US20060191630A1 - Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly - Google Patents
Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060191630A1 US20060191630A1 US11/342,962 US34296206A US2006191630A1 US 20060191630 A1 US20060191630 A1 US 20060191630A1 US 34296206 A US34296206 A US 34296206A US 2006191630 A1 US2006191630 A1 US 2006191630A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- multilayer optical
- optical film
- liner
- film body
- pieces
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03D—APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03D15/00—Apparatus for treating processed material
- G03D15/04—Cutting; Splicing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/0006—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring taking account of the properties of the material involved
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/009—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a non-absorbing, e.g. transparent, reflective or refractive, layer on the workpiece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/08—Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
- B23K26/083—Devices involving movement of the workpiece in at least one axial direction
- B23K26/0838—Devices involving movement of the workpiece in at least one axial direction by using an endless conveyor belt
- B23K26/0846—Devices involving movement of the workpiece in at least one axial direction by using an endless conveyor belt for moving elongated workpieces longitudinally, e.g. wire or strip material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/14—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor
- B23K26/142—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor for the removal of by-products
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/18—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using absorbing layers on the workpiece, e.g. for marking or protecting purposes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/36—Removing material
- B23K26/38—Removing material by boring or cutting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/02—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/14—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
- B32B37/16—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating
- B32B37/20—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of continuous webs only
- B32B37/203—One or more of the layers being plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/14—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
- B32B37/26—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the lamination process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/20—Filters
- G02B5/28—Interference filters
- G02B5/285—Interference filters comprising deposited thin solid films
- G02B5/287—Interference filters comprising deposited thin solid films comprising at least one layer of organic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2101/00—Articles made by soldering, welding or cutting
- B23K2101/16—Bands or sheets of indefinite length
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2103/00—Materials to be soldered, welded or cut
- B23K2103/16—Composite materials, e.g. fibre reinforced
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2103/00—Materials to be soldered, welded or cut
- B23K2103/16—Composite materials, e.g. fibre reinforced
- B23K2103/166—Multilayered materials
- B23K2103/172—Multilayered materials wherein at least one of the layers is non-metallic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2103/00—Materials to be soldered, welded or cut
- B23K2103/30—Organic material
- B23K2103/40—Paper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2103/00—Materials to be soldered, welded or cut
- B23K2103/30—Organic material
- B23K2103/42—Plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2103/00—Materials to be soldered, welded or cut
- B23K2103/50—Inorganic material, e.g. metals, not provided for in B23K2103/02 – B23K2103/26
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2310/00—Treatment by energy or chemical effects
- B32B2310/08—Treatment by energy or chemical effects by wave energy or particle radiation
- B32B2310/0806—Treatment by energy or chemical effects by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
- B32B2310/0843—Treatment by energy or chemical effects by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation using laser
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
- B32B2457/20—Displays, e.g. liquid crystal displays, plasma displays
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2551/00—Optical elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/02—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
- B32B37/025—Transfer laminating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/0004—Cutting, tearing or severing, e.g. bursting; Cutter details
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1059—Splitting sheet lamina in plane intermediate of faces
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1062—Prior to assembly
- Y10T156/1075—Prior to assembly of plural laminae from single stock and assembling to each other or to additional lamina
- Y10T156/1077—Applying plural cut laminae to single face of additional lamina
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1082—Partial cutting bonded sandwich [e.g., grooving or incising]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1084—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing of continuous or running length bonded web
- Y10T156/1085—One web only
Definitions
- the present invention relates to methods of cutting or subdividing an optical body comprising a multilayer optical film into a plurality of smaller pieces.
- Multilayer optical films i.e., films that provide desirable transmission and/or reflection properties at least partially by an arrangement of microlayers of differing refractive index
- multilayer optical films by depositing a sequence of inorganic materials in optically thin layers (“microlayers”) on a substrate in a vacuum chamber.
- the substrate is a relatively thick piece of glass, limited in size due to constraints on the vacuum chamber volume and/or the degree of uniformity possible by the deposition process.
- multilayer optical films have been demonstrated by coextrusion of alternating polymer layers, See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,729 (Rogers), U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,305 (Rogers et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,623 (Im et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,404 (Schrenk et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,774 (Jonza et al.), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- polymer materials are used predominantly or exclusively in the makeup of the individual layers. Such films are compatible with high volume manufacturing processes, and can be made in large sheets and roll goods.
- the delamination may not be problematic or even noticeable. In others—particularly where it is important for substantially the entire piece of film from edge to edge to exhibit the desired reflection or transmission characteristics, or where the film can be subjected to mechanical stresses and/or wide temperature variations that could cause the delamination to propagate in the film over time—the delamination can be highly detrimental.
- the method would not produce delamination at the cut lines or film edges, would cut the film cleanly without substantial debris accumulation on the film, and would be compatible with automated and/or continuous manufacturing processes.
- the present application discloses methods of subdividing or cutting a multilayer optical film body comprising a multilayer optical film into one or more discrete pieces.
- the multilayer optical film body consists essentially of a multilayer optical film.
- the multilayer optical film body can also comprise one or more additional layers laminated to the multilayer optical film.
- a first and second liner are removably applied to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film body.
- laser radiation is then directed at the film body through one of the liners (arbitrarily designated the first liner), the laser radiation being adapted to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the film body.
- the laser radiation produces a plume of smoke and debris that deposits on the workpiece—in this case, on the first liner.
- the plurality of pieces of the first liner (with accompanying debris) are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body while the pieces of multilayer optical film body are supported by the second liner.
- the removal can be accomplished by contacting the first liner with an adhesive tape and pulling the tape away from the multilayer optical film body.
- At least the first liner is applied to the film body using electrostatics.
- a neutralizer member can be used to reduce the electrostatic attraction between the first liner and the multilayer optical film body.
- laser radiation is a preferred technique for cutting the film body
- alternative approaches such as rotary die cutting and ultrasonic cutting may also be suitable in some cases.
- FIG. 1 is a greatly magnified perspective view of a multilayer optical film body
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sheet of multilayer optical film body, with broken cut lines indicating how it is to be subdivided;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a multilayer optical film body disposed between an upper and lower liner, the figure further depicting electromagnetic radiation forming gaps at cut lines that define discrete pieces of the multilayer optical film body and of the upper liner;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 , but where an adhesive film has been applied to the upper liner so that it can remove the pieces of upper liner from the pieces of multilayer optical film body;
- FIGS. 3 a and 4 a are similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively except that the former figures include cut lines that extend completely through the microlayers of the multilayer optical film(s) in the film body but do not extend completely through an optically thick tearable outer layer the film body;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a piece of multilayer optical film body cut from a larger sheet
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view through the piece of multilayer optical film body of FIG. 5 with a plurality of filter frames attached thereto;
- FIG. 7 depicts a continuous process for subdividing a multilayer optical film body
- FIG. 8 shows a plan view of multilayer optical film body as it is being cut.
- film refers to an extended optical body whose thickness is generally no more than about 0.25 mm (10 thousandths of an inch, or “mils”). In some instances a film can be attached or applied to another optical body such as a rigid substrate or another film having suitable reflection or transmission properties. The film can also be in a physically flexible form, whether it is free-standing or attached to other flexible layer(s).
- film body shall mean a film whether by itself or in combination with other components, such as in a laminate construction.
- FIG. 1 depicts a multilayer optical film body 20 .
- the film body comprises individual microlayers 22 , 24 .
- the microlayers have different refractive index characteristics so that some light is reflected at interfaces between adjacent microlayers.
- the microlayers are sufficiently thin so that light reflected at a plurality of the interfaces undergoes constructive or destructive interference in order to give the film body the desired reflective or transmissive properties.
- each microlayer For optical films designed to reflect light at ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared wavelengths, each microlayer generally has an optical thickness (i.e., a physical thickness multiplied by refractive index) of less than about 1 ⁇ m.
- Multilayer optical film body 20 can also comprise one or more thick adhesive layers to bond two or more sheets of multilayer optical film in a laminate.
- the reflective and transmissive properties of multilayer optical film body 20 are a function of the refractive indices of the respective microlayers.
- Each microlayer can be characterized at least at localized positions in the film by in-plane refractive indices n x , n y , and a refractive index nz associated with a thickness axis of the film. These indices represent the refractive index of the subject material for light polarized along mutually orthogonal x-, y-, and z-axes, respectively (see FIG. 1 ).
- the refractive indices are controlled by judicious materials selection and processing conditions.
- Film body 20 can be made by co-extrusion of typically tens or hundreds of layers of two alternating polymers A, B, followed by optionally passing the multilayer extrudate through one or more multiplication die, and then stretching or otherwise orienting the extrudate to form a final film.
- the resulting film is composed of typically tens or hundreds of individual microlayers whose thicknesses and refractive indices are tailored to provide one or more reflection bands in desired region(s) of the spectrum, such as in the visible or near infrared.
- adjacent microlayers preferably exhibit a difference in refractive index ( ⁇ n x ) for light polarized along the x-axis of at least 0.05.
- the adjacent microlayers also preferably exhibit a difference in refractive index ( ⁇ n y ) for light polarized along the y-axis of at least 0.05. Otherwise, the refractive index difference ⁇ n y can be less than 0.05 and preferably about 0 to produce a multilayer stack that reflects normally incident light of one polarization state and transmits normally incident light of an orthogonal polarization state.
- the refractive index difference ( ⁇ n z ) between adjacent microlayers for light polarized along the z-axis can also be tailored to achieve desirable reflectivity properties for the p-polarization component of obliquely incident light.
- the x-axis will be considered to be oriented within the plane of the film such that the magnitude of ⁇ n x , is a maximum.
- the magnitude of ⁇ n y can be equal to or less than (but not greater than) the magnitude of ⁇ n x .
- the selection of which material layer to begin within calculating the differences ⁇ n x , ⁇ n y , ⁇ n z is dictated by requiring that ⁇ n x be non-negative.
- the z-index mismatch ⁇ n z between microlayers can be controlled to be substantially less than the maximum in-plane refractive index difference ⁇ n x , such that ⁇ n z ⁇ 0.5* ⁇ n x . More preferably, ⁇ n z ⁇ 0.25* ⁇ n x .
- a zero or near zero magnitude z-index mismatch yields interfaces between microlayers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light is constant or near constant as a function of incidence angle.
- the z-index mismatch ⁇ n z can be controlled to have the opposite polarity compared to the in-plane index difference ⁇ n x , i.e. ⁇ n z ⁇ 0. This condition yields interfaces whose reflectivity for p-polarized light increases with increasing angles of incidence, as is the case for s-polarized light.
- Exemplary materials that can be used in the fabrication of polymeric multilayer optical film can be found in PCT Publication WO 99/36248 (Neavin et al.), incorporated herein by reference.
- at least one of the materials is a polymer with a stress optical coefficient having a large absolute value.
- the polymer preferably develops a large birefringence (at least about 0.05, more preferably at least about 0.1 or even 0.2) when stretched.
- the birefringence can be developed between two orthogonal directions in the plane of the film, between one or more in-plane directions and the direction perpendicular to the film plane, or a combination of these.
- the preference for large birefringence in at least one of the polymers can be relaxed, although birefringence is still often desirable.
- Such special cases may arise in the selection of polymers for mirror films and for polarizer films formed using a biaxial process, which draws the film in two orthogonal in-plane directions.
- the polymer desirably is capable of maintaining birefringence after stretching, so that the desired optical properties are imparted to the finished film.
- the films can be fabricated using only two distinct polymer materials, and interleaving those materials during the extrusion process to produce alternating layers A, B, A, B, . . . , as shown in FIG. 1 . Interleaving only two distinct polymer materials is not required, however.
- each layer of a multilayer optical film can be composed of a unique material or blend not found elsewhere in the film.
- polymers being coextruded have the same or similar melt temperatures.
- Exemplary two-polymer combinations that provide both adequate refractive index differences and adequate inter-layer adhesion include: (1) for polarizing multilayer optical film made using a process with predominantly uniaxial stretching, PEN/coPEN, PET/coPET, PEN/sPS, PET/sPS, PEN/Eastar,TM and PET/Eastar,TM where “PEN” refers to polyethylene naphthalate, “coPEN” refers to a copolymer or blend based upon naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, “PET” refers to polyethylene terephthalate, “coPET” refers to a copolymer or blend based upon terephthalic acid, “sPS” refers to syndiotactic polystyrene and its derivatives, and EastarTM is a polyester or copolyester (believed to comprise cyclohexanedimethylene diol units and terephthalate units) commercially available from Eastman Chemical Co.; (2) for polarizing multi
- polymeric multilayer optical films and film bodies can comprise additional layers and coatings selected for their optical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,699 (Gilbert et al.).
- the polymeric films and film bodies can also comprise inorganic layers, such as metal or metal oxide coatings or layers.
- FIG. 1 Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 1 , where microlayer 22 of polymer A adjacent to microlayer 24 of polymer 13 forms a unit cell or optical repeat unit 26 that repeats throughout the stack.
- Thickness gradients along a thickness axis of the film e.g., the z-axis
- Thickness gradients tailored to sharpen such band edges can also be used, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,490 (Wheatley et al.), also incorporated herein by reference.
- FIG. 2 shows a portion of a sheet of a multilayer optical film body 30 in plan view.
- Film body 30 is manufactured and sold or supplied in transverse dimensions that are larger than desired for a particular end-use application. Subdividing the film body 30 into a smaller piece or pieces is therefore required to adapt the film to the application.
- the desired size and shape of the pieces can vary widely.
- FIG. 2 shows pieces defined by two intersecting sets of parallel cut lines, labeled 32 and 34 . If both sets of cut lines are used, film body 30 is converted into discrete rectangular (including square) or parallelogram-shaped pieces that extend in two directions, i.e., the length and width of film 30 . If only one of the sets is used, the pieces become elongated rectangular strips.
