Efficient laser cutting for printed electronics

The demands on the production of printed electronics are constantly increasing – especially in terms of precision, speed and automation. Trotec offers a powerful answer to these challenges with its specially developed laser solution.

The system combines leading technology with intuitive operability and is ideal for series production. At the heart of the solution is a customised SpeedMarker galvo system, equipped with a 100 watt CO₂ laser (wavelength 9.3 µm) and a three axis system with software controlled X, Y and Z axes. The system enables a typical galvo speed of 700 mm per second and a positioning speed of up to 9000 mm per second – ideal for fast and precise processing.

A particular highlight is the vision through the lens (VTTL) camera, which enables exact positioning through register mark detection. This ensures that specified tolerances are reliably adhered to – a decisive advantage when processing sensitive materials.

The system is designed for quick workpiece changes and has a loading and unloading station outside the laser area. A pilot laser makes it easier to set up the laser job, while three integrated flow monitors only enable operation when extraction is active – for consistently perfect cutting results.

An illuminated work area, laser safety window, emergency stop switch and intuitive SpeedMark software round off the safety and operating concept.

Hoffmann + Krippner, a leading supplier of capacitive keyboards, sensors and printed electronics, was faced with the challenge of making production more efficient and precise for demanding customers, such as those in the automotive industry. The solution: a customised laser cutting system from Trotec.

The sensors consist of several layers, including PET film and conductor track film, which must be separated particularly cleanly in order to avoid adhesive bleeding. The cutting plotters and punching machines previously used were unable to meet these requirements.

Thanks to the fully automated laser solution with dual shuttle table system, special tool holder and high precision VTTL camera, Hoffmann + Krippner was able to increase productivity by 60%. The cutting speed was quintupled, and the cutting quality significantly improved – virtually no smoke marks, minimal edge chatter and maximum precision in the hundredths range.

The close cooperation with Trotec during the six month project phase even led to the originally defined process quality being exceeded. The solution was developed and tested directly at the company’s site in Markdorf.