacturers of textiles, clothing, film, and filtration products commonly use CA singularly or in conjunction with other fibers or additives.

This application called for laser cutting 0.13 mm (0.005”) thick cellulose acetate film with a marking head. The FH Tracker head was outfitted with a 125 mm lens that provides a 180-micron (0.007”) spot with a 3 mm (0.118”) depth of focus.

Using 25 watts of power and a galvanometer velocity of 65 inches per second, we cleanly cut 30 mm (1.18”) diameter holes in a cycle time of 0.09 seconds per hole. In a web-type application, a single Tracker head could cut these holes in CA film at line speeds up to 50 meters/minute (164 ft/min), depending on the desired spacing.


 
These 30 mm circles are the result of cutting holes in cellulose acetate film using 25 watts of power at a velocity of 65 inches per second. Note the fine edge quality and total lack of discoloration.