System for laser marking of products

Abstract

A system for marking a product is provided. The product includes a markable region having at least one first region having a photoactivatable material at a first depth in a wall of the product, and at least one second region having a photoactivatable material at a second depth in the wall of the product. The system includes a laser configured to emit a light beam having a light beam energy density above a threshold energy density; a beam modulator component configured to modulate a focus distance of the beam to a first focus distance incident on the at least one first zone for creating a marker in the at least one first zone, and a second focus distance incident on the at least one second zone for creating a marker in the at least one second zone, and creating a mark in the at least one second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates broadly to systems and methods for printing on products; and particularly to systems and methods for marking containers produced from molded articles. Background Art

[0002] Molding is a process by which an article can be formed from a molding material using a molding system, such as an injection molding process. As an example of a molded article, a molding system can produce a preform that can be blown into a container, such as a bottle, etc. Such preforms are typically molded from thermoplastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and can additionally be molded from other thermoplastics, such as, for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). In addition, it is known to mold preforms having a multilayer structure for imparting desired properties to a container blown therefrom.

[0003] Containers often include printing for functional and / or decorative purposes. For example, functional markings can provide consumers with information about the contents of the container (e.g., product, volume, best before date, etc.), brand information (e.g., supplier name, product trade name), its source (e.g., manufacturing or bottling location). Other functional markings can provide machine-readable information, such as a universal product code (UPC), to facilitate purchasing transactions and / or inventory management. Other functional markings can include markings to indicate the type of material used therein, to facilitate post-consumer activities such as recycling. Decorative features can include, for example, images, colors, and patterns. Some markings are both decorative and functional, with familiar patterns and colors used to convey brand information.

[0004] Such markings are typically printed onto labels and / or sleeves, which are then applied to the container. It is also known to print onto containers during or after they are molded. The markings may include engravings formed in the mold or post-molding operations using various techniques such as laser engraving.

[0005] However, applying colored markings directly on containers remains challenging.Certain prior art methods have been proposed to address the above technical problems.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 8,557,715-B2, assigned to National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, and entitled “MARKING CO2 LASER-TRANSPARENT MATERIALS BY USING ABSORPTION-MATERIAL-ASSISTED LASER PROCESSING”, issued on October 15, 2013, discloses a method comprising: providing a first substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; providing a second substrate having a top surface; placing the bottom surface of the first substrate on the top surface of the second substrate; irradiating a CO2 laser beam to the top surface of the second substrate by passing through the top and bottom surfaces of the first substrate; and forming a mark on the bottom surface of the first substrate. The material of the mark is an oxide of the second substrate or the same as the material of the second substrate. Thus, a mark is formed on the first substrate using an inexpensive CO2 laser, and the mark can be easily erased by appropriate chemicals to recycle the first substrate.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,852,948-B1, issued on February 8, 2005 and assigned to Thermark LLC, and entitled “HIGH CONTRAST SURFACE MARKING USING IRRADIATION OF ELECTROSTATICALLY APPLIED MARKING MATERIALS,” discloses a method of radiatively marking substrates including metals, plastics, ceramic materials, glazes, glass ceramics, and any desired form of glass, the method comprising electrostatically applying a variable thickness layer of a marking material containing an energy absorbing component and / or an enhancer to the material to be marked, and then irradiating the layer with a radiant energy source such as a laser or a diode-based energy source so that radiation is directed onto the layer, optionally depending on the form of the mark to be applied, preferably using a laser or a diode-based energy source having a wavelength that is sufficiently absorbed by the marking material to create a bond of the marking material to the surface of the workpiece at the irradiated area.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 128,615-A1, published on May 21, 2009 and assigned to DataLase Ltd and entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM” discloses a substrate marking system comprising a substrate marking apparatus and a substrate susceptible to changing color upon irradiation, or comprising an additive susceptible to changing color. The apparatus comprises a laser diode for emitting a laser beam and a galvanometer for aligning a desired point on the substrate with the laser beam so that the laser beam irradiates the desired point, thereby causing the additive to change color at that point in use.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 5,886,318-A, assigned to Vasiliev et al., issued on March 23, 1999, and entitled "METHOD FOR LASER-ASSISTED IMAGE FORMATION IN TRANSPARENT OBJECTS", discloses a method for forming a laser-assisted image in a transparent sample, the method comprising establishing a laser beam with different angular divergence values ​​in two mutually square planes and then focusing the laser beam at the current point of the sample. During the image formation process, the sample is displaced relative to the radiation focus point in order to change the angle between the plane with the maximum laser beam angular divergence and the surface of the image portion being formed in order to adapt the desired contrast of the image portion involved.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 7,158,145-B1, entitled “METHOD FOR APPLYING COLORED INFORMATION ON AN OBJECT” and assigned to Orga Systems GmbH, discloses a method for applying color information to an object, the object having at least two different chromogenic particles in at least a layer close to the surface, which change the color of the layer under the influence of laser radiation, using laser radiation having at least two different wavelengths to change the color of the layer, and acting on the object with laser radiation in a vector and / or grating method with the aid of a dual-coordinate beam deflection device and a focusing device for focusing the laser radiation onto the layer of the object.

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 8,411,120-B2, assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Co., issued on April 2, 2013 and entitled "GENERATION OF COLOR IMAGES," discloses a method for generating a color image comprising a multilayer construction, wherein at least one of the layers is a heat-activatable layer comprising a heat-activatable composition. The heat-activatable composition includes a nonlinear light-to-heat converter composition and a color-forming compound. Upon activation with a light source, an image is formed.

[0012] International patent application publication number 2011 / 104,331-A1, published on September 1, 2011 and assigned to Wurm et al. and entitled “MARKING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE COLORED MARKING OF VALUEOR SECURITY DOCUMENTS,” discloses a method for permanent, in particular different multi-color marking of important and / or security documents. A method for permanent color marking of a valuable or security document comprises: providing a document body comprising zones with different colors, wherein each of the individual zones is monochromatic; providing a marking device comprising at least one laser light source for generating laser light and a light guide device, the light guide device being coupled to the at least one laser light source so that a focus of the laser light of the laser light source can be positioned in a controlled manner on or in the document body of the valuable or security document; iteratively intentionally positioning the focus on or in the document body and irradiating the laser light so as to intentionally locally change the color of one or more zones so that the document body subsequently conveys a multi-color color effect to a human observer when irradiated with white light, wherein the laser light is irradiated by means of short or ultrashort laser pulses having a pulse duration of less than 100 ps or less than 10 ps. Thus, a nonlinear interaction between the material of the valuable or security document and the laser light can be used for marking. In this way, an improved focusing of the laser light and thus a higher density of the color marking of the color can be utilized or produced, so that a higher color intensity can be achieved.

[0013] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 111,877-A1, published on May 15, 2008 and assigned to Dymo NV and entitled “THERMAL LASER PRINTING,” discloses a direct thermal printing material having at least one planar layer containing a heat-activatable material, wherein the planar layer forms an image upon application of a laser. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present technology aims to address at least some of the inconveniences associated with the prior art.

[0015] Developers of the present technology have realised that by applying laser radiation to zones of the container defined at different depth values ​​therein, a marking comprising different colours can be created within the wall of the container.

[0016] More specifically, the developers have realized that each of such zones defined by the depth of the wall of the container can be preconfigured to produce a different corresponding color when exposed to laser illumination having a corresponding energy density value. Accordingly, the developers have designed a system that, in at least some non-limiting embodiments thereof, can be configured to: (i) focus a laser beam of a laser at different focus distances corresponding to different depth values ​​of the respective zones; and (ii) adjust certain parameters of the laser beam, such as its intensity or wavelength, to generate laser illumination having a desired energy density value to which a given zone defined at a corresponding depth value within the container wall is configured to react.