- the cut lines need not be straight, and can include curves, bends, angles, and straight sections in any combination. Often, however, simple shapes such as circles, rectangles, parallelograms, or other polygons are all that is required.
- the laser radiation is selected to have a wavelength at which at least some of the materials of the optical film have substantial absorption so that the absorbed electromagnetic radiation can vaporize the film body along the cut line. Otherwise, the laser radiation would be transmitted or reflected by the film just as other incident light, whose wavelength is within an intended operating range of the film.
- the laser radiation is also shaped with suitable focusing optics and controlled to suitable power levels to accomplish the vaporization along a narrow cut line.
- the laser radiation can also be rapidly scanned across the workpiece according to preprogrammed instructions, and switched on and off rapidly so that cut lines of arbitrary shape can be followed.
- LaserSharp brand of laser processing modules sold by LasX Industries Inc., St. Paul, Minn. These modules use a CO 2 laser source operating at a wavelength of about 10.6 ⁇ m (from about 9.2-11.2 ⁇ m) to cut the workpiece.
- a first liner can be applied to the multilayer optical film body before the laser cutting operation. If intimate contact is maintained between the first liner and the multilayer optical film body, any debris created during the cutting step accumulates on the first liner rather than on the multilayer optical film body.
- the first liner is also preferably applied in a way that permits it to be readily removed so that a clean piece of multilayer optical film body can be obtained.
- the first liner can be applied to the multilayer optical film body electrostatically prior to laser cutting. The electrostatic charge can later be at least partially neutralized to reduce the attraction of the liner to the film body and thus permit the separation thereof.
- a thin layer of low tack adhesive can be used, such as the type used for repositionable office notes.
- the laser radiation is preferably directed at the multilayer optical film body through the first liner. Therefore, unless the first liner is non-absorbing at the laser wavelength, the first liner will be cut into pieces substantially identical to the pieces of the multilayer optical film body since the two layers are in intimate contact. That is, as the laser radiation is controlled to cut distinct pieces of the multilayer optical film body, it simultaneously cuts substantially identical pieces of the first liner.
- a preferred first liner is paper. Paper vaporizes but does not melt upon exposure to the laser radiation, and thus the pieces of paper do not become bonded to the adjacent pieces of multilayer optical film body. The paper can be treated with a very thin (well under 1 mil) layer of silicone and still retain these desirable properties. In such case the silicone-treated side of the paper preferably contacts the multilayers optical film body. Other materials that exhibit minimal or no melting upon exposure to the laser radiation can also be used.
- a second liner can be applied to the multilayer optical film body on a side thereof opposed to the first liner.
- a so-called “kiss-cut” can be achieved along at least some of the cut lines, whereby the first liner and the multilayer optical film body are completely vaporized at the cut line, but the second liner is not completely vaporized but instead is at least partially intact, and preferably substantially fully intact.
- the second liner serves as a substrate for supporting and carrying the individual pieces after they have been cut Note that the second liner can support and carry the individual pieces whether it is oriented above or below such pieces.
- FIG. 3 is illustrative in this regard.
- a polymeric multilayer optical film body 40 is depicted as a single layer for simplicity.
- a first liner 42 and a second liner 44 have been applied to be in intimate contact with opposed major surfaces of the film body 40 .
- Liner 44 is shown as comprising two layers 44 a , 44 b , for reasons discussed below.
- Laser radiation 46 a , 46 b , 46 c is directed at film body 40 through liner 42 at cut lines 48 a , 48 b , 48 c respectively.
- Suitable beam shaping optics mid power control (not shown) are provided so that narrow gaps are formed as shown by vaporization of liner 42 and film body 40 , while liner 44 remains substantially intact.
- first liner 42 Some of the vaporized material accumulates as debris 50 on first liner 42 .
- the cut lines and gaps define distinct pieces 40 a , 40 b , 40 c of multilayer film body 40 and corresponding pieces 42 a , 42 b , 42 c of liner 42 .
- the pieces of liner 42 remain in intimate contact with the pieces of multilayer film body 40 such as by electrostatic attraction or other reversible attachment mechanism.
- Cut lines 48 a - c can be formed simultaneously or sequentially.
- the LaserSharp laser processing modules mentioned above scan a single beam of laser radiation, whereby radiation 46 a - c represent sequential scans of the beam.
- other cutting techniques such as rotary die cutting and ultrasonic cutting may be acceptable alternatives to laser radiation.
- FIG. 4 depicts a technique for conveniently removing the debris-coated liner pieces 42 a - c from the multilayer optical film body pieces 40 a - c .
- a pressure sensitive adhesive tape 52 is placed in contact with the construction of FIG. 3 such that the pressure sensitive adhesive contacts the first liner 42 . If film 42 is held to film body 40 electrostatically during laser cutting, the electrostatic forces are preferably substantially neutralized or at least reduced such that the attractive force between liner 42 and film body 40 is substantially less than the attractive force between liner 42 and tape 52 . Then, liner pieces 42 a - c can be rapidly separated from film body pieces 40 a - c by simply pulling tape 52 away from film body 40 , or vice versa. Tens, hundreds, or thousands of discrete liner pieces can be readily and rapidly removed in this way. Tape 52 preferably extends the width of the multilayer optical film body 40 so as to simultaneously contact a row of the plurality of pieces to be cut.
- the multilayer optical film body pieces 40 a - c are also desirably separated from second liner 44 .
- this is done by providing a relatively weak bond between film body 40 and second liner 44 .
- Such bond can be achieved electrostatically or by use of a small amount of low-tack pressure sensitive adhesive.
- the bond is weak enough to permit easy separation of pieces 40 a - c by passing the liner 44 around a sharp corner or bend and gently removing pieces 40 a - c therefrom.
- Liner 44 preferably comprises at least two layers 44 a , 44 b selected to facilitate kiss-cutting.
- Layer 44 a disposed adjacent the multilayer optical film body 40 , is preferably composed of a material having a substantially lower absorption of the laser radiation than that of film body 40 . Having lower absorption, layer 44 a can experience little or no vaporization during the laser cutting procedure with appropriate control of the laser.
- a polyethylene material with a thickness of about 0.001 inch (25 ⁇ m) or more has been found to be adequtate for a CO 2 laser cutting system operating at about 10.6 ⁇ m. Such material however can stretch or deform from the heat generated by the laser at the cut lines.
- liner 44 is held in tension and used to move the multilayer optical film body 40 through the laser cutting area, stretching or deformation of liner layer 44 a can cause pieces 40 a - c to move out of alignment with each other and thus cause mispositioned laser cuts.
- layer 44 b is preferably composed of a relatively high modulus material such as a high modulus adhesive-coated paper to keep the film body 40 and film pieces 40 a - c dimensionally stable.
- Multilayer optical film body pieces 40 a - c have edges substantially devoid of delamination by use of the laser cutting procedure, and also have clean major surfaces free of debris by use of first and second liners 42 , 44 .
- the heat generated by the laser radiation deforms the microlayers at the edges to produce a kind of seat of the multilayer optical film.
- FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a piece of polymeric multilayer optical film body 60 that has been subdivided from a larger sheet of a polymeric multilayer optical film body.
- Piece 60 has laser-cut peripheral edges 62 a - d defining an elongated strip, preferably by kiss-cutting as depicted in FIG. 3 . Additional laser cuts are provided to enable further subdivision of the multilayer optical film body into individual filter packages.
- Edges 64 a , 64 b define alignment holes for mounting the strip in an injection molding apparatus. These edges are also preferably kiss-cut.
- Points 66 define linear arrays of holes serving the function of perforation lines to permit tearing or shearing along such lines.
- the laser radiation is preferably controlled to make a complete through-cut (not simply a kiss cut) through the multilayer optical film body and through both first and second liners at points 66 .
- one hole intersects peripheral edge 62 a and another hole intersects peripheral edge 62 c so that a fractional hole or notch is provided along each edge for ease of tearing.
- Melt zones 68 are formed by reducing the laser radiation to levels that do not vaporize completely through multilayer film body 60 . This can be accomplished by defocusing the laser beam, reducing the laser power, and/or scanning the laser more rapidly across the workpiece. Although some of the multilayer optical film body can be vaporized at melt zones 68 , at least a portion of the multilayer optical film body thickness remains intact at melt zones 68 , though distorted by the localized heating. This distortion can be exemplified by localized rippling or undulation of the microlayers as well as co-mixing and a resulting loss of distinct individual microlayers.
- the melt zones 68 are provided to prevent the spread of delamination that can occur when the piece 60 is later cut into even smaller pieces by shear or tensile mechanical means along the perforation lines.
- melt zones 68 extend across the width of the ship and are arranged in pairs that alternately define active window areas 67 and mechanical separation areas 69 .
- Perforation holes such as those defined at points 66 can be provided in the mechanical separation areas 69 , or they can be omitted. Whether perforation holes are provided or not, melt zones 68 that border the separation area 69 are preferably spaced far enough apart so that a continuous band of multilayer optical film, undistorted by the laser cutting process and extending across the width of the strip, borders each melt zone.
- These bands of undistorted multilayer optical film act as buffer zones that help prevent the spread of delamination when window areas 67 are separated from each other by mechanical action (such as application of tensile force if perforation holes are present, or by shearing means) across separation areas 69 .
- the multilayer optical film body can also comprise one or more multilayer optical films permanently attached to an optically thick outer layer whose composition and thickness are selected to make such outer layer tearable with the application of moderate tensile forces.
- the outer layer is made from an optically clear polymer, preferably a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a polycarbonate, or copolymers thereof, although the layer can include colorants, absorbers, or diffusing materials as desired.
- An adhesive layer can be used to bond the multilayer optical film to such an outer layer.
- a multilayer optical film body so constructed can be sandwiched between the first and second removable liners and cut lines can then be formed with laser radiation directed through the first liner.
- the multilayer optical film body is oriented such that the tearable outer layer is adjacent the second liner, i.e., farthest away from the laser radiation.
- the laser radiation can be controlled at at least some of the cut lines to cut (vaporize) only partially through the multilayer optical film body, vaporizing completely through the multilayer optical film(s) but leaving the tearable outer layer intact.
- the multilayer optical film body still in the form of a continuous sheet due to the intact ouster layer, can then be easily separated into distinct pieces as defined by the cut lines by simply pulling the pieces apart by hand along the cut lines or by applying such moderate forces with simple machinery. The tensile forces during separation are concentrated exclusively on the tearable outer layer.
- the multilayer optical film(s) included in such construction experience virtually no tensile forces during separation, and have sealed edges at the periphery of the defined pieces. The likelihood of delamination of the multilayer optical film(s) during separation is thus essentially zero.
- Cut lines as described herein are identified with minerals 49 a , 49 b , 49 c in FIGS. 3 a and 4 a , which figures are similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 except that multilayer optical film body 40 is shown having a tearable outer layer 40 d adjacent the second liner 44 .
- Such cut lines can replace each pair of melt zones 68 and line of perforation holes at points 66 as shown in FIG. 5 to permit easy separation of window areas 67 into separate pieces.
- the peripheral edges 62 a - d can also use such cut lines, or the laser radiation can if desired cut through the entire multilayer optical film body (including the tearable outer layer) in those places as shown in FIGS. 3-4 .
- One or more multilayer optical film body pieces 60 can be placed in an injection molding machine using alignment holes defined by edges 64 a , 64 b . Molten polymer material can then be formed in a series of boxes or frames 114 around the piece 60 as shown best in the sectional view of FIG. 6 . After cooling, individual filter assemblies can be made by mechanically cutting the multilayer film body 60 along the perforation lines defined by points 66 . Such individual filter assemblies and applications thereof are discussed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/152,546, entitled “Photopic Detector System and Filter Therefor”, filed on May 21, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
- the filter frames can include an aperture adapted to receive a photodetector.
- the photodetector/filter assembly combination provides a modified detection system with spectral properties resulting in part from the photodetector's spectral properties and in part from the spectral transmission of the multilayer optical film.
- the utility of the described method of subdividing a sheet of multilayer optical film body into pieces thereof is in no way limited to forming strips of such material for use in box filters.
- the method is useful anywhere a piece or pieces (particularly a large number of pieces, e.g., at least 10, at least 50, or at least 100) of a multilayer optical film body are to be obtained from a larger sheet or roll of such material, and particularly where delamination along the edges of the multilayer optical film can be problematic and where a clean surface over the entire piece of multilayer optical film body is desired.
- FIG. 7 depicts a roll-to-roll process 200 for converting a sheet of multilayer optical film body into pieces of multilayer optical film body cleanly and rapidly.
- Roll 202 is unwound to provide a laminate film 204 that can consist essentially of a polymeric multilayer optical film body (e.g., element 40 in FIG. 3 ) and a second liner (e.g., liner 44 in FIG. 3 ) adhered to one major surface (designated arbitrarily as the second major surface) of the multilayer optical film body.
- the second liner was applied to the second major surface of the multilayer optical film body such as by electrostatic attraction or by use of a small amount of low tack adhesive.
- the laminate film 204 passes around an idler roller 206 such that the multilayer optical film body contacts the roller 206 .
- Laminate film 204 then passes through torque-driven nip rollers 208 , 210 .
- a first liner 212 e.g., element 42 in FIG. 3
- a first liner 212 is unwound from a roll 214 , brought into close proximity with laminate film 204 by idler roller 216 , and applied to the multilayer optical film body component of laminate film 204 by passing the films proximate a conventional static bar 218 .
- the electrostatic forces imparted by static bar 218 produce an intimate contact between first liner 212 and a first major surface of the multilayer optical film.
