The laser perforation of the cigarettes or the acetate hollow tube -"stick"- achieves a modified ventilation during the burning phase or during the heating of the tobacco rod. The aim is to precisely control the composition of the tobacco smoke with fresh air or to positively influence the volume flow of the smoke gases. Ultimately, the aim is to achieve a consistently high level of tobacco enjoyment for the consumer, while precisely adhering to legal limits.
MLT has developed various online laser perforation solutions for this process, which are used by many different tobacco producers worldwide. Depending on the cigarette manufacturer and the machine speed, the laser perforation can be easily adapted to the required parameters and performance.
Typically, the MLT laser modules consist of one or two laser sources combined with a front end. Normally, 1 or 2 rows on the cigarette are perforated, i.e. a total of 2 or 4 rows. The number of perforation rows can be switched between 1 or 2 rows per cigarette. The perforation density is variable and can be adapted to the cigarette circumference. This allows typical ventilation rates of between 6% and 88% to be achieved. By means of our patented polygon technology, circular holes and up to 6 rows per cigarette can be produced in the so-called laser multiplex process.
Especially "tobacco heating products" (HNB, THP, etc.) are very innovative solutions to produce less harmful tobacco products. The laser technology and the products are in constant development.
Typical materials:
Cigarettes from ultra-slim to standard, Kretek, HNB, THP
Typical integration:
New and existing cigarette manufacturing machines, Laboratory equipment, Filter making machines / Filter attaching machines, Special machines in R&D
Speeds:
MLVent-i280 4000 cpm
MLVent-i440 10000 cpm
MLVent-i880 22000 cpm
Type of laser source:
CO2 laser with different powers, Fibre lasers for special applications
Typical hole sizes:
40µm to 80µm
Number of laser sources per system:
1 to 2
Ventilation:
6% to 90%
Individual systems:
We supply our MLVent-i modules perfectly tailored to customer requirements. As a rule, most existing or new cigarette manufacturing machines can be retrofitted with a laser.
Laser System cigarette machine