Laser cutting of non-PVC film

3M™ Envision™ Print Wrap Film undergoing laser testing

PVC films are well-established on the market and are suitable for many different applications. However, PVC films have their limitations when it comes to laser cutting. Due to the high temperatures that occur on the cut edge the PVC can decompose into harmful substances, in particular hydrogen chloride.

For this reason many plastics processing companies are looking for alternatives that are more suitable for laser cutting while at the same time proving equally easy to handle and that meet the demands of sustainability and environmental friendliness.

3M has developed two product lines under the brand name Envision that meet these requirements perfectly.

3M^TM Envision^TM Print Wrap Film Serie 48
3M^TM Envision^TM Print Wrap Film Serie 480

eurolaser tested and approved the films for compatibility with laser cutting. In other words both 3M^TM Envision^TM print films can be cut with laser without problem.

On request we will send you a detailed report of this laser cutting test for 3M^TM Envision^TM print wrap films.

eurolaser tested and approved the films for compatibility with laser cutting. In other words both 3M^TM Envision^TM print films can be cut with laser without problem.

On request we will send you a detailed report of this laser cutting test for 3M^TM Envision^TM print wrap films.

3M^TMEnvision^TM Print Wrap Film Serie 48

With its new 3M^TMEnvision^TM Print Wrap Film Series 48 3M has launched a non-PVC film for medium-term applications on the market. The film has a durability of up to 5 years (unprocessed), is simple to handle and easy to remove. The film is suitable for flat or slightly curved surfaces. Typical applications include e.g. partial vehicle wraps, graphics on walls, glass and door surfaces, windows plus interior and exterior partition walls as well as signs.

The 3M^TM Envision^TM Print Wrap Film Series 48 are more robust than PVC films and remain more form stable when subjected to extreme temperatures. Different from PVC, which is prone to brittleness, 3M's new films also have higher tensile strength for fast and clean graphics removal. Numerous ICC profiles for different printers are available with the introduction of the films. we will send you a detailed report of this laser cutting test for 3M^TM Envision^TM Print Films.

laser cutting of foils and films

What are the benefits of cutting Envision print films with laser?

Clean and perfect cuts - no reworking of the foils necessary
No material fixation necessary – thanks to the vacuum table
No cleaning of the knives necessary - no parts stick after cutting
No tool wear so therefore consistently high cutting quality
High degree of flexibility in the choice of contours – without any need for tool construction or changeover

3M^TM Envision^TMPrint Wrap Film Series 480

The 3M^TM Envision^TM Print Wrap Film Series 480 is the premium product in the print film portfolio of 3M. The printable wrap film has a durability of up to 12 years (unprocessed) making it ideal for long-term applications. Highlights of the film include its high level of flexibility – it can be applied to deep corrugations where it then stays put. It is dimensionally stable even when exposed to extreme exterior temperatures and can be removed quickly.

A solution for virtually all applications: cars of all types, boats, structured surfaces and walls.

In order to ensure optimum printability on a variety of printing systems, 3M offers the SV480mC for solvent-based inkjet printing systems and the LX480mC for latex-based printing systems. Both versions are suitable for UV printing systems and screen printing.

We recommend the following laser systems for cutting plastic films:

Other CO₂ laser cutters for cutting plastic films

We would be glad to advise you on the topic of laser cutting of foils and films, on our laser systems and special options for foil/film processing.