- the film combination 204 / 212 (“web”) then passes through a laser radiation station 220 , where laser radiation from a laser control module 222 is directed at the web to produce discrete pieces 224 of the multilayer optical film body and of the first liner, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- a flat table 226 is provided with a honeycomb array of holes connected to a vacuum source 228 to keep the web uniformly flat across its width (cross-web direction) and along a substantial portion of its length (down-web direction) during laser cutting.
- Laser module 222 includes beam shaping and steering optics and controls that can cut a programmed pattern of cut lines, each at predetermined power settings, while the web moves at a constant speed.
- laser radiation station 220 includes an exhaust hood 230 configured to provide a strong air flow across the web in a given direction. The air flow helps reduce optical distortion from the plume of smoke and debris that is generated at the point of laser cutting.
- the beam steering optics in the laser module 222 moves the laser cutting point on the web in directions that have substantially no component parallel to the direction of airflow to further avoid distortion from the plume.
- the neutralizer bar eliminates or at least reduces the electrostatic attraction between the pieces of multilayer optical film body of laminate film 204 and the pieces of first liner 212 . With the bond between the corresponding pieces thus weakened, and adhesive tape 234 is unwound from a roll 236 and passed through a pair of nip rollers 233 , 235 where the adhesive-coated side of tape 234 is pressed against discontinuous pieces 224 a of the first liner.
- tape 234 separates and carries away debris-coated first liner pieces 224 a from the now pristine pieces 224 b of multilayer optical film body.
- the web is then wound up loosely with a silicone-coated PET liner 242 for temporary protection during storage and handling.
- the second liner can be guided over a sharp bend or radius to completely separate the loosely held multilayer optical film body pieces 224 b from the second liner as well.
- Nip rollers 233 , 235 can be driven at a constant speed to act as the speed loop for roll-to-roll system 200 .
- the web i.e., the film combination 204 / 212
- FIG. 8 shows a top view of a web 250 —comprising a polymeric multilayer optical film body sandwiched between a first and second liner—at the laser radiation station 220 (see FIG. 7 ).
- Web 250 moves along a direction 252 .
- An air current is set up by exhaust hood 230 to provide air current in a direction 254 transverse to the web.
- the web 250 is segregated into a central working portion 250 a and weed portions 250 b , which portions are separated from the working portion 250 a by cut lines 256 .
- laser module 222 can be programmed to scan the laser cutting point in preferred directions 258 a , 260 a - b as shown, which are or which have components that are antiparallel to air flow direction 254 .
- the web 250 can have two distinct weed portions on each side of the web, i.e., a left outer weed portion along the left side of FIG. 8 and a right outer weed portion along the right side of FIG. 8 .
- An additional through-out made by the laser module 222 separates such outer weed portions from weed portions 250 b , the latter of which can be described as inner weed portions, and which would then utilize kiss-cut lines at 256 .
- the outer weed portions can be separated from the inner weed portions and collected immediately after the laser cutting station 220 .
- Such outer weed portions help provide a clean uniform edge for the final roll product.
- the inner weed portions travel with the remainder of the web through nip rollers 233 , 235 as described above.
- a polymeric multilayer interference film was manufactured by coextruding alternating layers of a low melt coPEN made from a 90/10 copolymer of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) at about 277° C. to form an extrudate having 224 individual layers sandwiched between two outer skin layers composed of the low melt coPEN.
- These layers defined an optical packet consisting essentially of 112 unit cells with an approximately linear thickness gradient along an axis perpendicular to the stack. The thickest unit cell, located at one side of the packet, was approximately 1.3 times thicker than the thinnest unit cell, located at the other side of the packet.
- the optical packet was asymmetrically multiplied to give a multilayer optical film construction having 448 individual layers with outer skin layers and an interior polymer boundary layer (PBL) between packets.
- the layer multiplication was carried out so that one of the optical packets had an overall thickness about 1.3 times that of the other packet.
- the extrudate was quenched on a chill roller to form a cast multilayer film.
- the cast film was sequentially stretched in the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD) using stretch ratios 3.4:1 and 3.4:1 respectively, producing a finished film having in-plane refractive indices (n 1x , n 1y ) and an out-of-plane refractive index (n 1x ) of about 1.744, 1.720, and 1.508 respectively in the coPEN layers, and in-plane refractive indices (n 2x , n 2y ) and an out-of-plane refractive index (n 1z ) of about 1.495, 1.495, and 1.495 respectively in the PMMA layers. All indices were measured with a Metricon surface wave characterization device at 550 nm.
- the finished from comprised two optical packets each of 1 ⁇ 4-wave design, and each with an approximately linear thickness gradient along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the film to give a range of reflected wavelengths within each optical packet.
- the thickest twit cell in the furnished film had a thickness about 1.8 times that of the thinnest unit cell in the finished film, corresponding to a range of reflected wavelengths from approximately 665 nm to 1220 nm.
- Skin layers on the outsides of the optical structure were low melt coPEN, with an approximate thickness of 11 ⁇ m (0.43 mils).
- the overall film thickness was about 90 sun (3.7 mils).
- Two substantially identical rolls of multilayer film made as described above were selected on basis of their optical properties, and were corona treated to improve adhesion.
- One of the corona-treated films was coated with a UV-initiated adhesive at approximately 122 mini (5 mils) and irradiated with UV light to activate the curing process of the adhesive.
- the adhesive made by a hot melt extrusion process, was a homogeneous mixture of a thermoplastics component (ethylene vinyl acetate), a curable resins component (mixture of epoxy and polyol), and a photoinitiator component (a triaryl sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salt).
- the two multilayer films were then laminated together and curing of the laminate adhesive was accelerated with a heat soak at 25° C. (80° F.) for 10 minutes.
- the resulting film body consisted of two multilayer optical films with a clear adhesive layer in between.
- the element was in the form of a roll and had a thickness of approximately 12.4 mils (300 ⁇ m), a width of about 4 inches (100 mm), and a length of at least about 50 feet (well over 10 meters).
- the film body, or interference element, thus constructed exhibited a reflection band in the near infrared wavelength region and a pass band in the visible region for normally incident light. Percent transmission was about 70% or more from about 450-640 nm; and was less than 1% from about 700-1140 nm, and less than 5% from 680-700 nm and from 1140-1160 nm.
- the second liner was a high modulus paper with a thin layer of polyethylene adhered thereto with a strong pressure sensitive adhesive.
- the paper thickness was about 2 mils (50 ⁇ m)
- the polyethylene layer thickness was about 1 mil (25 ⁇ m)
- the overall thickness of the second liner was about 3 mils (75 ⁇ m).
- the adhesive coated paper was obtained under part number CT 1007 from TLC Industrial Tape, Harwood Heights, Ill.
- the polyethylene layer was laminated to one major surface of the multilayer optical film body in a continuous process using a nip roll. In a separate step, the adhesive-coated paper was laminated to the polyethylene layer.
- the polyethylene layer can comprise a low tack adhesive on the side that contacts the multilayer optical film body and the same procedure followed.) This was rolled up and stored for days.
- the first liner was a high modulus paper with a thickness of about 2 mils (50 ⁇ m), and one side was silicone-treated.
- the paper was purchased from Litin Paper Company, Minneapolis, Minn.
- a constant web speed of about 2 to 3 ft/min (0.01-0.015 nm/sec) was used.
- the web passed within about one-half inch (10 mm) of static bars 218 , which were controlled to a setting just below the are point.
- the web also passed within a similar distance of neutralizer bars 232 .
- a LaserSharp brand laser processing module, model LPM300 was used.
- the CO 2 laser had a spot size of about 8 mils (0.2 mm), and this produced kiss-cut and through-cut lines about 13-14 mils (0.35 mm) in width.
- Cut line/feature Process Speed Frequency Kiss-cut 1100 mm/sec 20 kHz Kiss-cut (DW) 875 mm/sec 20 kHz Perforation cut (CW) 950 mm/sec 2.2 kHz Through-cut (DW) 600 mm/sec 20 kIIz Melt Zone (CW) 1800 mm/sec 20 kHz
- CW refers to a cut line that extends in the cross web direction
- DW refers to a cut line that extends in the down web direction.
- power was set to 100%
- duty cycle was set to 50%
- jump speed was set to 5000 mm/sec for each of the features.
- the CW kiss-cut setting was used to cut minor edges 62 b , 62 d of the strips (see FIG. 5 )
- the DW kiss-cut setting was used to cut major edges 62 a , 62 c of the strips and circular edges 64 a , 64 b
- the CW perforation setting was used for perforations 66
- the DW throughout was used for the cut-lines separating the working portion from the weed portions (see lines 256 in FIG. 8 )
- the CW melt zone setting was used for melt zones 68 .
- the melt zone setting produced melt zones in which the upper multilayer optical film (i.e., the multilayer optical film adjacent the first liner) was completely vaporized along with the first liner, whereas the lower multilayer optical film (the multilayer optical film adjacent the second liner) was intact but exhibited substantial deformation/undulation of its constituent layers.
- Each inner weed portion had a width of about one-eighth of an inch (about 3 mm). This can be compared to the central working portion of the web (see again FIG. 8 ), which had a width of about 3-3.5 inches (about 75 to 90 mm).
- the outer weed portions were roughly one-half inch wide (roughly 10 mm). The outer weed portions were separated from the remainder of the web and collected between the laser radiation station 220 and the neutralizer bar 232 .
- a roll of single-sided adhesive tape having a width about equal to the central working portion of the web was used for tape 234 , in a continuous fashion.
- the tape was a conventional 3MTM painter's masking tape.
- the inner weed portions were separated from the second liner immediately alter the nip rollers 233 , 235 and rolled up on roll 238 along with the tape and pieces of first liner.
- Individual pieces (strips) of the multilayer optical film body were easily removed by hand from the second liner. Upon inspection, the pieces exhibited substantially no delamination along the laser-cut edges. Still smaller pieces were obtained by exerting a moderate amount of tensile force by hand to create breaks along the perforation lines. Examination of the edges so cut revealed delamination along the edges, but the delamination did not extend across the melt zones 68 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
Abstract
Polymeric multilayer optical films, and laminate bodies that include such films, are cut or subdivided into one or more discrete pieces by removably applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film. Laser radiation is then directed at the multilayer optical film through the first liner in such a way as to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film. Thereafter, the plurality of pieces of the first liner are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film while the pieces of multilayer optical film are supported by the second liner. Application of the first liner to the multilayer optical film can be accomplished with electrostatics.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/268,118, filed Oct. 10, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/152,412, filed May 21, 2002, now abandoned and claims priority thereto.
- The present invention relates to methods of cutting or subdividing an optical body comprising a multilayer optical film into a plurality of smaller pieces.
- Multilayer optical films, i.e., films that provide desirable transmission and/or reflection properties at least partially by an arrangement of microlayers of differing refractive index, are known. It has long been known to make such multilayer optical films by depositing a sequence of inorganic materials in optically thin layers (“microlayers”) on a substrate in a vacuum chamber. Typically, the substrate is a relatively thick piece of glass, limited in size due to constraints on the vacuum chamber volume and/or the degree of uniformity possible by the deposition process.
- More recently, multilayer optical films have been demonstrated by coextrusion of alternating polymer layers, See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,729 (Rogers), U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,305 (Rogers et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,623 (Im et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,404 (Schrenk et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,774 (Jonza et al.), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In these polymeric multilayer optical films, polymer materials are used predominantly or exclusively in the makeup of the individual layers. Such films are compatible with high volume manufacturing processes, and can be made in large sheets and roll goods.
- Many product applications, however, require relatively small and numerous pieces of film. Filters for individual photodiode detectors is one such application. Windows, reflectors, and/or filters for fiber optic devices and other small-scale photonics devices are additional applications. For these applications, small pieces of multilayer optical film can be obtained from a larger sheet of such film by subdividing the sheet by mechanical means, such as by cutting the sheet with a shearing device (e.g., a scissors), or slitting the sheet with a blade. However, the forces exerted on the film by the cutting mechanism can produce layer delamination in a region along the cut line or edge of the film. This is particularly true for many polymeric multilayer optical films. The delamination region is often discernable by a discoloration relative to intact areas of the film. Because the multilayer optical film relies on intimate contact of the individual layers to produce the desired reflection/transmission characteristics, the delamination region fails to provide those desired characteristics.
- In some product applications, the delamination may not be problematic or even noticeable. In others—particularly where it is important for substantially the entire piece of film from edge to edge to exhibit the desired reflection or transmission characteristics, or where the film can be subjected to mechanical stresses and/or wide temperature variations that could cause the delamination to propagate in the film over time—the delamination can be highly detrimental.
- There exists, therefore, a need for an improved method for subdividing multilayer optical film and articles comprising such film. Preferably, the method would not produce delamination at the cut lines or film edges, would cut the film cleanly without substantial debris accumulation on the film, and would be compatible with automated and/or continuous manufacturing processes.
- The present application discloses methods of subdividing or cutting a multilayer optical film body comprising a multilayer optical film into one or more discrete pieces. In a simple case, the multilayer optical film body consists essentially of a multilayer optical film. In other cases the multilayer optical film body can also comprise one or more additional layers laminated to the multilayer optical film. A first and second liner are removably applied to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film body. Preferably, laser radiation is then directed at the film body through one of the liners (arbitrarily designated the first liner), the laser radiation being adapted to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the film body. Typically, the laser radiation produces a plume of smoke and debris that deposits on the workpiece—in this case, on the first liner. Thereafter, the plurality of pieces of the first liner (with accompanying debris) are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body while the pieces of multilayer optical film body are supported by the second liner. The removal can be accomplished by contacting the first liner with an adhesive tape and pulling the tape away from the multilayer optical film body.
- Preferably, at least the first liner is applied to the film body using electrostatics. After the cut lines are formed with the laser radiation and before removal of the pieces of the first liner from the pieces of multilayer optical film body, a neutralizer member can be used to reduce the electrostatic attraction between the first liner and the multilayer optical film body.
