Laser ablation of multilayered hot stamping foil

The patterning of multilayered hot stamping foil by excimer laser has been examined in terms of irradiation parameters and layer structure. The foil consisted of (a) an upper layer of lacquer, (b) intermediate layers of polymer and Al and (c) a base layer of low melting point resin. Ablation of the foil was characterised by a sequential removal of the layers at a threshold level of fluence and number of pulses. For ablation by single pulse, the upper layer of lacquer (∼1000 nm) was removed at 20 J/cm2 and intermediate layers (∼3500 nm) at 20–30 J/cm2. Multiple pulses (≥5) at fluences of ≥40 J/cm2 resulted in ablation through the base resin layer. Ablation through the layers was accompanied by the formation of molten debris and resulted in the exposure of undamaged interfaces.