[0017] By doing so, non-limiting embodiments of the present system can allow for the creation of color arrays along the depth of a container's wall, depending on the specific energy density values ​​and / or composition of the laser radiation applied to different zones, thereby providing for the direct application of colored markings thereto.

[0018] It should be noted that the system described herein is not limited to containers that have been made from molded articles (preforms) and can be applied to other products whose materials are reactive to laser irradiation, such as fast-moving consumer goods and their packaging materials.

[0019] More specifically, according to a first broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a system for marking a product. The product includes a markable area having: at least one first area of ​​a photo-activatable material at a first depth in a wall of the product, for forming a mark when activated by a first incident light beam above a first threshold energy density; and at least one second area of ​​a photo-activatable material at a second depth in the wall of the product, for forming a mark when activated by a second incident light beam above a second threshold energy density. The system includes: at least one laser configured to emit a light beam having a beam energy density at a focal region of the light beam that is higher than one of a first threshold energy density and a second threshold density energy, and having a beam energy density outside the focal region of the light beam that is lower than one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy; a beam modulator component configured to modulate a focal distance of the light beam; and a processor communicatively coupled to the beam modulator component, the processor configured to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focal distance of the light beam to: a first focal distance incident on at least one first zone for creating a mark in the at least one first zone, and a second focal distance incident on at least one second zone for creating a mark in the at least one second zone.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the at least one first region has been made from a first photoactivatable material; and the at least one second region has been made from a second photoactivatable material different from the first photoactivatable material.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first photoactivatable material is configured to form a mark having a first color when activated by a first incident light beam; and the second photoactivatable material is configured to form a mark having a second color when activated by a second incident light beam; and wherein the processor is configured to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focusing distance of the light beam to: a first focusing distance incident on at least one first zone, for creating a mark having the first color in at least one first zone, and a second focusing distance incident on at least one second zone, for creating a mark having the second color in at least one second zone.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the second threshold energy density is different from the first threshold energy density; and wherein the at least one laser is configured to modulate the beam energy density of the light beam between at least the first threshold energy density and at least the second threshold energy density.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the processor is also communicatively coupled to the at least one laser for causing adjustment of the emission energy density of the at least one laser.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the at least one laser comprises at least one tunable laser configured to emit at least a first wavelength suitable for absorption by a first photoactivatable material and at least a second wavelength suitable for absorption by a second photoactivatable material.

[0025] In certain embodiments, at least one laser is a near infrared (NIR) laser.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one laser includes a first laser and a second laser, the first laser being configured to emit a first light beam having at least a first wavelength suitable for absorption by a first photoactivatable material, the first light beam having a beam energy density above a first threshold energy density at a first focal region of the first light beam and having a beam energy density below the first threshold energy density outside the first focal region, and the second laser being configured to emit a second light beam having at least a second wavelength suitable for absorption by a second photoactivatable material, the second light beam having a beam energy density above a second threshold energy density at a second focal region of the second light beam and having a beam energy density below the second threshold energy density outside the second focal region; and the processor is configured to cause the beam modulator to: (i) modulate the focusing distance of the first light beam to the first focusing distance for creating a mark having a first color in at least one first zone; and (ii) modulate the focusing distance of the second light beam to the second focusing distance for creating a mark having a second color in at least one second zone.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the first laser has a first laser type and the second laser has a second laser type different from the first laser type.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first laser type is configured to cause foaming of at least one first layer, thereby creating a mark having a first color therein; and the second laser is configured to cause carbonization of at least one second layer, thereby creating a mark having a second color therein.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the first laser type comprises a near infrared (NIR) laser and the second laser type comprises a carbon dioxide laser.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first color is different from the second color.

[0031] In some embodiments, the markable area of ​​the product has at least one third zone encapsulated by at least one first zone and at least one second zone at a third depth in the wall of the product, the at least one third zone having a third photoactivatable material that can form a mark having a third color when activated by an incident light beam having an energy density greater than a third threshold; and the processor is further configured to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focal distance of the light beam to a third focal distance incident on the at least one third zone for creating a mark in the at least one third zone.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one laser is configured to emit a light beam having a focal region having a depth less than a depth of any of the at least one first region and the at least one second region of the markable region.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the product has a layered structure, and each of the at least one first region and the at least one second region corresponds to a respective layer of the layered structure.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the product is a container that has been made from a moldable article.

[0035] According to a second broad aspect of the present technology, a method for marking a product in a markable area of ​​the product is provided. The markable area includes: at least one first area having a photoactivatable material for forming a mark therein when activated by a first incident light beam above a first threshold energy density, and at least one second area having a photoactivatable material for forming a mark therein when activated by a second incident light beam above a second threshold energy density. The method can be performed by a processor communicatively coupled to a beam modulator. The method includes: causing the beam modulator, by the processor, to modulate a focal distance of a light beam incident thereon along a first optical axis to a first focal distance incident on at least one first area for creating a mark in the at least one first area; causing the beam modulator, by the processor, to modulate a focal distance of the light beam to a second focal distance incident on at least one second area for creating a mark in the at least one second area, the light beam having a beam energy density at the focal area of ​​the light beam that is above one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy, and having a beam energy density outside the focal area of ​​the light beam that is below one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy.

[0036] In the context of this specification, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. have been used as adjectives solely to allow distinction between the nouns they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between these nouns. Furthermore, as discussed herein in other contexts, reference to a "first" element and a "second" element does not exclude that the two elements are the same actual real-world element.

[0037] The embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned purposes and / or aspects, but not necessarily all of these purposes and / or aspects. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology generated by attempting to achieve the above-mentioned purpose may not meet the purpose and / or may meet other purposes not specifically described herein.

[0038] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The detailed description of illustrative (non-limiting) embodiments will be more fully understood when used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 depicts a flow chart of a process for producing a molded product according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0041] Figure 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a molding system configured for producing a molded article according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0042] Figure 3A Describes some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology that can be used in Figure 1 An example molded article molded in a mold of a molding system of the present invention, the molded article being configured as a preform of a type that can be blown to form a container;

[0043] Figure 3B Depicted are some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Figure 3A an enlarged view of a wall portion of a molded article preform shown;

[0044] Figure 3C Depicted are some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Figure 3A An example container molded from the preform depicted in;

[0045] Figure 3D Depicted are some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Figure 3C an enlarged view of a wall portion of the container shown;

[0046] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Depicted are some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology for printing to Figure 3C A schematic diagram of a printing procedure on a container;

[0047] Figure 5 Depicted are certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology configured to perform Figure 4A and Figure 4BA schematic diagram of a printing system for a container printing program shown;

[0048] Figure 6 Describes the use of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology Figure 5 Printing system mark Figure 3C A flowchart of a method for a container; and

[0049] Figure 7 Describes the use of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology Figure 5 The printing system is based on Figure 3C Schematic diagram of applying markings at different areas within the wall of a container.

[0050] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations, and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of these embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The examples and conditional language described herein are primarily intended to help the reader understand the principles of the present technology, rather than to limit its scope to such specifically described examples and conditions. It should be understood that a person skilled in the art may design various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present technology and are included in its spirit and scope.

[0052] In addition, to aid understanding, the following description may describe relatively simplified embodiments of the present technology. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various embodiments of the present technology may have greater complexity.