- Although laser radiation is a preferred technique for cutting the film body, alternative approaches such as rotary die cutting and ultrasonic cutting may also be suitable in some cases.
- Throughout the specification reference is made to the appended drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a greatly magnified perspective view of a multilayer optical film body; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sheet of multilayer optical film body, with broken cut lines indicating how it is to be subdivided; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a multilayer optical film body disposed between an upper and lower liner, the figure further depicting electromagnetic radiation forming gaps at cut lines that define discrete pieces of the multilayer optical film body and of the upper liner; -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar toFIG. 3 , but where an adhesive film has been applied to the upper liner so that it can remove the pieces of upper liner from the pieces of multilayer optical film body; -
FIGS. 3 a and 4 a are similar toFIGS. 3 and 4 respectively except that the former figures include cut lines that extend completely through the microlayers of the multilayer optical film(s) in the film body but do not extend completely through an optically thick tearable outer layer the film body; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a piece of multilayer optical film body cut from a larger sheet; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view through the piece of multilayer optical film body ofFIG. 5 with a plurality of filter frames attached thereto; -
FIG. 7 depicts a continuous process for subdividing a multilayer optical film body; and -
FIG. 8 shows a plan view of multilayer optical film body as it is being cut. - As used herein, “film” refers to an extended optical body whose thickness is generally no more than about 0.25 mm (10 thousandths of an inch, or “mils”). In some instances a film can be attached or applied to another optical body such as a rigid substrate or another film having suitable reflection or transmission properties. The film can also be in a physically flexible form, whether it is free-standing or attached to other flexible layer(s). The term “film body” as used herein shall mean a film whether by itself or in combination with other components, such as in a laminate construction.
-
FIG. 1 depicts a multilayeroptical film body 20. The film body comprisesindividual microlayers optical film body 20 can also comprise one or more thick adhesive layers to bond two or more sheets of multilayer optical film in a laminate. - The reflective and transmissive properties of multilayer
optical film body 20 are a function of the refractive indices of the respective microlayers. Each microlayer can be characterized at least at localized positions in the film by in-plane refractive indices nx, ny, and a refractive index nz associated with a thickness axis of the film. These indices represent the refractive index of the subject material for light polarized along mutually orthogonal x-, y-, and z-axes, respectively (seeFIG. 1 ). In practice, the refractive indices are controlled by judicious materials selection and processing conditions.Film body 20 can be made by co-extrusion of typically tens or hundreds of layers of two alternating polymers A, B, followed by optionally passing the multilayer extrudate through one or more multiplication die, and then stretching or otherwise orienting the extrudate to form a final film. The resulting film is composed of typically tens or hundreds of individual microlayers whose thicknesses and refractive indices are tailored to provide one or more reflection bands in desired region(s) of the spectrum, such as in the visible or near infrared. In order to achieve high reflectivities with a reasonable number of layers, adjacent microlayers preferably exhibit a difference in refractive index (Δnx) for light polarized along the x-axis of at least 0.05. If the high reflectivity is desired for two orthogonal polarizations, then the adjacent microlayers also preferably exhibit a difference in refractive index (Δny) for light polarized along the y-axis of at least 0.05. Otherwise, the refractive index difference Δny can be less than 0.05 and preferably about 0 to produce a multilayer stack that reflects normally incident light of one polarization state and transmits normally incident light of an orthogonal polarization state. - If desired, the refractive index difference (Δnz) between adjacent microlayers for light polarized along the z-axis can also be tailored to achieve desirable reflectivity properties for the p-polarization component of obliquely incident light. For ease of explanation in what follows, at any point of interest on an interference film the x-axis will be considered to be oriented within the plane of the film such that the magnitude of Δnx, is a maximum. Hence, the magnitude of Δny can be equal to or less than (but not greater than) the magnitude of Δnx. Furthermore, the selection of which material layer to begin within calculating the differences Δnx, Δny, Δnz is dictated by requiring that Δnx be non-negative. In other words, the refractive index differences between two layers forming an interface are Δnj=n1j−n2j, where j=x, y, or z and where the layer designations 1, 2 are chosen so that n1x≧n2x, i.e., Δnx≧0.
- To maintain high reflectivity of p-polarized light at oblique angles, the z-index mismatch Δnz between microlayers can be controlled to be substantially less than the maximum in-plane refractive index difference Δnx, such that Δnz≦0.5*Δnx. More preferably, Δnz≦0.25*Δnx. A zero or near zero magnitude z-index mismatch yields interfaces between microlayers whose reflectivity for p-polarized light is constant or near constant as a function of incidence angle. Furthermore, the z-index mismatch Δnz can be controlled to have the opposite polarity compared to the in-plane index difference Δnx, i.e. Δnz<0. This condition yields interfaces whose reflectivity for p-polarized light increases with increasing angles of incidence, as is the case for s-polarized light.
- Exemplary materials that can be used in the fabrication of polymeric multilayer optical film can be found in PCT Publication WO 99/36248 (Neavin et al.), incorporated herein by reference. Desirably, at least one of the materials is a polymer with a stress optical coefficient having a large absolute value. In other word, the polymer preferably develops a large birefringence (at least about 0.05, more preferably at least about 0.1 or even 0.2) when stretched. Depending on the application of the multilayer film, the birefringence can be developed between two orthogonal directions in the plane of the film, between one or more in-plane directions and the direction perpendicular to the film plane, or a combination of these. In special cases where isotropic refractive indices between unstretched polymer layers are widely separated, the preference for large birefringence in at least one of the polymers can be relaxed, although birefringence is still often desirable. Such special cases may arise in the selection of polymers for mirror films and for polarizer films formed using a biaxial process, which draws the film in two orthogonal in-plane directions. Further, the polymer desirably is capable of maintaining birefringence after stretching, so that the desired optical properties are imparted to the finished film. A second polymer ran be chosen for other layers of the multilayer film so that in the finished film the refractive index of the second polymer, in at least one direction, differs significantly from the index of refraction of the first polymer in the same direction. For convenience, the films can be fabricated using only two distinct polymer materials, and interleaving those materials during the extrusion process to produce alternating layers A, B, A, B, . . . , as shown in
FIG. 1 . Interleaving only two distinct polymer materials is not required, however. Instead, each layer of a multilayer optical film can be composed of a unique material or blend not found elsewhere in the film. Preferably, polymers being coextruded have the same or similar melt temperatures. - Exemplary two-polymer combinations that provide both adequate refractive index differences and adequate inter-layer adhesion include: (1) for polarizing multilayer optical film made using a process with predominantly uniaxial stretching, PEN/coPEN, PET/coPET, PEN/sPS, PET/sPS, PEN/Eastar,™ and PET/Eastar,™ where “PEN” refers to polyethylene naphthalate, “coPEN” refers to a copolymer or blend based upon naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, “PET” refers to polyethylene terephthalate, “coPET” refers to a copolymer or blend based upon terephthalic acid, “sPS” refers to syndiotactic polystyrene and its derivatives, and Eastar™ is a polyester or copolyester (believed to comprise cyclohexanedimethylene diol units and terephthalate units) commercially available from Eastman Chemical Co.; (2) for polarizing multilayer optical film made by manipulating the process conditions of a biaxial stretching process, PEN/coPEN, PEN/PET, PEN/PET, PEN/PETS and PEN/PETcoPET, where “PET” refers to polybutylene terephthalate, “PETG” refers to a copolymer of PET employing a second glycol (usually cyclohexanedimethanol), and “PETcoPBT” refers to a copolyester of terephthalic acid or an ester thereof with a mixture of ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol; (3) for mirror films (including colored mirror films), PEN/PMMA, coPEN/PMMA, PET/PMMA, PEN/Ecdel,™ PET/Ecdel,™ PEN/sPS, PET/sPS, PEN/coPET, PEN/PETG, and PEN/THV,™ “PMMA” refers to polymethyl methacrylate, Ecdel™ is a thermoplastic polyester or copolyester (believed to comprise cyclohexanedicarboxylate units, polytetramethylene ether glycol units, and cyclohexanedimethanol units) commercially available from Eastman Chemical Co., and THV™ is a fluoropolymer commercially available from 3M Company.
- Further details of suitable multilayer optical films and related constructions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,774 (Jonza et al.), and PCT Publications WO 95/17303 (Ouderkirk et al.) and WO 99/39224 (Ouderkirk et al.), all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Polymeric multilayer optical films and film bodies can comprise additional layers and coatings selected for their optical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,699 (Gilbert et al.). The polymeric films and film bodies can also comprise inorganic layers, such as metal or metal oxide coatings or layers.
- In a simple embodiment, the microlayers can have thicknesses corresponding to a ¼-wave stack, i.e., arranged in optical repeat units or unit cells each consisting essentially of two adjacent microlayers of equal optical thickness (f-ratio=50%), such optical repeat unit being effective to reflect by constructive interference light whose wavelength λ is twice the overall optical thickness of the optical repeat unit. Such an arrangement is shown in
FIG. 1 , wheremicrolayer 22 of polymer A adjacent to microlayer 24 of polymer 13 forms a unit cell oroptical repeat unit 26 that repeats throughout the stack. Thickness gradients along a thickness axis of the film (e.g., the z-axis) can be used to provide a widened reflection band. Thickness gradients tailored to sharpen such band edges can also be used, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,490 (Wheatley et al.), also incorporated herein by reference. - Other layer arrangements, such as multilayer optical films having 2-microlayer optical repeat units whose f-ratio is different from 50%, or films whose optical repeat units consist essentially of more than two microlayers, are also contemplated. These alternative optical repeat unit designs can reduce or eliminate certain higher-order reflections. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,659 (Arends et al) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,337 (Schrenk et al.).
-
FIG. 2 shows a portion of a sheet of a multilayeroptical film body 30 in plan view.Film body 30 is manufactured and sold or supplied in transverse dimensions that are larger than desired for a particular end-use application. Subdividing thefilm body 30 into a smaller piece or pieces is therefore required to adapt the film to the application. The desired size and shape of the pieces can vary widely. For simplicity,FIG. 2 shows pieces defined by two intersecting sets of parallel cut lines, labeled 32 and 34. If both sets of cut lines are used,film body 30 is converted into discrete rectangular (including square) or parallelogram-shaped pieces that extend in two directions, i.e., the length and width offilm 30. If only one of the sets is used, the pieces become elongated rectangular strips. Of course, the cut lines need not be straight, and can include curves, bends, angles, and straight sections in any combination. Often, however, simple shapes such as circles, rectangles, parallelograms, or other polygons are all that is required. - Applicants have found laser radiation to be useful in cutting and subdividing polymeric multilayer optical film bodies without any substantial delamination at the cut lines. The laser radiation is selected to have a wavelength at which at least some of the materials of the optical film have substantial absorption so that the absorbed electromagnetic radiation can vaporize the film body along the cut line. Otherwise, the laser radiation would be transmitted or reflected by the film just as other incident light, whose wavelength is within an intended operating range of the film. The laser radiation is also shaped with suitable focusing optics and controlled to suitable power levels to accomplish the vaporization along a narrow cut line. Preferably, the laser radiation can also be rapidly scanned across the workpiece according to preprogrammed instructions, and switched on and off rapidly so that cut lines of arbitrary shape can be followed. Commercially available systems found to be useful in this regard are being marketed as the LaserSharp brand of laser processing modules, sold by LasX Industries Inc., St. Paul, Minn. These modules use a CO2 laser source operating at a wavelength of about 10.6 μm (from about 9.2-11.2 μm) to cut the workpiece.
- Applicants have also found that vaporized material created during the laser radiation cutting process can accumulate as debris on the workpiece. Such debris can accumulate to an extent that makes the piece of film unacceptable for the intended application. To avoid this problem, a first liner can be applied to the multilayer optical film body before the laser cutting operation. If intimate contact is maintained between the first liner and the multilayer optical film body, any debris created during the cutting step accumulates on the first liner rather than on the multilayer optical film body. The first liner, however, is also preferably applied in a way that permits it to be readily removed so that a clean piece of multilayer optical film body can be obtained. In one approach, the first liner can be applied to the multilayer optical film body electrostatically prior to laser cutting. The electrostatic charge can later be at least partially neutralized to reduce the attraction of the liner to the film body and thus permit the separation thereof. Alternatively, a thin layer of low tack adhesive can be used, such as the type used for repositionable office notes.
- During cutting, the laser radiation is preferably directed at the multilayer optical film body through the first liner. Therefore, unless the first liner is non-absorbing at the laser wavelength, the first liner will be cut into pieces substantially identical to the pieces of the multilayer optical film body since the two layers are in intimate contact. That is, as the laser radiation is controlled to cut distinct pieces of the multilayer optical film body, it simultaneously cuts substantially identical pieces of the first liner. A preferred first liner is paper. Paper vaporizes but does not melt upon exposure to the laser radiation, and thus the pieces of paper do not become bonded to the adjacent pieces of multilayer optical film body. The paper can be treated with a very thin (well under 1 mil) layer of silicone and still retain these desirable properties. In such case the silicone-treated side of the paper preferably contacts the multilayers optical film body. Other materials that exhibit minimal or no melting upon exposure to the laser radiation can also be used.
- For convenience in handling, a second liner can be applied to the multilayer optical film body on a side thereof opposed to the first liner. Moreover, by appropriate selection of liners and appropriate control of laser radiation, a so-called “kiss-cut” can be achieved along at least some of the cut lines, whereby the first liner and the multilayer optical film body are completely vaporized at the cut line, but the second liner is not completely vaporized but instead is at least partially intact, and preferably substantially fully intact. In this way, the distinct pieces of the multilayer optical film body can be formed but can still be carried in an ordered arrangement and handled as a web or sheet for rapid processing. The second liner serves as a substrate for supporting and carrying the individual pieces after they have been cut Note that the second liner can support and carry the individual pieces whether it is oriented above or below such pieces.
