Web Direction Series Laser Processing Machine

Preco Web Direction Flexible Packaging Machine

Designed for a Variety of Flexible Packaging Features

The Web Direction (WD) series machines are primarily utilized for micro-perforating, venting and controlled depth scoring applications. These machines are designed to be integrated inline with slitter rewinders but can also be adapted to laminators and extrusion lines. The WD series machines are built to handle web widths up to 2000 mm (79 in.) and they can have up to sixteen processing heads.

Applications

  • Micro-Perforating - Modified atmosphere packaging (for burst protection and moisture release)
  • Web Direction Scoring - Straight line, controlled-depth scoring in the web direction (for easy-open features)
  • Microwave Venting - Controlled depth and/or through-cut line segments (dashes/slits)

Multiple modules with maximum flexibility.

The WD Series machines can be designed and integrated into production lines such as laminators, extruders or can be set up off-line on a rewinder or slitter. Systems are adaptable with web widths up to 1600 mm (62.99′′). This series offers precise laser scoring for easy-open packaging.

AcuBreathe

Laser Perforating for Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Preco's Beam Compression Units (BCUs) are used to produce consistent geometric-shaped holes at processing speeds up to 2500 ft./min. This is the fastest perforating head in the industry.

AcuTear

Laser Scoring for Consumer Convenience

Laser scoring is a process of utilizing a focused spot of energy to remove
material to a specified depth. Preco's AcuTear laser scoring technology
provides easy-open / easy-tear flexible packaging.

Laser-Processed Flexible Pouches

MATERIALS

  • Plastic Films
  • Polyester
  • Polyethylene
  • Polypropylene
  • EVOH
  • Nylon
  • Laminations
  • Foils 
  • PLA

CAPABILITIES

  • Laser Scoring
  • Laser Slitting
  • Laser Perforating
  • Laser Micro-Perforating
Web Direction with Split Beam Technology

Web Direction with Split Beam 

The WD Series machines combined with our beam compression technology are the ultimate high-speed laser micro-perforator. Beam compression heads perforate through holes at speeds up to 2,500 ft./min (760 m/min), over 15 times faster than other WD series machines. Additionally, this technology enhances the processing benefits of standard industrial lasers allowing for the efficient use of lower powered lasers to produce micro-perforation holes with better quality results than higher-powered lasers at slower speed. With beam compression technology the energy received per hole is independent of the web speed thus the resulting micro-perforations are consistently round.

As the requirement for packages with improved breathability, consistent hole size and precise location continues to grow, converters are looking to Preco to provide micro-perforating solutions.

Features & Benefits

Just some of the many benefits of buying a Preco Web Direction laser machine.

Job Run From Recipe Files

Reduces set-up time; unify production from operator to operator

Bi-Level Scoring Operation

Provides added flexibility in scoring different film materials

MPLC Laser Controller

An on-the-fly controller that compensates web speed fluctuation during the entire run resulting in quality product and substantial waste reduction

Operation Status Display

On-the-job feedback including laser processing parameters, web speed and web length

Quick-Remove Optics

Easily clean lens and mirrors without causing beam misalignment

Easy CW Traverse Positioning

Quick and accurate positioning of score or perforation locations

Micro-Positioning of Beam Head

Precise positioning of focal point and ability to handle different film thicknesses

Ramp Up – Ramp Down Control

Eliminates scrap caused by the overpowering of material at slower than normal processing speeds

Closed-Loop Power Control (Optional)

Precision Control of laser energy, Unique to Preco

Tech Specs

Technical parameters are based on a baseline standard but all Preco Web Direction laser machines can be customized to meet your product's needs.

  Fixed-Focus Heads Beam Compression Heads
Venting Speed (short slit pattern) Up to 45 m/min (150 ft./min) Up to 457 m/min (1,500 ft./min)
Perfing Speed  Up to 45 m/min (150 ft./min) Up to 457 m/min (1,500 ft./min)
Perforating Precision 1:1.75 Hole aspect ratio 1:1.2 Hole aspect ratio
Perforation Hole Size 50 µm - 150 µm (0.002 in. - 0.006 in.)
Scoring Speed Up to 610 m/min (2,000 ft./min)
Lasers 1 -10
Output Heads  1 - 10
Cross Axis Beam Adjustment Rows 2 Rows 
Machine Footprint Cross Web: 2743 mm (108 in.) 
Web Direction: 1270 mm (50 in.)
Height: 2438 mm (96 in.)
Web Width Standard 1600 mm (63 in.)
Laser Power Up to 400 Watts
Laser Wavelengths  9.3 µm, 10.2 µm or 10.6µm
AcuBreathe® / AcuTear™ Software Included
Safety Enclosure Class 1
Lower Web Stabilization Support Included 
Process Monitoring  Requires Closed Loop Power Control
Power Requirements Controller: 208VAC, 3PH, 50/60Hz
Chiller: 460VAC, 3PH, 60Hz

The above data is subject to change. All specifications are dependent on laser power, material type and thickness, and process platform - consult with a Preco associate.

Laser Equipment Line for Flexible Packaging

zone-processing-series.png

ZonePro Series

Small Area Laser Processing Machine

The ZonePro series has the ability to add scoring or perforating features within a defined width or "zone" across the flexible packaging material.

cross-web-series-system-1000x1000.png

Cross Web Series

Large Area Laser Processing Machine

The Cross Web Series was designed to laser perforate, score and cut shapes or lines on-the-fly across the web.

WD-FL-BCUs-1000x1000.png

Web Direction Series

Laser Processing Machine

Designed for laser micro-perforating, scoring and microwave venting in the web direction with high-speed capabilities.

flashlite-laser-modules-4up-white-1000x969.jpg

FlashLite Laser Modules

Flexible System Integration

FlashLite Modules offer laser scoring and laser micro-perforating for easy-open, easy-fill and easy breathe packaging.

Have Questions? Contact Us

Reach out to a Preco sales representative directly to get your project started.

scarvaci-salvatore-335x419.jpg

Salvatore Scarvaci

European Managing Director
+44 1227 473 900
Email Salvatore
volker-hofmann-335x419-2.jpg

Volker Hofmann

European Sales/Technical Support Manager
+49 6387 993 209
Email Volker
jason-thoen-335x419.jpg

Jason Thoen

VP of Laser Equipment Sales
715.247.3285
Email Jason
chris-mccune-335x419.jpg

Chris McCune

Sales Manager
715.247.3285
Email Chris

Quick Contact

Required
Required
Required
Required
Required