Method and apparatus for laser cutting of adhesive-bearing webs separate from liner webs

Abstract

Web processing apparatus ( ) for accurate, rapid laser cutting of label stock is provided. The apparatus ( ) includes a laser cutting station ( ), an adjacent elongated vacuum conveyor ( ), and a cut segment attachment station ( ) spaced from the cutting station ( ). A composite web ( ) made up of a preprinted web ( ) having a series of axially spaced apart images or segments ( ) on one surface and an opposed adhesive-bearing surface ( ) and a release-coated liner web ( ) is fed to the apparatus ( ) and first separated, with the liner web ( ) being collected in a takeup roll while the preprinted web ( ) is directed along the conveyor ( ) through the laser cutting station ( ). The individual preprinted segments ( ) are laser cut and individually conveyed to the attachment station ( ) where they are applied to a liner web ( ). The remainder of the web ( ) in the form of a cut matrix web ( ) is separated from the individual cut segments ( ) via an appropriate takeup or collection device ( ). Preferably, an observation sensor( ) is positioned to observe the preprinted segments ( ) on the web ( ) prior to cutting thereof. This sensor ( ) is operably coupled via a controller with the laser cutting device ( ), so as to control the operation of the latter and prevent cutting of the web where missing or misprinted images are observed. A secondary sensor ( ) is located upstream of the attachment station ( ) and controls the movement of the second liner web ( ). In this way, the segments ( ) can be evenly spaced and applied to the liner web ( ).