-
FIG. 3 is illustrative in this regard. In the sectional view of that figure, a polymeric multilayeroptical film body 40 is depicted as a single layer for simplicity. Afirst liner 42 and asecond liner 44 have been applied to be in intimate contact with opposed major surfaces of thefilm body 40.Liner 44 is shown as comprising twolayers Laser radiation film body 40 throughliner 42 atcut lines liner 42 andfilm body 40, whileliner 44 remains substantially intact. Some of the vaporized material accumulates asdebris 50 onfirst liner 42. The cut lines and gaps definedistinct pieces multilayer film body 40 and correspondingpieces liner 42. InFIG. 3 the pieces ofliner 42 remain in intimate contact with the pieces ofmultilayer film body 40 such as by electrostatic attraction or other reversible attachment mechanism. - Cut lines 48 a-c can be formed simultaneously or sequentially. The LaserSharp laser processing modules mentioned above scan a single beam of laser radiation, whereby radiation 46 a-c represent sequential scans of the beam. As mentioned above, other cutting techniques such as rotary die cutting and ultrasonic cutting may be acceptable alternatives to laser radiation.
-
FIG. 4 depicts a technique for conveniently removing the debris-coatedliner pieces 42 a-c from the multilayer opticalfilm body pieces 40 a-c. A pressure sensitiveadhesive tape 52 is placed in contact with the construction ofFIG. 3 such that the pressure sensitive adhesive contacts thefirst liner 42. Iffilm 42 is held to filmbody 40 electrostatically during laser cutting, the electrostatic forces are preferably substantially neutralized or at least reduced such that the attractive force betweenliner 42 andfilm body 40 is substantially less than the attractive force betweenliner 42 andtape 52. Then,liner pieces 42 a-c can be rapidly separated fromfilm body pieces 40 a-c by simply pullingtape 52 away fromfilm body 40, or vice versa. Tens, hundreds, or thousands of discrete liner pieces can be readily and rapidly removed in this way.Tape 52 preferably extends the width of the multilayeroptical film body 40 so as to simultaneously contact a row of the plurality of pieces to be cut. - After removal of
liner pieces 42 a-c, the multilayer opticalfilm body pieces 40 a-c are also desirably separated fromsecond liner 44. Preferably, this is done by providing a relatively weak bond betweenfilm body 40 andsecond liner 44. Such bond can be achieved electrostatically or by use of a small amount of low-tack pressure sensitive adhesive. The bond is weak enough to permit easy separation ofpieces 40 a-c by passing theliner 44 around a sharp corner or bend and gently removingpieces 40 a-c therefrom. -
Liner 44 preferably comprises at least twolayers Layer 44 a, disposed adjacent the multilayeroptical film body 40, is preferably composed of a material having a substantially lower absorption of the laser radiation than that offilm body 40. Having lower absorption,layer 44 a can experience little or no vaporization during the laser cutting procedure with appropriate control of the laser. A polyethylene material with a thickness of about 0.001 inch (25 μm) or more has been found to be adequtate for a CO2 laser cutting system operating at about 10.6 μm. Such material however can stretch or deform from the heat generated by the laser at the cut lines. If theliner 44 is held in tension and used to move the multilayeroptical film body 40 through the laser cutting area, stretching or deformation ofliner layer 44 a can causepieces 40 a-c to move out of alignment with each other and thus cause mispositioned laser cuts. For thisreason layer 44 b is preferably composed of a relatively high modulus material such as a high modulus adhesive-coated paper to keep thefilm body 40 andfilm pieces 40 a-c dimensionally stable. - Multilayer optical
film body pieces 40 a-c have edges substantially devoid of delamination by use of the laser cutting procedure, and also have clean major surfaces free of debris by use of first andsecond liners -
FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a piece of polymeric multilayeroptical film body 60 that has been subdivided from a larger sheet of a polymeric multilayer optical film body.Piece 60 has laser-cut peripheral edges 62 a-d defining an elongated strip, preferably by kiss-cutting as depicted inFIG. 3 . Additional laser cuts are provided to enable further subdivision of the multilayer optical film body into individual filter packages.Edges Points 66 define linear arrays of holes serving the function of perforation lines to permit tearing or shearing along such lines. During laser cutting, the laser radiation is preferably controlled to make a complete through-cut (not simply a kiss cut) through the multilayer optical film body and through both first and second liners at points 66. Preferably, one hole intersectsperipheral edge 62 a and another hole intersectsperipheral edge 62 c so that a fractional hole or notch is provided along each edge for ease of tearing. -
Melt zones 68 are formed by reducing the laser radiation to levels that do not vaporize completely throughmultilayer film body 60. This can be accomplished by defocusing the laser beam, reducing the laser power, and/or scanning the laser more rapidly across the workpiece. Although some of the multilayer optical film body can be vaporized atmelt zones 68, at least a portion of the multilayer optical film body thickness remains intact atmelt zones 68, though distorted by the localized heating. This distortion can be exemplified by localized rippling or undulation of the microlayers as well as co-mixing and a resulting loss of distinct individual microlayers. Themelt zones 68 are provided to prevent the spread of delamination that can occur when thepiece 60 is later cut into even smaller pieces by shear or tensile mechanical means along the perforation lines. Reference is made to U.S. Publication No. 2003/0217806 (Attorney Docket No. 57742US003), entitled “Multilayer Optical Film With Melt Zone To Control Delamination”, filed on Oct. 10, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , meltzones 68 extend across the width of the ship and are arranged in pairs that alternately defineactive window areas 67 andmechanical separation areas 69. Perforation holes such as those defined atpoints 66 can be provided in themechanical separation areas 69, or they can be omitted. Whether perforation holes are provided or not, meltzones 68 that border theseparation area 69 are preferably spaced far enough apart so that a continuous band of multilayer optical film, undistorted by the laser cutting process and extending across the width of the strip, borders each melt zone. These bands of undistorted multilayer optical film act as buffer zones that help prevent the spread of delamination whenwindow areas 67 are separated from each other by mechanical action (such as application of tensile force if perforation holes are present, or by shearing means) acrossseparation areas 69. - The multilayer optical film body can also comprise one or more multilayer optical films permanently attached to an optically thick outer layer whose composition and thickness are selected to make such outer layer tearable with the application of moderate tensile forces. The outer layer is made from an optically clear polymer, preferably a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a polycarbonate, or copolymers thereof, although the layer can include colorants, absorbers, or diffusing materials as desired. An adhesive layer can be used to bond the multilayer optical film to such an outer layer. A multilayer optical film body so constructed can be sandwiched between the first and second removable liners and cut lines can then be formed with laser radiation directed through the first liner. During the laser cutting, the multilayer optical film body is oriented such that the tearable outer layer is adjacent the second liner, i.e., farthest away from the laser radiation. Further, the laser radiation can be controlled at at least some of the cut lines to cut (vaporize) only partially through the multilayer optical film body, vaporizing completely through the multilayer optical film(s) but leaving the tearable outer layer intact. After the laser cutting procedure and after removal of the first and second liners, the multilayer optical film body, still in the form of a continuous sheet due to the intact ouster layer, can then be easily separated into distinct pieces as defined by the cut lines by simply pulling the pieces apart by hand along the cut lines or by applying such moderate forces with simple machinery. The tensile forces during separation are concentrated exclusively on the tearable outer layer. The multilayer optical film(s) included in such construction experience virtually no tensile forces during separation, and have sealed edges at the periphery of the defined pieces. The likelihood of delamination of the multilayer optical film(s) during separation is thus essentially zero. Cut lines as described herein are identified with
minerals FIGS. 3 a and 4 a, which figures are similar toFIGS. 3 and 4 except that multilayeroptical film body 40 is shown having a tearableouter layer 40 d adjacent thesecond liner 44. Such cut lines can replace each pair ofmelt zones 68 and line of perforation holes atpoints 66 as shown inFIG. 5 to permit easy separation ofwindow areas 67 into separate pieces. The peripheral edges 62 a-d (seeFIG. 5 ) can also use such cut lines, or the laser radiation can if desired cut through the entire multilayer optical film body (including the tearable outer layer) in those places as shown inFIGS. 3-4 . - One or more multilayer optical
film body pieces 60 can be placed in an injection molding machine using alignment holes defined byedges piece 60 as shown best in the sectional view ofFIG. 6 . After cooling, individual filter assemblies can be made by mechanically cutting themultilayer film body 60 along the perforation lines defined by points 66. Such individual filter assemblies and applications thereof are discussed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/152,546, entitled “Photopic Detector System and Filter Therefor”, filed on May 21, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. The filter frames can include an aperture adapted to receive a photodetector. The photodetector/filter assembly combination provides a modified detection system with spectral properties resulting in part from the photodetector's spectral properties and in part from the spectral transmission of the multilayer optical film. - The utility of the described method of subdividing a sheet of multilayer optical film body into pieces thereof is in no way limited to forming strips of such material for use in box filters. The method is useful anywhere a piece or pieces (particularly a large number of pieces, e.g., at least 10, at least 50, or at least 100) of a multilayer optical film body are to be obtained from a larger sheet or roll of such material, and particularly where delamination along the edges of the multilayer optical film can be problematic and where a clean surface over the entire piece of multilayer optical film body is desired.
-
FIG. 7 depicts a roll-to-roll process 200 for converting a sheet of multilayer optical film body into pieces of multilayer optical film body cleanly and rapidly.Roll 202 is unwound to provide alaminate film 204 that can consist essentially of a polymeric multilayer optical film body (e.g.,element 40 inFIG. 3 ) and a second liner (e.g.,liner 44 inFIG. 3 ) adhered to one major surface (designated arbitrarily as the second major surface) of the multilayer optical film body. In a previous step not shown, the second liner was applied to the second major surface of the multilayer optical film body such as by electrostatic attraction or by use of a small amount of low tack adhesive. Thelaminate film 204 passes around anidler roller 206 such that the multilayer optical film body contacts theroller 206.Laminate film 204 then passes through torque-driven niprollers element 42 inFIG. 3 ) is unwound from aroll 214, brought into close proximity withlaminate film 204 byidler roller 216, and applied to the multilayer optical film body component oflaminate film 204 by passing the films proximate a conventionalstatic bar 218. The electrostatic forces imparted bystatic bar 218 produce an intimate contact betweenfirst liner 212 and a first major surface of the multilayer optical film. Thefilm combination 204/212 (“web”) then passes through alaser radiation station 220, where laser radiation from alaser control module 222 is directed at the web to producediscrete pieces 224 of the multilayer optical film body and of the first liner, as shown inFIG. 3 . A flat table 226 is provided with a honeycomb array of holes connected to avacuum source 228 to keep the web uniformly flat across its width (cross-web direction) and along a substantial portion of its length (down-web direction) during laser cutting.Laser module 222 includes beam shaping and steering optics and controls that can cut a programmed pattern of cut lines, each at predetermined power settings, while the web moves at a constant speed. Alternatively, the motion of the web can be stopped while thelaser module 222 cuts a first pattern of cut lines, then advances forward and stops again to permit the laser module to cut a second pattern of cut lines, and so on in a step-and-repeat fashion. Preferably,laser radiation station 220 includes anexhaust hood 230 configured to provide a strong air flow across the web in a given direction. The air flow helps reduce optical distortion from the plume of smoke and debris that is generated at the point of laser cutting. Preferably, during cutting, the beam steering optics in thelaser module 222 moves the laser cutting point on the web in directions that have substantially no component parallel to the direction of airflow to further avoid distortion from the plume. - Immediately after the web exits
laser radiation station 220, now partially cut to definepieces 224, it passes proximate aconventional neutralizer bar 232. The neutralizer bar eliminates or at least reduces the electrostatic attraction between the pieces of multilayer optical film body oflaminate film 204 and the pieces offirst liner 212. With the bond between the corresponding pieces thus weakened, andadhesive tape 234 is unwound from aroll 236 and passed through a pair of niprollers tape 234 is pressed againstdiscontinuous pieces 224 a of the first liner. As one take-up roll 238 pullstape 234 in one direction and another take-up roll 240 pulls the web in a different direction,tape 234 separates and carries away debris-coatedfirst liner pieces 224 a from the nowpristine pieces 224 b of multilayer optical film body. The web is then wound up loosely with a silicone-coatedPET liner 242 for temporary protection during storage and handling. In a later step, the second liner can be guided over a sharp bend or radius to completely separate the loosely held multilayer opticalfilm body pieces 224 b from the second liner as well. -
Nip rollers roll system 200. Depending on the number, density, orientation, and type of cut lines to be made by thelaser module 222, the web (i.e., thefilm combination 204/212) can be greatly weakened at thelaser radiation station 220. To prevent web breakage, it may be desirable to provide additional strength to the web by leaving at least one strip of the web, and preferably one strip on each side of the web, continuous and uncut. Such continuous strips, referred to herein as “weed”, can be discarded immediately after niprollers reference numeral 244. -
FIG. 8 shows a top view of aweb 250—comprising a polymeric multilayer optical film body sandwiched between a first and second liner—at the laser radiation station 220 (seeFIG. 7 ).Web 250 moves along adirection 252. An air current is set up byexhaust hood 230 to provide air current in adirection 254 transverse to the web. Theweb 250 is segregated into a central workingportion 250 a and weedportions 250 b, which portions are separated from the workingportion 250 a bycut lines 256. Some strengthening of the web can be achieved if cut lines 256 are through-cut lines, but additional strengthening can be achieved if they are kiss-cut-lines since thelower liner 44 would in that case be intact between the workingportion 250 a and theweed portions 250 b. Additional cut lines—preferably kiss-cut lines—definerepresentative shapes laser module 222 can be programmed to scan the laser cutting point inpreferred directions air flow direction 254. - Optionally, the
web 250 can have two distinct weed portions on each side of the web, i.e., a left outer weed portion along the left side ofFIG. 8 and a right outer weed portion along the right side ofFIG. 8 . An additional through-out made by thelaser module 222 separates such outer weed portions fromweed portions 250 b, the latter of which can be described as inner weed portions, and which would then utilize kiss-cut lines at 256. If present, the outer weed portions can be separated from the inner weed portions and collected immediately after thelaser cutting station 220. Such outer weed portions help provide a clean uniform edge for the final roll product. Meanwhile, the inner weed portions travel with the remainder of the web through niprollers - A polymeric multilayer interference film was manufactured by coextruding alternating layers of a low melt coPEN made from a 90/10 copolymer of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) at about 277° C. to form an extrudate having 224 individual layers sandwiched between two outer skin layers composed of the low melt coPEN. These layers defined an optical packet consisting essentially of 112 unit cells with an approximately linear thickness gradient along an axis perpendicular to the stack. The thickest unit cell, located at one side of the packet, was approximately 1.3 times thicker than the thinnest unit cell, located at the other side of the packet. The optical packet was asymmetrically multiplied to give a multilayer optical film construction having 448 individual layers with outer skin layers and an interior polymer boundary layer (PBL) between packets. The layer multiplication was carried out so that one of the optical packets had an overall thickness about 1.3 times that of the other packet. The extrudate was quenched on a chill roller to form a cast multilayer film. The cast film was sequentially stretched in the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD) using stretch ratios 3.4:1 and 3.4:1 respectively, producing a finished film having in-plane refractive indices (n1x, n1y) and an out-of-plane refractive index (n1x) of about 1.744, 1.720, and 1.508 respectively in the coPEN layers, and in-plane refractive indices (n2x, n2y) and an out-of-plane refractive index (n1z) of about 1.495, 1.495, and 1.495 respectively in the PMMA layers. All indices were measured with a Metricon surface wave characterization device at 550 nm. The finished from comprised two optical packets each of ¼-wave design, and each with an approximately linear thickness gradient along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the film to give a range of reflected wavelengths within each optical packet. The thickest twit cell in the furnished film had a thickness about 1.8 times that of the thinnest unit cell in the finished film, corresponding to a range of reflected wavelengths from approximately 665 nm to 1220 nm. Skin layers on the outsides of the optical structure were low melt coPEN, with an approximate thickness of 11 μm (0.43 mils). The overall film thickness was about 90 sun (3.7 mils).