[0053] In some cases, examples that are considered useful modifications to the technology may also be set forth. This is done solely to aid understanding, and again not to limit the scope of the technology or to set forth the limits of the technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and those skilled in the art may make other modifications while still remaining within the scope of the technology. In addition, where no examples of modifications are set forth, it should not be construed that no modifications are possible and / or that what is described is the only way to implement that element of the technology.

[0054] In addition, all statements herein reciting the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present technology, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass their structural and functional equivalents, whether currently known or developed in the future. Thus, for example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents a conceptual view of an illustrative circuit that embodies the principles of the present technology. Similarly, it should be understood that any flow chart, flow diagram, state transition diagram, pseudocode, etc., represents various processes that can be substantially represented in a computer-readable medium and thus executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such a computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0055] With these basic principles in place, we will now consider some non-limiting examples to illustrate various embodiments of various aspects of the present technology.

[0056] Production process overview

[0057] refer to Figure 1 , depicts a schematic diagram of a process 100 for producing a packaged product according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the process including molding, forming, filling / capping and printing a complete container, such as Figure 3C Container 190 is depicted in FIG.

[0058] like Figure 1 As best shown in FIG. 1 , process 100 includes certain procedures related to producing container 190. Process 100 includes procedures for producing a molded article (such as Figure 3A The container 190 can be produced by the molded article 150 as shown in the injection molding process 10. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the molded article 150 can be produced by the following reference Figure 2 The molding system 102 described is produced.

[0059] In addition, the process 100 includes a container molding procedure 12 for forming a container 190 from the molded article 150. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container molding procedure 12 can be performed by a forming system (not depicted). Broadly speaking, the forming system can be configured to: (i) obtain a molded article 150, such as from the molding system 102; (ii) clamp the molded article 150 in a container mold representing the desired form to be given to the container 190; and (iii) inject an expansion agent (such as air or liquid, as an example) into the molded article 150, usually under high pressure, so that the walls of the molded article 150 stretch and match the shape of the container mold. This process is generally referred to as blow molding. Additionally, the forming system can be configured to cool the container 190 thus produced in the container mold until its material is sufficiently hardened. It should be expressly understood that other configurations of the forming system may be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present technology, such as those configured for extrusion molding, compression molding, injection compression molding, blow trim molding, etc. of the molded article 150.

[0060] In addition, the process 100 includes a container printing process 14 for printing indicia on the container 190, which may include various decorative and functional indicia. These indicia may include, but are not limited to, brand images, logos, product names, and UPC codes. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container printing process 14 may be performed directly on the container 190 by selectively irradiating one or more points of the container 190. For example, the container printing process 14 may be performed by the following reference Figure 5 The printing system 300 described above is executed.

[0061] In addition, the process 100 includes a container filling and capping procedure 16 for filling a container 190 with a packaged product (such as a beverage) and capping the container 190. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container filling and capping procedure 16 can be performed by a filling and capping system (not depicted). Broadly speaking, the filling and capping system can be configured to quantify the product in the container 190 according to the volume of the container 190, and further place a lid on the open end of the container 190 to securely enclose the packaged product in the container 190.

[0062] according to Figure 1 It can be understood that in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container printing process 14 can be performed before the container filling and capping process 16. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container printing process 14 can be performed after the container filling and capping process 16.

[0063] Injection molding process

[0064] refer to Figure 2, depicts a schematic diagram of a molding system 102 according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, which molding system 102 can be configured to perform an injection molding process 10. The molding system 102 is configured to be able to mold a molded article (such as Figure 3A In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figure, the molded article 150 is a moldable article that can be at least partially remolded by blow molding or liquid molding, such as Figure 3C A multilayer preform of the type of container 190 depicted in FIG.

[0065] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the molding system 102 includes a jig 110 , an injection unit 130 , an auxiliary injection unit 140 , a mold 160 , and a controller 116 .

[0066] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the clamp 110 includes a fixed platen 114 supported on a base (not separately labeled) and a movable platen 112. In operation, the movable platen 112 can be moved relative to the fixed platen 114 by means of a clamp actuator 132 for opening, closing, and otherwise clamping the mold 160. The clamp actuator 132 is communicatively coupled to the controller 116, whereby the controller 116 can control its operation.

[0067] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the injection unit 130 includes, among other things, a plasticizer 136 and a separate shot tank 137. Thus, the injection unit 130 is configured as a so-called two-stage injection unit capable of plasticizing during injection. The plasticizer 136 is operated by a plasticizing actuator 134 for plasticizing a first thermoplastic material 182 therein. The shot tank 137 is operated by an injection actuator 138 for injecting the first thermoplastic material 182 into the hot runner 170 of the mold 160. The plasticizing actuator 134 and the injection actuator 138 are connected to the controller 116, whereby the controller 116 can control their operations.

[0068] The composition of the first thermoplastic material 182 is not particularly limited. Therefore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first thermoplastic material 182 can include, but is not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.

[0069] Likewise, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the auxiliary injection unit 140 particularly includes an auxiliary plasticizer 146 and an auxiliary plasticizing actuator 144. The auxiliary injection unit 140 is configured as a reciprocating screw injection unit. The auxiliary plasticizer 146 is operated by the auxiliary plasticizing actuator 144 to plasticize the second thermoplastic material 184 and inject it into the hot runner 170 of the mold 160.

[0070] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the composition of the second thermoplastic material 184 can be similar to the composition of the first thermoplastic material 182, such as one of polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the second thermoplastic material 184 can be different from the first thermoplastic material 182. Such composite materials can be included to impart certain desired properties, such as, improved barrier properties to gas and moisture migration through the wall of the container. To this end, the second thermoplastic material 184 can especially include nylon, polyglycolic acid (PGA) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) etc. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the second thermoplastic material 184 can include composite materials that are unstable (i.e., soluble and / or degradable) in contact with water, such as water-soluble polymers or water-degradable polymers. For example, water-soluble polymers can include ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, dextran, pullulan, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyoxazoline, polyphosphate or cellulose. In addition, the water-degradable polymer may include one of PGA, sugar / polysaccharide starch, polyglycolide, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, and polyhydroxyalkanoate. The aforementioned technical effects may include improved recyclability of the container 190 produced using the second thermoplastic material 184 .

[0071] Additionally, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first thermoplastic material 182 and / or the second thermoplastic material 184 can be photosensitive in nature, such that their visual appearance changes upon exposure to light. The change in visual appearance or the degree of change imparted can depend on various characteristics of the thermoplastic material 182, 184 and / or the light source, such as the energy density level and / or wavelength of the incident light.

[0072] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, a photosensitive property can be provided to the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184 by adding a photosensitive additive to one or both of them. In the illustrated embodiment, a first photosensitive additive 186 is added to the first thermoplastic material 182. To this end, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As further depicted in FIG. 1 , the injection unit 130 further includes a first blending device 141, also referred to as a dosing device, at its inlet. The first blending device 141 is configured to blend or otherwise dosing flows of the first thermoplastic material 182 and the first photosensitive additive 186. Thus, the plasticizing actuator 134 and the first blending device 141 may be connected to the controller 116, whereby the controller 116 is able to control their operation.

[0073] In addition, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a second photosensitive additive 188 is added to the second thermoplastic material 184. To this end, the auxiliary injection unit 140 also includes a second blending device 142 at its inlet. The second blending device 142 is configured to blend or otherwise meter the flow of the second thermoplastic material 184 and the second photosensitive additive 188. Therefore, the auxiliary plasticizing actuator 144 and the second blending device 142 can be connected to the controller 116, whereby the controller 116 can control its operation.