- Two substantially identical rolls of multilayer film made as described above were selected on basis of their optical properties, and were corona treated to improve adhesion. One of the corona-treated films was coated with a UV-initiated adhesive at approximately 122 mini (5 mils) and irradiated with UV light to activate the curing process of the adhesive. The adhesive, made by a hot melt extrusion process, was a homogeneous mixture of a thermoplastics component (ethylene vinyl acetate), a curable resins component (mixture of epoxy and polyol), and a photoinitiator component (a triaryl sulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salt). The two multilayer films were then laminated together and curing of the laminate adhesive was accelerated with a heat soak at 25° C. (80° F.) for 10 minutes. The resulting film body consisted of two multilayer optical films with a clear adhesive layer in between. The element was in the form of a roll and had a thickness of approximately 12.4 mils (300 μm), a width of about 4 inches (100 mm), and a length of at least about 50 feet (well over 10 meters).
- The film body, or interference element, thus constructed exhibited a reflection band in the near infrared wavelength region and a pass band in the visible region for normally incident light. Percent transmission was about 70% or more from about 450-640 nm; and was less than 1% from about 700-1140 nm, and less than 5% from 680-700 nm and from 1140-1160 nm.
- The second liner was a high modulus paper with a thin layer of polyethylene adhered thereto with a strong pressure sensitive adhesive. The paper thickness was about 2 mils (50 μm), the polyethylene layer thickness was about 1 mil (25 μm), and the overall thickness of the second liner was about 3 mils (75 μm). The adhesive coated paper was obtained under part number CT 1007 from TLC Industrial Tape, Harwood Heights, Ill. The polyethylene layer was laminated to one major surface of the multilayer optical film body in a continuous process using a nip roll. In a separate step, the adhesive-coated paper was laminated to the polyethylene layer. (Alternatively, the polyethylene layer can comprise a low tack adhesive on the side that contacts the multilayer optical film body and the same procedure followed.) This was rolled up and stored for days.
- The first liner was a high modulus paper with a thickness of about 2 mils (50 μm), and one side was silicone-treated. The paper was purchased from Litin Paper Company, Minneapolis, Minn.
- These elements were processed in a manner substantially as depicted in
FIG. 7 to produce a plurality of strips substantially as shown inFIG. 5 , except more cut lines and melt zones were provided to define eightactive windows 67 rather than four, and except as noted below. The strips were about 4.5 mm wide and about 69 mm long, with the length being aligned with the downweb direction and the melt zones being aligned with the crossweb direction. (Alternatively, the strips can be aligned with the crossweb direction.) The melt zones that bounded perforation lines were spaced apart by about 1.5 mm, and melt zones that bounded window areas were spaced apart by about 5.5 mm. The silicone-treated side of the paper liner (first liner 212) was made to contact thelaminate film 204. A constant web speed of about 2 to 3 ft/min (0.01-0.015 nm/sec) was used. The web passed within about one-half inch (10 mm) ofstatic bars 218, which were controlled to a setting just below the are point. The web also passed within a similar distance of neutralizer bars 232. Atlaser radiation station 220, a LaserSharp brand laser processing module, model LPM300, was used. The CO2 laser had a spot size of about 8 mils (0.2 mm), and this produced kiss-cut and through-cut lines about 13-14 mils (0.35 mm) in width. The following settings were used for the following types of cut lines:Cut line/feature Process Speed Frequency Kiss-cut (CW) 1100 mm/ sec 20 kHz Kiss-cut (DW) 875 mm/ sec 20 kHz Perforation cut (CW) 950 mm/sec 2.2 kHz Through-cut (DW) 600 mm/ sec 20 kIIz Melt Zone (CW) 1800 mm/ sec 20 kHz
In this table, “CW” refers to a cut line that extends in the cross web direction, and “DW”refers to a cut line that extends in the down web direction. In addition, power was set to 100%, duty cycle was set to 50%, and jump speed was set to 5000 mm/sec for each of the features. The CW kiss-cut setting was used to cutminor edges FIG. 5 ), the DW kiss-cut setting was used to cutmajor edges circular edges perforations 66, the DW throughout was used for the cut-lines separating the working portion from the weed portions (seelines 256 inFIG. 8 ), and the CW melt zone setting was used formelt zones 68. The melt zone setting produced melt zones in which the upper multilayer optical film (i.e., the multilayer optical film adjacent the first liner) was completely vaporized along with the first liner, whereas the lower multilayer optical film (the multilayer optical film adjacent the second liner) was intact but exhibited substantial deformation/undulation of its constituent layers. - Continuous bands on either side of the web were used for weed, as depicted in
FIG. 8 , except that an inner and outer weed portion were formed on each side of the working portion as described previously. Each inner weed portion had a width of about one-eighth of an inch (about 3 mm). This can be compared to the central working portion of the web (see againFIG. 8 ), which had a width of about 3-3.5 inches (about 75 to 90 mm). The outer weed portions were roughly one-half inch wide (roughly 10 mm). The outer weed portions were separated from the remainder of the web and collected between thelaser radiation station 220 and theneutralizer bar 232. Down web of thelaser radiation station 220, a roll of single-sided adhesive tape having a width about equal to the central working portion of the web was used fortape 234, in a continuous fashion. The tape was a conventional 3M™ painter's masking tape. The inner weed portions were separated from the second liner immediately alter the niprollers roll 238 along with the tape and pieces of first liner. Individual pieces (strips) of the multilayer optical film body were easily removed by hand from the second liner. Upon inspection, the pieces exhibited substantially no delamination along the laser-cut edges. Still smaller pieces were obtained by exerting a moderate amount of tensile force by hand to create breaks along the perforation lines. Examination of the edges so cut revealed delamination along the edges, but the delamination did not extend across themelt zones 68. - Various modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.
Claims (18)
1. A method of subdividing a multilayer optical film body, comprising:
providing a multilayer optical film body comprising at least one multilayer optical film by unwinding a roll of the multilayer optical film body;
applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film body;
directing laser radiation at the multilayer optical film body through the first liner, the laser radiation being adapted to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film body; and
removing the plurality of pieces of the first liner from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film body while the pieces of multilayer optical film body are supported by the second liner; and
winding up the multilayer optical film body and the second liner into a roll after the directing and removing steps.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the cut lines extend completely through the multilayer optical film body but not completely through the second liner.
3-4. (canceled)
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first liner is applied to the multilayer optical film body electrostatically.
6-7. (canceled)
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the providing step comprises continuously unwinding a roll of the multilayer optical film body.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the applying step comprises continuously unwinding a roll of the first liner.
10. (canceled)
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the removing step comprises unwinding a roll of tape, contacting the pieces of the first liner with the tape, and winding up the tape with the pieces of the first liner adhered thereto.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the multilayer optical film body comprises polymeric microlayers.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first liner comprises a paper layer.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first liner consist essentially of a paper layer.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first liner is applied to the multilayer optical film body electrostatically.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second liner comprises a paper layer and a polymer layer.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the laser radiation is controlled such that at least some of the cut lines do not extend through the second liner.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the directing step is performed at a laser cutting station, and the directing step further comprises:
providing an air flow in a first direction across the laser station.
19. (canceled)
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein the laser radiation moves with respect to the multilayer optical film body in directions that have substantially no component parallel to the first direction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/342,962 US20060191630A1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2006-01-30 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/152,412 US20030218278A1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2002-05-21 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
US10/268,118 US6991695B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2002-10-10 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
US11/342,962 US20060191630A1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2006-01-30 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/268,118 Continuation US6991695B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2002-10-10 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060191630A1 true US20060191630A1 (en) | 2006-08-31 |
Family
ID=29586303
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/268,118 Expired - Lifetime US6991695B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2002-10-10 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
US11/342,962 Abandoned US20060191630A1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2006-01-30 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/268,118 Expired - Lifetime US6991695B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2002-10-10 | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6991695B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1508069B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005526997A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20050006263A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1653387A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE347127T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003225231A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60310064T2 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI278717B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003100521A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110030884A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2011-02-10 | Nitto Denko Corporation | Method and system for manufacturing optical display device |
WO2014177030A1 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2014-11-06 | 宝山钢铁股份有限公司 | Method of uncoiling and blanking |
Families Citing this family (94)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050041292A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2005-02-24 | Wheatley John A. | Visible wavelength detector systems and filters therefor |
US7095009B2 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2006-08-22 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Photopic detector system and filter therefor |
US7396493B2 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2008-07-08 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer optical film with melt zone to control delamination |
JP2004079052A (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-03-11 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Method for punching stacked sheet material, and method for manufacturing optical disk |
US7210977B2 (en) | 2003-01-27 | 2007-05-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Comapny | Phosphor based light source component and method of making |
US20040159900A1 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2004-08-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Phosphor based light sources having front illumination |
US7312560B2 (en) | 2003-01-27 | 2007-12-25 | 3M Innovative Properties | Phosphor based light sources having a non-planar long pass reflector and method of making |
US7245072B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2007-07-17 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Phosphor based light sources having a polymeric long pass reflector |
US20040145312A1 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2004-07-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Phosphor based light source having a flexible short pass reflector |
JP2006516828A (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2006-07-06 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Phosphorescent light source element and manufacturing method |
US7091661B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2006-08-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Phosphor based light sources having a reflective polarizer |
US7091653B2 (en) | 2003-01-27 | 2006-08-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Phosphor based light sources having a non-planar long pass reflector |
US7118438B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2006-10-10 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Methods of making phosphor based light sources having an interference reflector |
US20040182213A1 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2004-09-23 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Rotary die cutter for forming a non-linear line of perforations in a strip of material |
CN1957362B (en) * | 2004-05-22 | 2011-05-25 | 3M创新有限公司 | Cards and laminates incorporating multilayer optical films |
CN100414393C (en) * | 2004-07-31 | 2008-08-27 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Equipment for combining plate of guiding light with reflection piece |
US7256057B2 (en) * | 2004-09-11 | 2007-08-14 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Methods for producing phosphor based light sources |
US20070001182A1 (en) * | 2005-06-30 | 2007-01-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Structured phosphor tape article |
US7294861B2 (en) * | 2005-06-30 | 2007-11-13 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Phosphor tape article |
EP1910013A2 (en) * | 2005-07-13 | 2008-04-16 | Picodeon Ltd OY | Radiation arrangement |
US7285791B2 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2007-10-23 | Goldeneye, Inc. | Wavelength conversion chip for use in solid-state lighting and method for making same |
US7413807B2 (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2008-08-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Fluoroalkyl silicone composition |
US7410704B2 (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2008-08-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Composition containing fluoroalkyl hydrosilicone |
US7407710B2 (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2008-08-05 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Composition containing fluoroalkyl silicone and hydrosilicone |
US7636193B2 (en) * | 2006-05-02 | 2009-12-22 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Visible light-transmissive IR filter with distorted portions |
US7863634B2 (en) * | 2006-06-12 | 2011-01-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | LED device with re-emitting semiconductor construction and reflector |
US8052902B2 (en) * | 2006-11-28 | 2011-11-08 | Lg Display Co., Ltd. | Method of fabricating polarizing plate |
US20080124555A1 (en) | 2006-11-29 | 2008-05-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Polymerizable composition comprising perfluoropolyether urethane having ethylene oxide repeat units |
US7709092B2 (en) * | 2007-01-19 | 2010-05-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Solar control multilayer film |
US9029731B2 (en) | 2007-01-26 | 2015-05-12 | Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. | Methods and systems for laser processing continuously moving sheet material |
JP5202876B2 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2013-06-05 | 日東電工株式会社 | Laser processing method and laser processed product |
WO2008155749A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2008-12-24 | Pt. Alcan Packaging Flexipack | Laminate packaging opening device |
US8449970B2 (en) | 2007-07-23 | 2013-05-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Antistatic article, method of making the same, and display device having the same |
EP2020339B1 (en) * | 2007-07-31 | 2012-03-28 | Micronas GmbH | Activation device for the safety device in a motor vehicle |
US20090046364A1 (en) * | 2007-08-14 | 2009-02-19 | Ross Wordhouse | Dust Barrier For DSLR Camera |
JP4307510B1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-08-05 | 日東電工株式会社 | Optical display device manufacturing system and method |
EP2265981A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2010-12-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical film |
MY163688A (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2017-10-13 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Low layer count reflective polarizer with optimized gain |
US8012571B2 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2011-09-06 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical film comprising birefringent naphthalate copolyester having branched or cyclic C4-C10 alkyl units |
EP2307914A4 (en) | 2008-07-10 | 2014-03-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide |
JP5457447B2 (en) | 2008-07-10 | 2014-04-02 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Viscoelastic light guide |
US9086535B2 (en) | 2008-07-10 | 2015-07-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide |
US8230664B2 (en) * | 2008-07-28 | 2012-07-31 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Pouch opening feature and method for making the same |
US20110150371A1 (en) * | 2008-07-28 | 2011-06-23 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Flexible Pouch With Easy-Opening Features |
JP2011530718A (en) | 2008-08-08 | 2011-12-22 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Light guide with viscoelastic layer for managing light |
CN101827681B (en) * | 2008-08-19 | 2014-12-10 | 日东电工株式会社 | Method for cutting optical film and device employing the method |
EP2179857A1 (en) | 2008-10-23 | 2010-04-28 | Bayer MaterialScience AG | ID cards with blocked laser engraving writeability |
WO2010075373A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2010-07-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer optical films suitable for bi-level internal patterning |
CN101462205B (en) * | 2009-01-13 | 2011-12-07 | 包头高源激光科技发展有限公司 | Laser cutting method of amorphous alloy strip steel rolled stock |
JP4629156B2 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2011-02-09 | 日東電工株式会社 | OPTICAL DISPLAY DEVICE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM AND MANUFACTURING METHOD, AND ROLL MATERIAL SET AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD |
JP5775078B2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2015-09-09 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Method and product for reducing tissue damage using water-resistant stress dispersion materials |
JP5706419B2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2015-04-22 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Methods and products for tissue illumination |
BR112012003740A2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2020-08-11 | 3M Innovantive Properties Company | voltage distribution kits and composites |
US20110068423A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | International Business Machines Corporation | Photodetector with wavelength discrimination, and method for forming the same and design structure |
EP2480472B1 (en) | 2009-09-24 | 2017-05-17 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Web conveyance method and apparatus using same |
JP5695085B2 (en) | 2010-01-13 | 2015-04-01 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Lighting device with viscoelastic light guide |
EP2534509B1 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2019-07-24 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Illumination device having viscoelastic layer |
JP5489796B2 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2014-05-14 | 株式会社日本触媒 | Light selective transmission filter and manufacturing method thereof |
EP2628035A1 (en) | 2010-10-11 | 2013-08-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Illumination device having viscoelastic lightguide |
US9726795B2 (en) | 2010-10-25 | 2017-08-08 | Covestro Deutschland Ag | Multilayer plastic structure having low energy transmission |
US9296904B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2016-03-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Coating compositions comprising non-ionic surfactant exhibiting reduced fingerprint visibility |
US8742022B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2014-06-03 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Coating compositions comprising non-ionic surfactant exhibiting reduced fingerprint visibility |
SG191204A1 (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2013-07-31 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Laser cutting method and articles produced therewith |
KR20140005222A (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2014-01-14 | 쓰리엠 이노베이티브 프로퍼티즈 컴파니 | Apparatus and method for laser cutting using a support member having a gold facing layer |
US20130048600A1 (en) * | 2011-08-22 | 2013-02-28 | Cybernetic Industrial Corporation Of Georgia | Volumetric optically variable devices and methods for making same |
JP5495278B2 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2014-05-21 | 住友化学株式会社 | Laser light irradiation device, optical member bonded body manufacturing apparatus, laser light irradiation method, and optical member bonded body manufacturing method |
CN104736650B (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2017-09-29 | 3M创新有限公司 | Cleanable product and its method of preparation and use |
WO2013102022A1 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2013-07-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Vacuum effector and method of use |
TR201200584A2 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2012-05-21 | Asaş Ambalaj Baski Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret A.Ş. | Innovation in liquid food packaging. |
CN104144780B (en) | 2012-01-31 | 2016-10-19 | 3M创新有限公司 | For the method sealing the edge of multi-layer product |
KR102241659B1 (en) | 2012-02-03 | 2021-04-20 | 쓰리엠 이노베이티브 프로퍼티즈 컴파니 | Primer compositions for optical films |
US9441135B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2016-09-13 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Additive comprising low surface energy group and hydroxyl groups and coating compositions |
JP6218820B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2017-10-25 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Coating composition comprising a polymerizable nonionic surfactant exhibiting low fingerprint visibility |
KR102031401B1 (en) * | 2012-08-08 | 2019-10-11 | 스미또모 가가꾸 가부시키가이샤 | Method for producing and system for producing optical display device |
WO2015142864A1 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2015-09-24 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Marketing strip with viscoelastic lightguide |
US9784924B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2017-10-10 | Ultra Communications, Inc. | Fiber optic end-face transparent protector |
US10551572B2 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2020-02-04 | Ultra Communications, Inc. | Fiber optic end-face transparent protector system and method |
BE1023456B1 (en) * | 2016-03-09 | 2017-03-27 | Fit Things Nv | Cutting device and method |
JP6979483B2 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2021-12-15 | 日東電工株式会社 | An optical laminate and a method for manufacturing an optical film piece using the optical laminate. |
WO2018150308A1 (en) | 2017-02-15 | 2018-08-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Dry erase article |
CN110785459B (en) | 2017-06-23 | 2022-06-24 | 3M创新有限公司 | Film having primer layer containing silica nanoparticles modified with organosilane |
CN110770284A (en) | 2017-06-23 | 2020-02-07 | 3M创新有限公司 | Film having primer layer containing composite particles comprising organic polymer portion and silicon-containing portion |
US12013559B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2024-06-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical components and optical systems |
KR20200066675A (en) | 2017-10-10 | 2020-06-10 | 쓰리엠 이노베이티브 프로퍼티즈 컴파니 | Curved reflective polarizer film and shaping method |
US11693168B2 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2023-07-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical assembly |
JP7213240B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2023-01-26 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Molded optical film and method of molding optical film |
HUE053090T2 (en) * | 2017-11-23 | 2021-06-28 | Dallan Spa | Apparatus for laser or plasma cutting of pieces of laminar material wound in coil |
CN108145320A (en) * | 2017-12-29 | 2018-06-12 | 南京联信自动化科技有限公司 | A kind of cutting method of decorative adhesive film of digital product |
WO2019239271A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2019-12-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical assembly with protective coating |
US20210277274A1 (en) | 2018-07-18 | 2021-09-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Vehicle sensors comprising repellent surface, protective films, repellent coating compositions, and methods |
BE1026479B1 (en) | 2018-07-19 | 2020-02-19 | Laser Eng Applications | System and method for holding in position for machining and / or welding by laser radiation |
CN109650393A (en) * | 2019-01-28 | 2019-04-19 | 淮阴师范学院 | A kind of device for removing multilayer two-dimension material |
CN112201826B (en) * | 2020-09-27 | 2022-05-17 | 江苏氢导智能装备有限公司 | Soaking pool assembly and membrane material soaking equipment |
CN113150702B (en) * | 2021-04-29 | 2022-10-18 | 业成科技(成都)有限公司 | Optical film assembly, processing method thereof and electronic equipment |
Citations (66)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3560291A (en) * | 1964-03-27 | 1971-02-02 | Mobil Oil Corp | Bonding thermoplastic resin films by means of radiation from a laser source |
US3610729A (en) * | 1969-06-18 | 1971-10-05 | Polaroid Corp | Multilayered light polarizer |
US3610724A (en) * | 1969-06-19 | 1971-10-05 | Potomac Research Inc | Photographic dodging apparatus |
US3626143A (en) * | 1969-04-02 | 1971-12-07 | American Can Co | Scoring of materials with laser energy |
US3633333A (en) * | 1970-02-03 | 1972-01-11 | Ralph Hamill | Feeder and jacket applicator |
US3711176A (en) * | 1971-01-14 | 1973-01-16 | Dow Chemical Co | Highly reflective thermoplastic bodies for infrared, visible or ultraviolet light |
US3790744A (en) * | 1971-07-19 | 1974-02-05 | American Can Co | Method of forming a line of weakness in a multilayer laminate |
US3792519A (en) * | 1967-05-05 | 1974-02-19 | F Haver | Method for producing multi-layer filter discs |
US3996461A (en) * | 1975-03-31 | 1976-12-07 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Silicon photosensor with optical thin film filter |
US4158133A (en) * | 1976-08-20 | 1979-06-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Filters for photo-detectors |
US4323757A (en) * | 1979-08-03 | 1982-04-06 | Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. | Method for cutting specific layer of synthetic resin laminated film |
US4370025A (en) * | 1979-12-27 | 1983-01-25 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Multicolor optical filter with a united interference filter and dye filter and process for making the same |
US4414051A (en) * | 1981-11-25 | 1983-11-08 | Leco Inc. | Method for slitting and/or sealing plastic film material |
US4446305A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1984-05-01 | Polaroid Corporation | Optical device including birefringent polymer |
US4459063A (en) * | 1980-08-07 | 1984-07-10 | Shaw Christopher B | Building construction |
US4466305A (en) * | 1981-05-19 | 1984-08-21 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Reverse idler gear operating mechanism |
US4490203A (en) * | 1982-03-29 | 1984-12-25 | Leco, Inc. | Method for slitting and/or sealing plastic film material |
US4498923A (en) * | 1981-03-20 | 1985-02-12 | General Electric Company | Method for producing eutectics as thin films using a quartz lamp as a heat source in a line heater |
US4498925A (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1985-02-12 | General Electric Company | Method for producing eutectics as thin films using an arc lamp, as a heat source in a line heater |
US4520189A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1985-05-28 | Polaroid Corporation | Optical device including birefringent aromatic amino carboxylic acid polymer |
US4521588A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1985-06-04 | Polaroid Corporation | Optical device including birefringent polyhydrazide polymer |
US4540623A (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1985-09-10 | The Dow Chemical Company | Coextruded multi-layered articles |
US4547432A (en) * | 1984-07-31 | 1985-10-15 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Method of bonding silver to glass and mirrors produced according to this method |
US4705356A (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1987-11-10 | Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc. | Thin film optical variable article having substantial color shift with angle and method |
US4945203A (en) * | 1986-11-06 | 1990-07-31 | American Fluoroseal Corporation | Method and apparatus for making fluorocarbon film plastic bags using a laser |
US4987287A (en) * | 1989-05-12 | 1991-01-22 | Prevent-A-Crime International, Inc. | Method of making a stencil for etching glass |
US5103337A (en) * | 1990-07-24 | 1992-04-07 | The Dow Chemical Company | Infrared reflective optical interference film |
US5241471A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1993-08-31 | General Electric Cgr S.A. | Method of multi-scale reconstruction of the image of the structure of a body at an increased speed |
US5269995A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1993-12-14 | The Dow Chemical Company | Coextrusion of multilayer articles using protective boundary layers and apparatus therefor |
US5316703A (en) * | 1991-01-22 | 1994-05-31 | The Dow Chemical Company | Method of producing a lamellar polymeric body |
US5360659A (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1994-11-01 | The Dow Chemical Company | Two component infrared reflecting film |
US5437960A (en) * | 1993-08-10 | 1995-08-01 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Process for laminating photosensitive layer |
US5448404A (en) * | 1992-10-29 | 1995-09-05 | The Dow Chemical Company | Formable reflective multilayer body |
US5486949A (en) * | 1989-06-20 | 1996-01-23 | The Dow Chemical Company | Birefringent interference polarizer |
US5686979A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1997-11-11 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical panel capable of switching between reflective and transmissive states |
US5699188A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1997-12-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. | Metal-coated multilayer mirror |
US5711838A (en) * | 1990-07-04 | 1998-01-27 | Firma Theodor Hymmen | Method of and device for continuously or discontinuously manufacturing flat sheets of multiple-layer materials, laminates or similar articles |
US5783120A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1998-07-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Method for making an optical film |
US5808794A (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 1998-09-15 | Weber; Michael F. | Reflective polarizers having extended red band edge for controlled off axis color |
US5825542A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1998-10-20 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Diffusely reflecting multilayer polarizers and mirrors |
US5882774A (en) * | 1993-12-21 | 1999-03-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical film |
US5980666A (en) * | 1995-02-03 | 1999-11-09 | Saint-Gobain Vitrage | Process for manufacturing laminated glass window intended for automobiles and capable of reflecting infrared rays |
US6045894A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-04-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Clear to colored security film |
US6049419A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-04-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Multilayer infrared reflecting optical body |
US6059913A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 2000-05-09 | Lts Lohmann Therapie-Systeme Gmbh | Method for producing transdermal patches (TTS) |
US6096247A (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2000-08-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Embossed optical polymer films |
US6103050A (en) * | 1998-08-10 | 2000-08-15 | American National Can Company | Method of laser slitting and sealing two films |
US6157490A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-12-05 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical film with sharpened bandedge |
US6185039B1 (en) * | 1997-12-06 | 2001-02-06 | 3M Innovative Properties Co. | Infrared selective reflective polarizing element |
US6191382B1 (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2001-02-20 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Dynamic laser cutting apparatus |
US6207925B1 (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 2001-03-27 | Brian Andrew Kendall | Apparatus for cutting and/or welding flexible packaging |
US6287184B1 (en) * | 1999-10-01 | 2001-09-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Marked abrasive article |
US6303901B1 (en) * | 1997-05-20 | 2001-10-16 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Method to reduce damage to backing plate |
US6368699B1 (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 2002-04-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer polymer film with additional coatings or layers |
US6531230B1 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2003-03-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Color shifting film |