[0074] In broad terms, a given one of the first photosensitive additive 186 and the second photosensitive additive 188 is an additive configured to increase the sensitivity of a corresponding one of the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184 to incident light having an energy density value greater than a first threshold energy density value and a second threshold energy density value, respectively. More specifically, the first photosensitive additive 186, for example, increases the sensitivity of the first thermoplastic material 182 such that, under laser irradiation having an energy density value greater than the first threshold energy density value, the first thermoplastic material 182 changes its reflective and / or transmissive properties, thereby changing the visual appearance of the irradiated portion of the first thermoplastic material 182. According to a specific embodiment, the irradiation of the portion of the first thermoplastic material 182 causes carbonization marks or foaming therein, depending on the first photosensitive additive 186 (described in more detail below). At the same time, the laser irradiation source (such as described below with reference to Figure 5 The laser 502 described herein and at least one of the second thermoplastic material 184 are configured such that the second thermoplastic material 184 is non-reactive to laser irradiation having an energy density value greater than a first threshold energy density value associated with the first photosensitive additive 186, and vice versa.

[0075] In addition, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first photosensitive additive 186 and the second photosensitive additive 188 can be a different photosensitive additive, which means that they can produce different colors (such as black, dark gray, light gray or white) or color-changing effects (such as carbonization or foaming) under laser irradiation with an energy density value higher than the corresponding one of the first threshold energy density value and the second threshold energy density value. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first photosensitive additive 186 and the second photosensitive additive 188 can be configured to produce substantially the same color.

[0076] Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first photosensitizing additive 186 and the second photosensitizing additive 188 can be activated by laser irradiation having different characteristics, such as their energy density values. In other words, in these embodiments, the first threshold energy density value associated with the first photosensitizing additive 186 can be different from the second threshold energy density value associated with the second photosensitizing additive 188. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first photosensitizing additive 186 and the second photosensitizing additive 188 can be activated by laser irradiation having the same minimum energy density value.

[0077] Embodiments of the molding system 102 configured to add only a single one of the first photosensitive additive 186 and the second photosensitive additive 188 to a respective one of the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184 are also contemplated without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0078] In a specific non-limiting example, each of the first photosensitizing additive 186 and the second photosensitizing additive 188 may be one of the types available from DATALASE LTD., Unit 3, Wheeldon Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 8FW, England. It should be noted that any other suitable photosensitizing additive may be used.

[0079] Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the mold 160 includes, among other things, a movable portion 163 and a fixed portion 164, which can be arranged in a closed configuration, as shown, to define a molding cavity 168 between the movable portion 163 and the fixed portion 164, and otherwise arranged in an open configuration, not shown, for removing / ejecting the molded article 150 therefrom. Thus, the movable portion 163 is coupled to the movable platen 112 of the fixture 110, while the fixed portion 164 is coupled to the fixed platen 114 via a hot runner 170 disposed between the fixed portion 164 and the fixed platen 114. The molding cavity 168 is defined by a mold stack 166, which includes a set of complementary inserts disposed in the movable and fixed portions of the mold 160. For purposes of conceptual depiction of the mold 160, only one mold stack 166 is shown, while in reality the mold 160 may include multiple mold stacks 166.

[0080] In addition, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the hot runner 170 is configured to fluidly connect the injection unit 130 and the auxiliary injection unit 140 with the molding cavity 168. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the hot runner 170 is typical in that it includes a nozzle 172, a manifold 174, and a nozzle valve assembly 176. The manifold 174 is arranged to connect the outlet of each of the injection unit 130 and the auxiliary injection unit 140 with the inlet of the nozzle 172. The nozzle 172 is configured to separate the inlet flows of the first thermoplastic material 182 and the first photosensitive additive 186 in a molten state received from the injection unit 130 via the manifold 174, and direct the resulting flows toward the inner skin outlet and the outer skin outlet (not numbered). The nozzle 172 is similarly configured to receive an inlet flow of a second thermoplastic material 184 in a molten state and a second photosensitive additive 188 carried therein received from the auxiliary injection unit 140 via the manifold 174, and direct the resulting flow toward an intermediate outlet (not numbered) disposed between the skin outlet channels. The nozzle valve assembly 176 includes a valve actuator 178 connected to the controller, whereby the controller is able to control its operation. Through the coordinated control of the injection unit 130, the auxiliary injection unit 140, and the nozzle valve assembly 176 and other controllable devices by the controller 116, the injection of the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184 through the selected outlet of the nozzle 172 and into the molding cavity 168 can be performed sequentially and / or simultaneously.

[0081] In various non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the controller 116 can be implemented as a computing device with a processor (not separately numbered). The processor can be provided by using dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing software associated with appropriate software. The processor can perform one or more functions to control the operation of one or more of the components of the molding system 102. When provided by a processor, these functions can be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple separate processors (some of which can be shared). In some embodiments of the present technology, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a processor dedicated to a specific purpose. In addition, the explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be interpreted as specifically referring to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, but is not limited to, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), and non-volatile memories for storing software. Other conventional and / or customized hardware may also be included. The controller 116 may access a memory (not depicted) storing computer executable instructions 117 that, when executed, cause a processor of the controller 116 to control the operation of one or more of the components of the molding system 102 as described above.

[0082] Thus, the injection molding process 10 is terminated.

[0083] Container molding process

[0084] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, process 100 continues with container molding process 12, wherein as described above with reference to Figure 1 The forming system (not depicted) may be configured to execute the container molding process 12 to produce a container 190 from the molded article 150 .

[0085] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , depicts a schematic diagram of a molded article 150 (preform 150 ) as described above and a container 190 formed therefrom according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0086] like Figure 3AAs best shown in FIG. 1 , the preform 150 includes a body that can be configured to define a storage container of a container 190. The preform body is generally tubular, having a neck portion 151 at an open end, a base portion 153 at a closed end, and a body portion 152 defined between the neck portion 151 and the base portion 153. The body portion 152 and the base portion 153 can be re-molded to provide a container body portion 192 and a container base portion 193 of the container 190, respectively. The neck portion 151 of the molded article 150 is configured to define a container neck portion 191 of the container 190. The container neck portion 191 is configured to be capped, such as by using a closure to enclose the volume defined within the container 190 by the filling and capping system described above. In other embodiments not shown, the molded article 150 can define a finished container that is ready to be filled and capped (i.e., it does not require any post-molding transformation by blow molding, liquid molding, etc.).

[0087] As briefly described above, the molded article 150 can be formed by the molding system 102 to have a layered structure. More specifically, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the neck portion 151, the body portion 152, and the base portion 153 of the molded article 150 can have multiple layers, including, for example, an inner skin layer 154, at least one intermediate layer 156, and an outer skin layer 158. In the illustrated example, the inner skin layer 154 and the outer skin layer 158 are formed of a first thermoplastic material 182, and the at least one intermediate layer 156 is formed of a second thermoplastic material 184. Different arrangements of the materials 182, 184 are contemplated in different embodiments.

[0088] In addition, it should be noted that while producing the container 190 from the molded article 150, the forming system can be configured to retain the layered structure of the preform 150 in the container 190. As illustrated, the wall of the container 190 has an inner skin layer 154, at least one intermediate layer 156, and an outer skin layer 158 corresponding to the inner skin layer, at least one intermediate layer, and the outer skin layer of the preform 150.

[0089] However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the molded article 150 and therefore the container 190 produced therefrom may not define distinct layers therein and may include a single layer formed from one of the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184 as described above (and therefore referred to herein as a "single-layer" article).

[0090] Additionally, container 190 may define a markable area 195 for creating a mark therein. Figure 3C In the illustrated embodiment (see also Figure 4B), markable area 195 is defined within container body portion 192. However, in various non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, other configurations of markable area 195 are contemplated, such as those defined in other portions of container 190 (i.e., container base portion 193 or container neck portion 191) or corresponding to the entire area of ​​container 190.

[0091] Furthermore, according to non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, markable zone 195 may include a plurality of zones defined at depths through the wall of container 190 at various depth values ​​from the surface of container 190, such as first zone 201 and second zone 203 defined at first depth value 202 and second depth value 204, respectively, within markable zone 195. More specifically, a given one of first zone 201 and second zone 203 may be defined such that it has three dimensions within the wall of container 190, and the surface area of ​​the given zone along the wall of container 190 corresponds to corresponding portions of the surface area of ​​markable zone 195, but the corresponding portions are located at corresponding different depth values ​​of the wall of container 190. However, it should be noted that in certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the surface area of ​​a given zone may correspond to the surface area of ​​markable zone 195.

[0092] In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, the first depth value 202 of the first zone 201 and the second depth value 204 of the second zone 203 have been respectively selected to be smaller than the corresponding thickness values ​​of the layers of the wall of the container 190 in which they are defined, it should be clearly understood that in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the corresponding depth value of a given zone of the markable zone 195 can be selected to correspond to the corresponding layer of the wall of the container 190, that is, for example, the first depth value 202 of the first zone 201 can be selected to correspond to the thickness value of the outer skin layer 158.

[0093] Furthermore, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, first zone 201 can have a first depth value 202 that is greater than a thickness value of outer skin layer 158. In other words, in these embodiments, first zone 201 of markable zone 195 can extend through at least two layers of the wall of container 190, namely outer skin layer 158 and at least one intermediate layer 156, as an example. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, first depth value 202 and second depth value 204 can be selected such that first zone 201 and second zone 203 of markable zone 195 can both be accommodated by a single layer of the wall of container 190, such as one of outer skin layer 158 and at least one intermediate layer 156, along its depth. In other words, in these embodiments, a given one of inner skin layer 154, at least one intermediate layer 156, and outer skin layer 158 can include more than one of the plurality of zones of markable zone 195 along its respective thickness.

[0094] Additionally, it should be noted that although Figure 3C and Figure 3D In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first zone 201 and the second zone 202 of the markable area 195 is defined in a corresponding one of the outer skin layer 158 and the at least one intermediate layer 156 of the wall of the container 190, but in those embodiments where the container 190 is a single layer container, i.e., only a single layer of one of the materials 182, 184 is defined, each of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 can similarly be defined in its wall at a corresponding one of the first depth value 202 and the second depth value 204.

[0095] Furthermore, as can be appreciated from the description provided above with respect to first thermoplastic material 182 and second thermoplastic material 184, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a given area of ​​markable zone 185 can be activated by laser irradiation having selected characteristics (i.e., wavelength, energy density value, etc.). More specifically, a given area defined at a corresponding depth value within markable zone 195 can be configured to change its visual characteristics (e.g., opacity, color, etc.) when exposed to laser irradiation having an energy density value above a corresponding threshold density value. For example, first area 201 of markable zone 195 defined at first depth value 202 can be configured to produce a first color when exposed to laser irradiation above a first threshold energy density value. Furthermore, second area 203 of markable zone 195 defined at second depth value 204 can be configured to produce a second color different from the first color when exposed to laser irradiation above a second threshold energy density value.

[0096] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 can be photosensitive to laser irradiation above the same corresponding threshold energy density value, i.e., the first threshold energy density value can be equal to the second threshold energy density value. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first threshold energy density value can be different from the second threshold energy density value.

[0097] Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of first zone 201 and second zone 203 can be intrinsically photosensitive to laser irradiation above a first threshold energy density value and a second threshold energy density value, respectively. However, in the present example, each of the plurality of zones defined by the depth of markable zone 195 is photosensitively added or enhanced using a corresponding photosensitive additive, such as one of first photosensitive additive 186 and second photosensitive additive 188 described above.

[0098] Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the wall of container 190 can define a markable zone 195 having a plurality of zones located at different respective depth values ​​from its surface, such as first zone 201 and second zone 203. Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the plurality of zones can be activated, i.e., configured to change its visual appearance, such as its corresponding color, upon exposure to illumination, such as from a laser, having an energy density level greater than a corresponding threshold energy density value.

[0099] Thus, in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, markable areas 195 so defined are configured to provide different color effects to the markings created therein. For example, in those non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, where the areas defined at different depth values ​​are configured to produce substantially the same color but different opacity values, markable areas 195 can be configured to provide a 3D effect to the markings created therein. However, in another example, where the areas defined at different depth values ​​therein are configured to produce different various colors, markable areas 195 can be configured to provide a matrix of different colors along its surface, which can be used to apply a colored marking to container 190.

[0100] Thus, after the container molding process 12 produces a container 190 having a markable area 195 defining a plurality of zones therein, the process 100 proceeds to the container printing process 14 wherein the printing system 300 is configured to print a mark defined within the wall of the container 190 in the markable area 195 as described above.

[0101] Printing Program

[0102] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , depicts a schematic diagram of a container printing process 14 executed by a printing system 300 for producing a mark on a container 190 (such as a container mark 199 within a markable area 195) according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. As can be appreciated, Figure 4A The container 190 in is depicted before executing the container printing program 14; and Figure 4B The depicted container 190 is printed, including container markings 199 .

[0103] Additional references Figure 5 , schematically depicts a functional diagram of a printing system 300 configured for creating a container marking 199 defined in a wall of a container 190 within a markable area 195 in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0104] Broadly speaking, printing system 300 includes various internal components, including, but not limited to: (1) a laser 502 configured to emit a light beam 504 ; (2) a beam modulation component 506 ; and (3) a printing system controller 316 .

[0105] In broad terms, printing system 300 may operate as follows: beam modulation component 506 is configured to focus beam 504 emitted by laser 502 toward markable area 195 at different distances corresponding to respective depth values ​​of a given zone within markable area 195 (such as one of first zone 201 and second zone 203 described above). Thus, laser 502 and beam modulation component 506 may be configured so that beam 504 is focused at its respective focus zone (such as Figure 7 705) has a beam energy density value greater than a corresponding threshold energy density value associated with a given zone, thereby causing the given zone to change its visual appearance, such as its color. Thus, by modulating at least one of: (i) the beam energy density value of light beam 504 in its corresponding focal zone 705; and (ii) the position of the corresponding focal zone 705 of light beam 504 within markable zone 195, as will be described below, printing system 300 can be configured to apply container marking 199 within markable zone 195 of container 190.

[0106] As described above, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container marking 199 may include functional markings and decorative markings, such as but not limited to brand images or logos, product names, product information, barcodes and / or quick response (QR) codes, etc. As will become apparent from the description provided below, as examples, the container marking 199 thus created may have different 3D effects, such as bevels, shadows, or may include different colors.

[0107] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, beam modulation component 506 is configured to steer and focus beam 504 to form its respective focal region 705 within one or more of the plurality of regions of markable area 195. Beam modulation component 506 is communicatively coupled to printing system controller 316, whereby printing system controller 316 can be configured to control the operation of beam modulation component 506.

[0108] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the internal components of the printing system 300 are disposed in a common housing 520, such as Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be located outside of the common housing 520 and communicatively connected to its components. As can be appreciated, the printing system controller 316 can be implemented similarly to the controller 116 of the molding system 102 described above.

[0109] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 is communicatively coupled to the printing system controller 316. In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 is pre-configured to operate at a corresponding operating wavelength. The corresponding operating wavelength of the laser 502 can be in the infrared, visible light, and / or ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, the laser 502 can include at least one laser having an operating wavelength between about 650nm and 1150nm. Alternatively, the laser 502 can include a laser diode configured to emit light having a wavelength between about 800nm ​​and about 1000nm, between about 850nm and about 950nm, or between about 1300nm and about 1600nm. In yet another example, the laser 502 can be configured to emit laser radiation having a corresponding operating wavelength between about 2000nm and about 3500nm, or between about 4000nm and about 8000nm. In yet another example, the corresponding operating wavelength of the laser 502 can be between approximately 8000 nm and 10600 nm.

[0110] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 includes a pulsed laser that is configured to generate, emit, or radiate light pulses having a specific pulse duration. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 can be configured to emit pulses having a pulse duration (e.g., pulse width) ranging from 10ps to 100ns. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 can be configured to emit pulses at a pulse repetition frequency of about 100kHz to 5MHz or a pulse period (e.g., the time between consecutive pulses) of about 200ns to 10μs. However, in general, the laser 502 can generate a light beam 504 having pulses including any suitable energy, any suitable average optical power, or peak optical power for a given application.

[0111] In other non-limiting embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present technology, the laser 502 can be implemented as a continuous wave laser. In other words, in these embodiments, the laser 502 can be configured to emit a light beam 504 that is a continuous, uninterrupted light beam having a corresponding operating wavelength and any suitable average power. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the light beam 504 can have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0112] It is also contemplated that light beam 504 may be unpolarized or randomly polarized, may not have a specific or fixed polarization (e.g., the polarization may vary over time), or may have a specific polarization, for example, light beam 504 may be linearly polarized, elliptically polarized, or circularly polarized.

[0113] Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, laser 502 is configured to emit light beam 504 which, when light beam 504 is focused on one or more points of markable area 195 (such as within a given area thereof, as described above), has a beam energy density value that is greater than a corresponding threshold energy density value associated with the given area and is therefore sufficient to create a container mark 199 therein.

[0114] As described above, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, different regions of the markable area 195 can be reactive to laser irradiation having energy density values ​​above respective different threshold energy density values. To this end, in certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to cause the laser 502 to adjust the beam energy density value of the beam 504 in its respective focal region 705 to correspond to and be in correspondence with different regions defined within the markable area 195 (such as the first region 201 and the second region 203 described above (see also Figure 7 For example, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to modulate the input power of the laser 502 .

[0115] However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 can be a tunable laser that is configured to emit laser radiation at different operating wavelengths corresponding to respective threshold energy density values ​​associated with different zones. For example, the laser 502 can be configured to emit a light beam 504 having: (1) a first wavelength suitable for absorption by the first zone 201; and (2) a second wavelength suitable for absorption by the second zone 203. For example, the laser 502 can be configured to emit laser radiation within an operating wavelength range that includes the first wavelength and the second wavelength. In addition, in order to adjust the beam energy value of the light beam 504 to be higher than those associated with one of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to cause the laser 502 to switch the wavelength of the light beam 504 to a corresponding one of the first wavelength and the second wavelength.

[0116] Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, laser 502 can be one of several laser types configured to emit laser radiation having different operating wavelengths or wavelength ranges. For example, laser 502 can be a first laser type having a first operating wavelength (wavelength range). According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first operating wavelength (wavelength range) can be predetermined so that laser radiation having an energy density value equal to or greater than a corresponding threshold energy density value to be applied to a given area of ​​markable area 195 causes carbonization thereof, which can be used to create container marking 199 therein.

[0117] In the context of this specification, "carbonization" of a material, such as one or more of the layers of markable area 195, refers to partial oxidation of hydrocarbons resulting from the breaking of chemical bonds between molecules of the material by laser irradiation having a certain minimum energy density value. As a result, the oxidized hydrocarbons form a discoloration from gray to black in the printed layer.

[0118] Additionally, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, laser 502 may be a second laser type having a second operating wavelength (range of wavelengths) different from the first operating wavelength (range of wavelengths). According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the second operating wavelength (range of wavelengths) may be predetermined such that laser illumination having an energy density value equal to or greater than a corresponding threshold energy density value associated with a given zone defined within markable zone 195 causes blistering therein when applied thereto, which may be used to create container marking 199 therein.

[0119] In the context of this specification, "foaming" of a material (such as the material in a given area of ​​markable area 195) means melting it by laser irradiation, causing carbon in the material to oxidize to form carbon dioxide, which further appears as bubbles on the surface of the material. Foaming results in coloration of thermoplastic materials (such as materials 182, 184) that appear light gray to white at points that receive irradiation above the threshold.

[0120] In addition, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first operating wavelength (wavelength range) of the first laser type can be longer (positioned toward longer wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum) than the second operating wavelength (wavelength range) of the second laser type. In a specific non-limiting example, the first laser type can include a near-infrared (NIR) laser configured to operate in a wavelength range from about 750nm to about 1400nm. The second laser type can include a carbon dioxide laser with an operating wavelength of about 10600nm. In another example, the first laser type can be a fiber laser configured to operate in a wavelength range from about 1064nm to about 2100nm. In yet another example, the laser 502 can include a single laser configured to operate in a wavelength range from about 750nm to about 10600nm. However, it should be clearly understood that other suitable lasers can be used to cause the above-mentioned color change effect in the printed layer of the container 190.

[0121] In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, in order to modulate the beam energy density value of the output laser irradiation to be applied to a specific zone among the multiple zones defined within the markable zone 195, the printing system 300 may also include another laser (not depicted) having characteristics different from the characteristics of the laser 502. For example, the laser 502 may be configured to emit a beam 504 having a beam energy value higher than a first threshold energy density value associated with the first zone 201 in its respective focal zone 705. In addition, another laser of the printing system 300 may be configured to emit another beam having another beam energy value higher than a second threshold energy density value associated with the second zone 203 in its respective focal zone. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the laser 502 and the another laser may be of the same laser type, such as one of the first laser type and the second laser type as described above. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the laser 502 and the another laser may have different respective laser types.

[0122] Thus, printing system 300 may be configured to emit a beam, such as beam 504, which, when focused, will have a beam energy density value that is above a respective threshold energy density value associated with each of the plurality of zones defined within markable area 195.

[0123] As described above, beam modulation component 506 manipulates one of the light beams generated by printing system 300, such as light beam 504 emitted by laser 502, to form its corresponding focal region 705 within a given area of ​​markable area 195. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, beam modulation component 506 can include at least one lens (not depicted). Broadly speaking, the at least one lens is configured to focus the input optical flow of light beam 504 at a focal distance 508 into its corresponding focal region 705.

[0124] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the at least one lens can be configured to provide a corresponding one of a first focusing distance 509 and a second focusing distance 511, as an example, the first focusing distance 509 and the second focusing distance 511 are one of 1.5 inches, 2.0 inches, 3.0 inches and 4.0 inches.

[0125] However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the at least one lens can include a lens system configured to focus the light beam 504 at a plurality of focus distances from the laser 502, such as at 1.5 inches, 2.0 inches, 3.0 inches, and 4.0 inches. In another example, the lens system can be configured to smoothly adjust the focus distance within a predetermined range of distances (e.g., from 1.5 inches to 4.0 inches). To this end, the lens system can be communicatively coupled to one or more actuators (further coupled to the printing system controller 316) that are configured to move or adjust the lens system to provide a desired focus distance from the lens system.

[0126] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the beam modulating component 506 may also include various other optical components and / or mechanical components for performing manipulation and focusing of the light beam generated by the printing system 300. For example, the beam modulating component 506 may include one or more mirrors, prisms, lenses, MEM components, piezoelectric components, optical fibers, splitters, diffractive elements, collimating elements, etc. It should be noted that the beam modulating component 506 may also include one or more additional actuators (not separately depicted) that drive at least some of the other optical components to, for example, rotate, tilt, pivot, or move in an angular manner about one or more axes.

[0127] How focus distance 508 is selected to focus beam 504 there is not limited; and in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, may depend on the depth of corresponding focal zone 705 of beam 504. For example, as will become apparent from the description provided below, focus distance 508 may be predetermined so that the depth of corresponding focal zone 705 of beam 504 is no greater than the depth of a given area of ​​markable area 195 to which beam 504 will be applied.

[0128] Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, printing system controller 316 can be configured to cause beam modulation component 506 to adjust focus distance 508 of beam 504 to a corresponding distance corresponding to a given area of ​​markable area 195 to create container mark 199 in the given area, as will be described in more detail below. By doing so, printing system controller 316 is configured to cause a given area of ​​markable area 195 to have a sufficient energy density value to create container mark 199 therein.

[0129] Additional components of printing system 300 are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present technology. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, printing system 300 may include a camera (such as a charge coupled device (CCD) camera or array thereof, not depicted) communicatively coupled to printing system controller 316 for identifying container 190 prior to applying container marking 199 thereto. For example, using a camera (not depicted) of printing system 300, printing system controller 316 may be configured to define a coordinate system (such as a Cartesian coordinate system, as an example) associated with container 190, and further determine thereon the location of markable area 195 within the wall of container 190 and further determine the location of a given area defined within markable area 195.

[0130] Additionally, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to receive as part of its program instructions an indication of point coordinates of points defining the container marking 199 in a coordinate system associated with the container 190. By doing so, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to identify a given area in the markable area 195 to further form a corresponding focal zone 705 of the light beam 504 there.

[0131] In addition, in order to apply the container marking 199 within a given area or to other areas of the markable area 195, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to cause the beam modulation component 506 to modulate the focusing distance 508 of the light beam 504 to other corresponding distances corresponding to other positions along the surface of the given area or other areas, thereby forming a corresponding focal area 705 therein.

[0132] However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, at least some components of the printing system 300 (such as the laser 502 and the beam modulation component 506 arranged as described above) can be moved, such as by a robotic arm (not depicted), in order to shift the corresponding focal area 705 of the light beam 504 along the surface of a given area or to other areas defined within the markable area 195. Broadly speaking, the robotic arm can include a number of segments (or otherwise connected elements) interconnected by joints, each segment including a corresponding individual actuator coupled thereto, such as one of an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor. Thus, a given joint can allow at least one of rotation, yaw and pitch movement of the corresponding segment attached thereto, simulating the function of a human arm. The actuators may also be communicatively coupled to a printing system controller 316 of the printing system 300, whereby the printing system controller 316 may be configured to actuate the actuators of the joints of the robotic arm, thereby providing up to six degrees of freedom to an end segment or "end effector" thereof, to which at least some components of the printing system 300 configured to manipulate the light beam 504 may be attached.

[0133] In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the robotic arm may include a Cartesian coordinate robot in which joints allow translational movement of segments attached thereto. Embodiments that additionally move the container 190 relative to the printing system 300 that has formed the corresponding focal zone 705 of the beam 504 to shift it to each of the plurality of markable zones 195 are also contemplated without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0134] Given the architecture and examples provided above, a method for marking a product such as the container 190 described above may be performed. Figure 6 , depicts a flow chart of a method 600 according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. The method 600 may be performed by the printing system controller 316 of the printing system 300.

[0135] Step 602: The processor causes a beam modulator to modulate a focal distance of a beam incident thereon along a first optical axis to a first focal distance incident on at least one first region, for creating a mark in the at least one first region.

[0136] Further references Figure 7 , depicts a schematic diagram of applying a light beam 504 to different areas defined within the markable area 195 to apply a container marking 199 therein in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0137] Method 600 begins at step 602, where printing system controller 316 is configured to: (i) identify a given zone within markable area 195, such as first zone 201, based on corresponding point coordinates; and (ii) cause beam modulation component 506 of printing system 300 to modulate focal distance 508 of beam 504 to first focal distance 702 corresponding to first zone 201. By doing so, printing system controller 316 is configured to form corresponding focal zone 705 of beam 504 in first zone 201.

[0138] In addition, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to: (i) cause the laser 502 to emit the light beam 504 so that the beam energy density value of the light beam 504 in its corresponding focal zone 705 is greater than a first threshold energy density value associated with the first zone 201, which is sufficient to create a container mark 199 therein; and (ii) based on the corresponding point coordinates, cause the corresponding focal zone 705 to shift, such as in a given direction 706, through the first zone 201, thereby applying the container mark 199 therein.

[0139] Therefore, method 600 proceeds to step 604 .

[0140] Step 604: The processor causes the beam modulator to modulate the focal distance of the beam to a second focal distance incident on at least one second area, so as to create a mark in the at least one second area.

[0141] At step 604, based on the corresponding point coordinates, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to: (i) identify the second zone 203 within the markable area 195; and (ii) shift the corresponding focal zone 705 of the light beam 504 to a second focal distance 704 incident on the second zone 203 as described above.

[0142] As described above, the second zone 203 can be activated by the same beam energy density value as the first zone 201. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the second zone 203 can be configured to be activated by a beam energy density value greater than a second threshold energy density value, which is different from the first threshold energy density value associated with the first zone 201. To this end, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to cause the laser 502 to modulate the beam energy density value of the light beam 504 in its corresponding focal zone 705, as described above. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to use another laser of the printing system 300 (as described above) to generate another beam having a beam energy density value greater than the second threshold energy density value threshold sufficient to apply the container marking 199 in the second zone 203.

[0143] Furthermore, based on the corresponding point coordinates, the printing system controller 316 may be configured to shift the corresponding focal region 705 within the second zone 203, such as in a given direction 706, to apply the container marking 199 therein.

[0144] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of first focus distance 702 and second focus distance 704 may be adjusted by beam modulation component 506 such that the depth (not separately numbered) of corresponding focus zone 705 is no greater than either of first zone 201 and second zone 203. This may allow container marking 199 to be created only in a desired area of ​​a plurality of zones defined within markable zone 195 without contacting or damaging other zones of markable zone 195. Thus, certain non-limiting embodiments of printing system 300 may allow container marking 199 to be created on container 190 more accurately, which may further allow the effectiveness of overall process 100 to be increased.

[0145] In addition, as described above, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 can both form the same color at the corresponding beam energy density values ​​generated by the beam 504 in its corresponding focal zone 705. In these embodiments, the container mark 199 thus produced can have 3D effects, such as bevels, shadows, etc. For example, in those embodiments of the printing system 300 in which the laser 502 is a first laser type such as an NIR laser, the container mark 199 thus formed in a given zone such as the first zone 201 can be a carbonization mark that appears dark gray, as an example. In other embodiments in which the laser 502 is a second laser type (such as a carbon dioxide laser), the container mark 199 thus formed in a given zone such as the second zone 203 is produced by foaming the second zone 203 in a given direction 706. In these embodiments, as an example, the container mark 199 in the second zone can appear light gray or white.

[0146] However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 of the markable area 195 can produce a different color at a corresponding beam energy density value produced by the light beam 504 in its corresponding focal area 705. Therefore, in these embodiments, the container marking 199 can include different colors, as described above.

[0147] Similarly, an additional third region (not depicted) of markable area 195 can be defined, for example, by the depth of inner skin layer 154, and printing system controller 316 can be configured to apply container marking 199 therein having the same color or a different color as described above.

[0148] Additionally, it should be noted that although Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 is respectively defined within the markable area 195 in a single one of the outer skin layer 158 and the at least one intermediate layer 156 of the wall of the container 190, but the depth values ​​of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 can be pre-selected so that both of them can fit a given one of the outer skin layer 158 and the at least one intermediate layer 156. In still other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the depth value of at least one of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 can be pre-selected so that at least one of the first zone 201 and the second zone 203 extends through the depth of more than one layer of the wall of the container 190, such as the outer skin layer 158 and the at least one intermediate layer 156.

[0149] In still other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology where container 190 is a single-layer container, each of first zone 201, second zone 203, and third zone (not depicted) can be similarly defined at a corresponding depth value from the surface of markable area 195. In addition, in these embodiments, printing system controller 316 can be configured to apply container marking 199 having the same or different colors in each of first zone 201, second zone 203, and third zone (not depicted) in a manner similar to that described above by modulating focus distance 508 of light beam 504 to the corresponding focus distance.

[0150] Method 600 therefore terminates.

[0151] It should be clearly understood that the application of the above-described method 600 is not limited to containers produced from molded articles, such as container 190, and may include various other products produced from materials having predetermined properties that are reactive to laser irradiation, such as, but not limited to, fast-moving consumer goods and their packaging materials, tires, water supply pipes, and the like.

[0152] Therefore, returning to the reference Figure 1 , the container printing procedure 14 terminates and the process 100 proceeds to the container filling and capping procedure 16 .

[0153] Container filling and capping procedures

[0154] As described above, the container filling and capping procedure can be performed by a filling and capping system (not depicted) that is configured to place a cap on the neck portion 151 of the container 190 and further enclose the volume defined within the container 190.

[0155] As described above, the container filling and capping process 16 may be performed prior to executing the container printing process 14 .

[0156] The process 100 is thus terminated.

[0157] Various embodiments have been described in detail by way of example, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the present invention. The present invention includes all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the described (one or more) non-limiting embodiments should be considered to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications. Other beneficial results may be achieved by applying the non-limiting embodiments in different ways or modifying them in ways known to those skilled in the art. This includes mixing and matching of features, elements and / or functions between various non-limiting embodiments that are explicitly contemplated herein, so that those of ordinary skill in the art will understand from the present disclosure that the features, elements and / or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment, just as those skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that the features, elements and / or functions of one embodiment may be appropriately incorporated into another embodiment, unless otherwise described above. Although specific arrangements and methods are described, their intent and concepts may be suitable and applicable to other arrangements and applications.

Claims

1. A system (300) for marking a product (190), the product comprising a markable area (195), the markable area (195) having: at least one first region (201) of light-activatable material at a first depth (202) in a wall of the product for forming a mark when activated by a first incident light beam above a first threshold energy density, and at least one second region (203) of the photoactivatable material at a second depth (204) in the wall of the product for forming a mark when activated by a second incident light beam above a second threshold energy density; The system comprises: at least one laser (502) configured to emit a light beam (504) having a beam energy density above one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy at a focal region (705) of the light beam and having a beam energy density below the one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy outside the focal region of the light beam; a beam modulator component (506) configured to modulate a focal distance (508) of the beam; a processor (316) communicatively coupled to the beam modulator component, the processor configured to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focal distance of the beam to: a first focusing distance (702) incident on the at least one first zone for creating the marking in the at least one first zone, and A second focus distance (704) incident on the at least one second region is used to create the mark in the at least one second region.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first region has been made from a first photoactivatable material; and the at least one second region has been made from a second photoactivatable material different from the first photoactivatable material.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: The first light-activatable material is configured to form indicia having a first color when activated by the first incident light beam; and The second light-activatable material is configured to form indicia having a second color when activated by the second incident light beam; and wherein the processor is configured to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focusing distance of the beam to: said first focal distance incident on said at least one first zone for creating said marking having said first color in said at least one first zone, and The second focus distance incident on the at least one second zone is used to create the marking having the second color in the at least one second zone.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The second threshold energy density is different from the first threshold energy density; and wherein At least one laser is configured to modulate the beam energy density of the beam between at least the first threshold energy density and at least the second threshold energy density.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the processor is further communicatively coupled to the at least one laser for causing adjustment of an emission energy density of the at least one laser.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one laser comprises at least one tunable laser configured to emit: at least a first wavelength adapted to be absorbed by said first photoactivatable material, and At least a second wavelength is adapted to be absorbed by the second photoactivatable material.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one laser is a near infrared (NIR) laser.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein: The at least one laser comprises a first laser and a second laser, the first laser being configured to emit a first light beam having at least a first wavelength adapted to be absorbed by the first photoactivatable material, the first light beam having a beam energy density above the first threshold energy density at a first focal region of the first light beam and having a beam energy density below the first threshold energy density outside the first focal region, and the second laser being configured to emit a second light beam having at least a second wavelength adapted to be absorbed by the second photo-activatable material, the second light beam having a beam energy density above the second threshold energy density at a second focal region of the second light beam and having a beam energy density below the second threshold energy density outside of the second focal region; and The processor is configured to cause the beam modulator to: (i) modulating the focus distance of the first light beam to the first focus distance for creating the mark having the first color in the at least one first zone; as well as (ii) modulating the focusing distance of the second light beam to the second focusing distance for creating the mark having the second color in the at least one second zone.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first laser has a first laser type and the second laser has a second laser type different from the first laser type.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein: said first laser type being configured to cause bubbling of at least one first layer, thereby creating said marking having said first color in said at least one first layer; and The second laser is configured to cause carbonization of at least one second layer, thereby creating the marking having the second color in the at least one second layer.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the first laser type comprises a near infrared (NIR) laser and the second laser type comprises a carbon dioxide laser.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein the first color is different from the second color.

13. The system of claim 3, wherein: the markable area of ​​the product having at least one third area enclosed by the at least one first area and the at least one second area at a third depth in the wall of the product, the at least one third area having a third photo-activatable material capable of forming a mark having a third color when activated by an incident light beam above a third threshold energy density; and The processor is also configured to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focal distance of the beam to a third focal distance incident on the at least one third zone for creating the mark in the at least one third zone.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one laser is configured to emit the light beam having the focal region having a depth less than a depth of either of the at least one first region and the at least one second region of the markable region.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the product has a layered structure, and each of the at least one first region and the at least one second region corresponds to a respective layer of the layered structure.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the product is a container that has been made from a moldable article.

17. A method (600) for marking a product (190) in a markable area (195) of the product (190), the markable area comprising: at least one first region (201) having a photo-activatable material for forming a mark in the at least one first region (201) when activated by a first incident light beam having a power density above a first threshold, and having at least one second region (203) of said light-activatable material for forming said marking in said at least one second region (203) when activated by a second incident light beam having a power density above a second threshold; The method can be performed by a processor communicatively coupled to a beam modulator (506), the method comprising: causing the processor to modulate, by the beam modulator, a focal distance (508) of a beam (504) incident thereon along a first optical axis to a first focal distance (702) incident on the at least one first region, for creating the mark in the at least one first region; causing the processor to cause the beam modulator to modulate the focal distance of the beam to a second focal distance incident on the at least one second zone (704) for creating the mark in the at least one second zone, The light beam has a beam energy density higher than one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy at a focal region of the light beam, and has a beam energy density lower than one of the first threshold energy density and the second threshold density energy outside the focal region of the light beam.

Images