US6551436B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2003-04-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for forming an apertured web |
US6569515B2 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2003-05-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayered polymer films with recyclable or recycled layers |
US20030218123A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2003-11-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Photopic detector system and filter therefor |
US20030219577A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2003-11-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer optical film with melt zone to control delamination |
US6689245B2 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2004-02-10 | Lintec Corporation | Die bonding sheet sticking apparatus and method of sticking die bonding sheet |
US20040031362A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-02-19 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Laminate sheet material punching method and optical disk manufacturing method |
US6737154B2 (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 2004-05-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer polymer film with additional coatings or layers |
US6797396B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2004-09-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Wrinkle resistant infrared reflecting film and non-planar laminate articles made therefrom |
US6808658B2 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2004-10-26 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Method for making texture multilayer optical films |
US6946091B2 (en) * | 2000-06-16 | 2005-09-20 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Laser drilling |
US6972065B1 (en) * | 1999-09-29 | 2005-12-06 | Ip2H Ag | Process for production of a dielectric multi-layered reflecting coating |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2131611A1 (en) | 1971-06-25 | 1972-12-28 | Geimuplast Mundt Kg Peter | Process for cutting developed film strips into film sections and for immediately inserting them into slide frames |
US5211902A (en) | 1990-08-22 | 1993-05-18 | The Univ. Of Toronto Innovations Foundation | Method of reducing residual stresses in thermoplastic laminates |
US5238738A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1993-08-24 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Polymeric minus filter |
JP3204529B2 (en) | 1992-02-26 | 2001-09-04 | 昭和飛行機工業株式会社 | Method for manufacturing curved honeycomb panel |
EP1126292A3 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 2006-03-22 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical Polarizer |
KR100432457B1 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 2004-05-22 | 미네소타 마이닝 앤드 매뉴팩춰링 캄파니 | Brightness enhancing device |
JP4091978B2 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 2008-05-28 | スリーエム カンパニー | Reflective polarizer with enhanced brightness |
KR100364029B1 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 2003-10-04 | 미네소타 마이닝 앤드 매뉴팩춰링 캄파니 | Multilayer Optical Film |
WO1995027919A2 (en) | 1994-04-06 | 1995-10-19 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Polarized light sources |
JPH11231129A (en) | 1997-11-17 | 1999-08-27 | Sumitomo Chem Co Ltd | Optical film laminate intermediate body, its manufacture, and manufacture of optical film laminste chip |
EP1047551B1 (en) | 1998-01-13 | 2005-03-23 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Modified copolyesters and improved multilayer reflective films |
EP1047537B1 (en) | 1998-01-13 | 2010-03-17 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Process and apparatus for making multilayer optical films |
EP1060416A1 (en) | 1998-01-28 | 2000-12-20 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Infrared interference filter |
US6673425B1 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2004-01-06 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Method and materials for preventing warping in optical films |
-
2002
- 2002-10-10 US US10/268,118 patent/US6991695B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-04-30 JP JP2004507916A patent/JP2005526997A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-04-30 AU AU2003225231A patent/AU2003225231A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-30 KR KR10-2004-7018725A patent/KR20050006263A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-04-30 CN CNA038113570A patent/CN1653387A/en active Pending
- 2003-04-30 AT AT03721949T patent/ATE347127T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-04-30 WO PCT/US2003/013375 patent/WO2003100521A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-04-30 DE DE60310064T patent/DE60310064T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-04-30 EP EP03721949A patent/EP1508069B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-14 TW TW092113070A patent/TWI278717B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2006
- 2006-01-30 US US11/342,962 patent/US20060191630A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (68)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3560291A (en) * | 1964-03-27 | 1971-02-02 | Mobil Oil Corp | Bonding thermoplastic resin films by means of radiation from a laser source |
US3792519A (en) * | 1967-05-05 | 1974-02-19 | F Haver | Method for producing multi-layer filter discs |
US3626143A (en) * | 1969-04-02 | 1971-12-07 | American Can Co | Scoring of materials with laser energy |
US3610729A (en) * | 1969-06-18 | 1971-10-05 | Polaroid Corp | Multilayered light polarizer |
US3610724A (en) * | 1969-06-19 | 1971-10-05 | Potomac Research Inc | Photographic dodging apparatus |
US3633333A (en) * | 1970-02-03 | 1972-01-11 | Ralph Hamill | Feeder and jacket applicator |
US3711176A (en) * | 1971-01-14 | 1973-01-16 | Dow Chemical Co | Highly reflective thermoplastic bodies for infrared, visible or ultraviolet light |
US3790744A (en) * | 1971-07-19 | 1974-02-05 | American Can Co | Method of forming a line of weakness in a multilayer laminate |
US3996461A (en) * | 1975-03-31 | 1976-12-07 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Silicon photosensor with optical thin film filter |
US4158133A (en) * | 1976-08-20 | 1979-06-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Filters for photo-detectors |
US4323757A (en) * | 1979-08-03 | 1982-04-06 | Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. | Method for cutting specific layer of synthetic resin laminated film |
US4370025A (en) * | 1979-12-27 | 1983-01-25 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Multicolor optical filter with a united interference filter and dye filter and process for making the same |
US4459063A (en) * | 1980-08-07 | 1984-07-10 | Shaw Christopher B | Building construction |
US4446305A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1984-05-01 | Polaroid Corporation | Optical device including birefringent polymer |
US4520189A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1985-05-28 | Polaroid Corporation | Optical device including birefringent aromatic amino carboxylic acid polymer |
US4521588A (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1985-06-04 | Polaroid Corporation | Optical device including birefringent polyhydrazide polymer |
US4498923A (en) * | 1981-03-20 | 1985-02-12 | General Electric Company | Method for producing eutectics as thin films using a quartz lamp as a heat source in a line heater |
US4466305A (en) * | 1981-05-19 | 1984-08-21 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Reverse idler gear operating mechanism |
US4414051A (en) * | 1981-11-25 | 1983-11-08 | Leco Inc. | Method for slitting and/or sealing plastic film material |
US4490203A (en) * | 1982-03-29 | 1984-12-25 | Leco, Inc. | Method for slitting and/or sealing plastic film material |
US4540623A (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1985-09-10 | The Dow Chemical Company | Coextruded multi-layered articles |
US4498925A (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1985-02-12 | General Electric Company | Method for producing eutectics as thin films using an arc lamp, as a heat source in a line heater |
US4705356A (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1987-11-10 | Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc. | Thin film optical variable article having substantial color shift with angle and method |
US4547432A (en) * | 1984-07-31 | 1985-10-15 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Method of bonding silver to glass and mirrors produced according to this method |
US4945203A (en) * | 1986-11-06 | 1990-07-31 | American Fluoroseal Corporation | Method and apparatus for making fluorocarbon film plastic bags using a laser |
US4987287A (en) * | 1989-05-12 | 1991-01-22 | Prevent-A-Crime International, Inc. | Method of making a stencil for etching glass |
US5486949A (en) * | 1989-06-20 | 1996-01-23 | The Dow Chemical Company | Birefringent interference polarizer |
US5241471A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1993-08-31 | General Electric Cgr S.A. | Method of multi-scale reconstruction of the image of the structure of a body at an increased speed |
US5711838A (en) * | 1990-07-04 | 1998-01-27 | Firma Theodor Hymmen | Method of and device for continuously or discontinuously manufacturing flat sheets of multiple-layer materials, laminates or similar articles |
US5103337A (en) * | 1990-07-24 | 1992-04-07 | The Dow Chemical Company | Infrared reflective optical interference film |
US5316703A (en) * | 1991-01-22 | 1994-05-31 | The Dow Chemical Company | Method of producing a lamellar polymeric body |
US5269995A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1993-12-14 | The Dow Chemical Company | Coextrusion of multilayer articles using protective boundary layers and apparatus therefor |
US5448404A (en) * | 1992-10-29 | 1995-09-05 | The Dow Chemical Company | Formable reflective multilayer body |
US5360659A (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1994-11-01 | The Dow Chemical Company | Two component infrared reflecting film |
US5437960A (en) * | 1993-08-10 | 1995-08-01 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Process for laminating photosensitive layer |
US5882774A (en) * | 1993-12-21 | 1999-03-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical film |
US5965247A (en) * | 1993-12-21 | 1999-10-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Process for forming reflective polarizer |
US5962114A (en) * | 1993-12-21 | 1999-10-05 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Polarizing beam-splitting optical component |
US5980666A (en) * | 1995-02-03 | 1999-11-09 | Saint-Gobain Vitrage | Process for manufacturing laminated glass window intended for automobiles and capable of reflecting infrared rays |
US5686979A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1997-11-11 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical panel capable of switching between reflective and transmissive states |
US5699188A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1997-12-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. | Metal-coated multilayer mirror |
US6368699B1 (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 2002-04-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer polymer film with additional coatings or layers |
US5825542A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1998-10-20 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Diffusely reflecting multilayer polarizers and mirrors |
US6737154B2 (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 2004-05-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer polymer film with additional coatings or layers |
US6059913A (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 2000-05-09 | Lts Lohmann Therapie-Systeme Gmbh | Method for producing transdermal patches (TTS) |
US5783120A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1998-07-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Method for making an optical film |
US5808794A (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 1998-09-15 | Weber; Michael F. | Reflective polarizers having extended red band edge for controlled off axis color |
US6207925B1 (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 2001-03-27 | Brian Andrew Kendall | Apparatus for cutting and/or welding flexible packaging |
US6303901B1 (en) * | 1997-05-20 | 2001-10-16 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Method to reduce damage to backing plate |
US6185039B1 (en) * | 1997-12-06 | 2001-02-06 | 3M Innovative Properties Co. | Infrared selective reflective polarizing element |
US6045894A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-04-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Clear to colored security film |
US6157490A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-12-05 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical film with sharpened bandedge |
US6808658B2 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2004-10-26 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Method for making texture multilayer optical films |
US6049419A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-04-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Multilayer infrared reflecting optical body |
US6569515B2 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2003-05-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayered polymer films with recyclable or recycled layers |
US6531230B1 (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2003-03-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Color shifting film |
US6191382B1 (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2001-02-20 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Dynamic laser cutting apparatus |
US6096247A (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2000-08-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Embossed optical polymer films |
US6103050A (en) * | 1998-08-10 | 2000-08-15 | American National Can Company | Method of laser slitting and sealing two films |
US6551436B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2003-04-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for forming an apertured web |
US6972065B1 (en) * | 1999-09-29 | 2005-12-06 | Ip2H Ag | Process for production of a dielectric multi-layered reflecting coating |
US6287184B1 (en) * | 1999-10-01 | 2001-09-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Marked abrasive article |
US6797396B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2004-09-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Wrinkle resistant infrared reflecting film and non-planar laminate articles made therefrom |
US6946091B2 (en) * | 2000-06-16 | 2005-09-20 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Laser drilling |
US6689245B2 (en) * | 2001-06-07 | 2004-02-10 | Lintec Corporation | Die bonding sheet sticking apparatus and method of sticking die bonding sheet |
US20030218123A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2003-11-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Photopic detector system and filter therefor |
US20030219577A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2003-11-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Multilayer optical film with melt zone to control delamination |
US20040031362A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-02-19 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Laminate sheet material punching method and optical disk manufacturing method |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110030884A1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2011-02-10 | Nitto Denko Corporation | Method and system for manufacturing optical display device |
US8398800B2 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2013-03-19 | Nitto Denko Corporation | Method and system for manufacturing optical display device |
US8409388B2 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2013-04-02 | Nitto Denko Corporation | Method and system for manufacturing optical display device |
WO2014177030A1 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2014-11-06 | 宝山钢铁股份有限公司 | Method of uncoiling and blanking |
US9770782B2 (en) | 2013-04-28 | 2017-09-26 | Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. | Uncoiling and blanking method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2003100521A1 (en) | 2003-12-04 |
DE60310064T2 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
EP1508069A1 (en) | 2005-02-23 |
ATE347127T1 (en) | 2006-12-15 |
JP2005526997A (en) | 2005-09-08 |
DE60310064D1 (en) | 2007-01-11 |
US20030217806A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
KR20050006263A (en) | 2005-01-15 |
TWI278717B (en) | 2007-04-11 |
TW200404674A (en) | 2004-04-01 |
AU2003225231A1 (en) | 2003-12-12 |
CN1653387A (en) | 2005-08-10 |
US6991695B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 |
EP1508069B1 (en) | 2006-11-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6991695B2 (en) | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly | |
US7396493B2 (en) | Multilayer optical film with melt zone to control delamination | |
US10035339B2 (en) | Laser cut articles | |
US10286489B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for laser cutting using a support member having a gold facing layer | |
US20030218278A1 (en) | Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly | |
US20030219571A1 (en) | Multilayer optical film with melt zone to control delamination | |
JP2007078828A (en) | Optical sheet for display and its manufacturing method | |
JP2007078829A (en) | Optical sheet for display and its manufacturing method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |