System for laser marking of products

Abstract

A system for marking a product is provided. The system includes a first laser configured to emit a first light beam along a first optical axis, the first light beam having a first light beam energy density when focused; a second laser configured to emit a second light beam along a second optical axis, the second light beam having a second light beam energy density when focused; and a beam modulator component configured to adjust at least one of an angle between a first optical axis of the first beam and a second optical axis of the second beam, a first focus distance of the first beam, and a second focus distance of the second beam, such that a combination of the first beam energy density and the second beam energy density is greater than a threshold energy density sufficient to create the marker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates broadly to systems and methods for printing on products; and in particular to systems and methods for printing directly on 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 on labels and / or sleeves, which are then affixed to the container. It is also known to mark containers during or after molding. Markings may include engravings formed in the mold or in a post-molding operation using various techniques, such as laser engraving.

[0005] Laser marking on molded containers still presents challenges. For example, using a laser may require that the container remain motionless during the laser engraving process. If moved, the application of the laser beam may not correspond to the desired location of the mark, resulting in poor legibility or generally inaccurate marking in some cases. This can result in an increased number of rejected containers or a decrease in container quality.

[0006] Certain prior art methods have been proposed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] SYSTEMFOR SYSTEM FOR HIGH-SPEED PRODUCTION OF HIGH-QUALITY LASER-INDUCED DAMAGE IMAGES IN TRANSPARENT MATERIALS, Published on August 14, 2003, assigned to Igor Troitski HIGH-SPEED PRODUCTION OF U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0150,847-A1, entitled "HIGHQUALITY LASER-INDUCED DAMAGE IMAGES INSIDE TRANSPARENT MATERIALS"), discloses a system for producing laser-induced damage images by combining an electro-optical deflector with a device for moving an article or a focusing optical system. The combination of the devices and the use of two laser beams allow a significant increase in the image generation speed without image degradation. In addition, a system for producing laser-induced damage by using a computational phase hologram to produce breakdowns at several separated centers is disclosed, the phase structure of the computational phase hologram being such that the laser beam passing through the hologram is focused on several points.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 10,583,668-B2, granted on March 10, 2020 and assigned to Markem Image, and entitled “SYMBOL GROUPING AND STRIPING FOR WIDE FIELD MATRIX LASERMARKING,” discloses a system comprising: a laser marking device that directs a laser beam to dwell at different locations to form a mark on a product; and a controller that obtains a code to be printed, groups discrete symbols in the code into separate symbol groups based on the positions of the discrete symbols in the code, organizes the symbols in each corresponding symbol group into one or more stripes along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product, adds additional distance or time delay between the stripes in at least one separated symbol group to prevent the laser marking device from shearing the symbol through the printing aperture of the laser marking device, and causes the laser marking device to direct the laser beam according to the separated symbol groups.

[0009] Japanese Patent No. 5,755,940-B2, authorized on July 27, 2015 and transferred to KEY TRANDING Co., Ltd., and entitled "PROCESS FOR PRODUCING PATTERNED BLOW MOLDED ARTICLE AND PATTERNED BLOW MOLDED ARTICLEOBTAINEDTHEREBY", discloses a method comprising: a step of preparing a multilayer blow molded product, wherein a colored resin layer made of a polyolefin resin is formed on the inside, and a transparent resin layer made of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin or an ionomer resin is formed on the outside; irradiating a laser from the outside, the laser passing through the transparent resin layer and reaching the surface of the colored resin layer, and moving the irradiation position in sequence along the surface of the colored resin layer and the surface of the colored resin layer; and a step of displaying a color pattern including a laser beam irradiation trajectory, wherein the color pattern is displayed through the transparent resin layer.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0323,753-A1, published on December 31, 2009 and assigned to Krones, entitled "APPARATUS FOR INSCRIBING CONTAINERS", discloses: An apparatus for engraving containers, comprising an engraving unit. The engraving unit comprises a plurality of laser sources and a plurality of light emitters. The light emitters are arranged adjacent to each other. The laser light sources may be solid-state lasers. Each light emitter may be connected to a corresponding one of the laser light sources. The light emitters are configured to direct laser light from the laser light sources onto the container to be engraved.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0089,135-A1, published on November 21, 2011, and assigned to AMCOR Corporation, and entitled "LASER MODIFIED PLASTIC CONTAINER," discloses a polyethylene terephthalate container having a laser-formed region, wherein the laser-formed region is modified in response to radiant energy. In some embodiments, the laser-formed region of the container allows for local contouring to allow or generally prevent bending response to vacuum and / or load forces. In some embodiments, the laser-formed region of the container includes a visual indicia formed to allow for a label-free container. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present technology aims to address at least some of the inconveniences associated with the prior art.

[0013] Developers of the present technology have recognized that many of the defects associated with laser marking of containers can be reduced if an energy density level of laser radiation sufficient to produce a mark on the surface of the container or in the material is obtained by combining the energy density levels of the respective beams of two lasers. More specifically, the developers have designed a system including two lasers that can be arranged in such a way that their beams are both focused in overlapping focal areas that match the desired area within the container material so as to produce a mark therein.

[0014] The lasers are configured to emit beams whose respective energy density levels are predetermined to be insufficient to react with the container material based on the characteristics of the container material. However, the combined energy density in the overlapping focal regions is configured to be sufficient to produce a mark at a desired location on or in the container material. Thus, the system disclosed herein is configured to create a mark on or in the container material only by applying two corresponding laser beams simultaneously to the desired location, each beam being individually configured not to interact with the container material.

[0015] Thus, non-limiting embodiments of the present technology can improve the accuracy of laser marking of containers, such as where the container is moving relative to the system, thereby reducing the chances of containers being rejected due to quality issues.

[0016] In another example, the container may be made of recycled plastic material and / or include certain quality improvement additives that may cause the container to have solid inclusions (impurities) that may react to laser radiation at certain energy density levels. Thus, by maintaining the energy density level of a single beam below a threshold energy density obtained by combining two beams, as disclosed herein, undesirable markings in such impurity regions may be prevented.

[0017] Thus, non-limiting embodiments of the present technology allow for increased efficiency of the container labeling process.

[0018] It should be noted that the system described herein is not limited to containers that have been made of molded articles, 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, a system for marking a product is provided. The product includes a markable area in which a mark can be created by incident radiation having an energy higher than a threshold energy. The system includes: a first laser configured to emit a first light beam along a first optical axis, the first light beam having a first beam energy density less than a threshold energy density when focused; and a second laser configured to emit a second light beam along a second optical axis, the second light beam having a second beam energy density less than a threshold energy density when focused, wherein the first optical axis and the second optical axis are arranged to intersect in an overlapping focal region; at least one beam modulator component configured to adjust at least one of an angle between a first optical axis of the first light beam and a second optical axis of the second light beam, a first focal distance of the first light beam, and a second focal distance of the second light beam, so that: an overlapping focal region of the first light beam and the second light beam is formed at a given position in the markable area of ​​the product, and the sum of the first beam energy density and the second beam energy density is greater than a threshold energy density sufficient to produce a mark.

[0020] In some embodiments of the system, the system is configured to create a mark on a surface of the markable area.

[0021] In some embodiments of the system, the system is configured to create a mark within the markable area.

[0022] The system of claim 1, wherein the first laser and the second laser are configured to cause at least one of a physical change and a chemical reaction at a given location in the markable area of ​​the product.

[0023] In some embodiments of the system, each of the first laser and the second laser is of a first laser type that carbonizes a given location of the markable area to create a mark therein.

[0024] In some embodiments of the system, each of the first laser and the second laser is of the second laser type such that a bubble is generated at a given location of the markable area to create a mark therein.

[0025] In some embodiments of the system, the first laser and the second laser are selected from a first laser type and a second laser type; and the first laser type is configured to emit radiation at a longer wavelength than the second laser type.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first laser type comprises a carbon dioxide laser and the second laser type comprises a near infrared (NIR) laser.

[0027] In some embodiments of the system, the system is configured to mark a product having a material that is not normally reactive to radiation having an energy below a threshold energy.

[0028] In some embodiments of the system, the system is configured to mark a product having a layered structure comprising an outer surface layer, at least one intermediate layer, and an inner surface layer.

[0029] In some embodiments of the system, each layered structure is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0030] In some embodiments of the system, the thermoplastic material is one of polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, or polypropylene.

[0031] In some embodiments of the system, one of the outer layer, the at least one intermediate layer, and the inner layer comprises a printed layer of the product, wherein a marking area is defined for creating markings therein.

[0032] In some embodiments of the system, at least one beam modulator component is configured to form an overlapping focal region having a depth less than a depth of the printed layer.

[0033] In some embodiments of the system, the printed layer includes an additive that is sensitive to radiation having an energy above a threshold energy density.

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

[0035] In some embodiments of the system, the first optical axis is not parallel to the second optical axis.

[0036] In some embodiments of the system, the first optical axis is arranged at an acute angle to the second optical axis.

[0037] In some embodiments of the system, the first optical axis and the second optical axis are arranged at equal angles to a normal to the markable area of ​​the product.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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

[0041] The detailed description of illustrative (non-limiting) embodiments will be more fully understood when used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 depicts a flow chart of a process for producing a molded product according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0043] 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;

[0044] 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;

[0045] 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;

[0046] Figure 3C Depicted are some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Figure 3A An example container molded from the preform depicted in;

[0047] 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;

[0048] 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;

[0049] Figure 5 Depicted are certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology configured to perform Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram of a printing system for a container printing program shown;

[0050] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The following are respectively described according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Figure 5Cross-sectional and side views of overlapping focal regions formed by a printing system for performing the following steps: Figure 4A and Figure 4B The container printing procedure shown;

[0051] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Describes certain non-limiting embodiments according to the present technology, in performing such Figure 4A and Figure 4B During the printing process of the container shown, Figure 5 The printing system is Figure 3C schematic diagrams of different ways of applying markings within a given layer of a container; and

[0052] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Describes certain non-limiting embodiments according to the present technology, in performing such Figure 4A and Figure 4B During the printing process of the container shown, Figure 5 The printing system is Figure 3C Another layer of the container is applied as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Schematic diagram of the markings shown.

[0053] 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

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Production process overview

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In addition, the process 100 includes a container molding procedure 12 for forming a container 190 from a 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 a 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Injection molding process

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 .

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 can control their operation.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 that the container 190 produced using the second thermoplastic material 184 has improved recyclability.

[0074] 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 when exposed to light. The change in visual appearance or the degree of change imparted can depend on various characteristics of the materials 182, 184 and / or the light source, such as the energy density level and / or wavelength of the incident light.

[0075] According to non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, photosensitive properties may 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, the photosensitive additive 186 is added to the second thermoplastic material 184. It is contemplated that the photosensitive additive 186 or a different photosensitive additive may be added to the first thermoplastic material 182 instead or in addition. To this end, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As further depicted in FIG. 1 , the auxiliary injection unit 140 further includes a blending device 142, also referred to as a dosing device, at its inlet. The blending device 142 is configured to mix or otherwise meter the flows of the second thermoplastic material 184 and the photosensitive additive 186. Thus, the auxiliary plasticizing actuator 144 and the blending device 142 may be connected to the controller 116, whereby the controller 116 is able to control their operation.

[0076] Broadly speaking, the photosensitive additive 186 is an additive configured to increase the sensitivity of the second thermoplastic material 184 to incident light having an energy density value greater than a threshold energy density value. More specifically, the photosensitive additive 186 increases the sensitivity of the second thermoplastic material 184 such that, under laser irradiation having an energy density value greater than the threshold energy density value, the second thermoplastic material 184 changes its reflective and / or transmissive properties, thereby changing the visual appearance of the irradiated portion of the second thermoplastic material 184. Depending on the specific embodiment, the irradiation of the portion of the second thermoplastic material 184 causes a physical change or a chemical reaction. For example, in some embodiments, the irradiation of the portion of the second thermoplastic material 184 results in carbonization marks or foaming therein, depending on the material or the specific additive 186 (described in more detail below). At the same time, the laser irradiation (such as described below with reference to Figure 5 The laser 100 may further comprise one of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 as described herein and at least one of the first thermoplastic material 182 such that the first thermoplastic material 182 is non-reactive to laser irradiation having an energy density value greater than a threshold energy density value.

[0077] In a specific non-limiting example, the photosensitizing additive 186 may be one of the type available from DATALASE LTD., Unit 3, Wheeldon Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8Fw, UK It should be noted that any other suitable photosensitizing additive may be used.

[0078] It should be noted that in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the mixer device 142 may be disposed at the inlet of the auxiliary injection unit 140 for adding the photosensitive additive 186 to the first thermoplastic material 182. In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, the molding system 102 may include an auxiliary blending device (not depicted) disposed at the inlet of the injection unit 130 for adding the photosensitive additive 186 to both the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184.

[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 understood by those skilled in the art, the hot runner 170 is typical because 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 flow of the first thermoplastic material 182 in a molten state received from the injection unit 130 via the manifold 174, and direct the resulting flow to the inner skin outlet and the outer skin outlet (not numbered). The nozzle 172 is similarly configured to receive the inlet flow of the second thermoplastic material 184 in a molten state received from the auxiliary injection unit 140 via the manifold 174 and the photosensitive additive 186 carried therein, and direct the resulting flow to the intermediate outlet (not numbered) arranged between the skin outlet channels. The nozzle valve assembly 176 includes a valve actuator 178 connected to the controller, whereby the controller can control its operation. Through the coordinated control of the controller 116 over the injection unit 130, the auxiliary injection unit 140, the nozzle valve assembly 176, and other controllable devices, 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 individual 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 shown, 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] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the inner surface layer 154, at least one intermediate layer 156, and one of the outer surface layers 158 of the container 190 can be configured as print layers, wherein a markable area 195 of the container 190 can be defined for creating a mark therein, which will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0091] However, it should be noted that in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, where container 190 is a single layer container, i.e., a single layer defining only one of materials 182, 184, the printed layer and therefore the markable area 195 may extend through the entire depth of the wall of container 190.

[0092] As described above with respect to the first thermoplastic material 182 and the second thermoplastic material 184, the print layer can be photosensitive so that its visual properties (e.g., opacity, color, etc.) change (i.e., develop) selected properties (i.e., wavelength, energy density value, etc.) when exposed to laser radiation. Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the inner surface layer 154, at least one intermediate layer 156, and the outer surface layer 158 of the container 190 that have been identified as the print layer can be inherently photosensitive. In this example, the desired photosensitive properties are added or enhanced in the markable area 195 using the above-mentioned photosensitive additive 186.

[0093] It should be noted that Figure 3C (See also Figure 4B ) is provided for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation; other configurations of the markable area 195 are foreseeable in various non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, such as those defined in other portions of the container 190, i.e., the container base 193 or the container neck 191, or corresponding to the entire area thereof, such as extending along the entire print layer.

[0094] Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the container 190 may have one or more printed layers selected from one or more of the inner skin layer 154, the at least one intermediate layer 156, and the outer skin layer 158 that are sensitive (or otherwise responsive) to optical radiation having an energy density level greater than a threshold energy density value. In other words, the printed layer may be configured to change its visual appearance when exposed to radiation (e.g., radiation from a laser) having an energy density level greater than a threshold energy density value.

[0095] Thus, after the container molding process 12 results in the production of a container 190 having at least one printed layer, the process 100 proceeds to the container printing process 14, wherein the printing system 300 is configured to print indicia on the printed layer.

[0096] Printing Program

[0097] 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. It can be understood that Figure 4A The container 190 shown is before executing the container printing program 14; Figure 4B The container 190 is shown as post-printed, including container markings 199 .

[0098] Additional references Figure 5 , schematically depicts a functional diagram of a printing system 300 configured to create a container marking 199 within a markable area 195 defined in a print layer of a container 190 in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0099] Broadly speaking, the printing system 300 includes various internal components, including but not limited to: (1) a first laser 502, which is configured to emit a first light beam 501 along a first optical axis; (2) a second laser 504, which is configured to emit a second light beam 503 along a second optical axis; (3) a beam modulation component 506; and (4) a printing system controller 316.

[0100] Broadly speaking, the printing system 300 operates as follows: the beam modulation component 506 is configured to focus the first beam 501 and the second beam 503, and further to make the first optical axis and the second optical axis overlap in the focal region (e.g., Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 605) intersects the first and second beams 501, 503 focused therein, thereby combining the respective energy density values ​​of the first and second beams 501, 503 focused therein. Thus, the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be configured such that the combined energy density value of the first and second beams 501, 503 in the overlapping focal region 605 will be greater than a threshold energy density associated with the print layer. Thus, by modulating the position of the overlapping focal region 605 formed by the first and second beams 501, 503 along the surface of the markable area 195 or through its depth, as will be described below, the printing system 300 can be configured to create a container mark 199 therein. In at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that the printing system 300 can be provided with two beam modulation components, one for each laser 502, 504.

[0101] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the beam modulation component 506 is configured to steer each of the first beam 501 and the second beam 503 and focus them to form an overlapping focal region 605. The beam modulation component 506 is communicatively coupled to the printing system controller 316, whereby the printing system controller 316 can be configured to control the operation of the beam modulation component 506.

[0102] 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, bar codes and / or quick response (QR) codes, etc.

[0103] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, one or more 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. It is understood that the printing system controller 316 can be implemented similarly to the controller 116 of the molding system 102 described above.

[0104] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 is communicatively coupled to the printing system controller 316. In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 is pre-configured to operate at a respective operating wavelength. The respective operating wavelengths of a given one of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be in the infrared, visible and / or ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can include at least one laser having an operating wavelength between about 650nm and 1150nm. Alternatively, a given one of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 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, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be configured to emit laser radiation at a respective operating wavelength between about 2000 nm and about 3500 nm, or between about 4000 nm and about 8000 nm. In yet another example, the respective operating wavelength of each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be between about 8000 nm and 10600 nm.

[0105] According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 includes a pulsed laser that is configured to generate, emit or radiate light pulses with a specific pulse duration. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be configured to emit pulses with a pulse duration (e.g., pulse width) ranging from 10ps to 100ns. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be configured to emit pulses with 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, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can generate a first light beam 501 and a second light beam 503, respectively, having pulses of any suitable energy, any suitable average optical power or peak optical power for a given application.

[0106] In other non-limiting embodiments, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be implemented as a continuous wave laser without departing from the scope of the present technology. In other words, in these embodiments, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be configured to emit a respective one of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503, which is a continuous, uninterrupted light beam having a respective operating wavelength and any suitable average power. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 can have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0107] It is also contemplated that each of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 may be unpolarized or randomly polarized, may have no specific or fixed polarization (e.g., the polarization may vary over time), or may have a specific polarization (e.g., a given one of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 may be linearly polarized, elliptically polarized, or circularly polarized).

[0108] Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 is configured to emit a corresponding one of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503. When focused by the beam modulating component 506, the light beams 501, 503 form an overlapping focal region 605. Outside the overlapping focal region 605, each light beam 501, 503 has a respective beam energy density value that is lower than a threshold energy density value associated with the print layer of the container 190. However, when combined in the overlapping focal region 605, the light beams 501, 503 have a combined energy density value that is equal to or greater than the threshold energy density value. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the material 182, 184 of the markable area 195 does not react with any of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 passing therethrough. When the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 are focused on one or more points within the markable area 195, the combined energy density value of the light beams 501 and 503 is greater than the threshold energy density value and is therefore sufficient to cause a change in visual appearance at the one or more points, such as at a given position 515 of the markable area 195 defined therein.

[0109] Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be configured to operate at the same operating wavelength. For example, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 can be a first laser type having a first operating wavelength. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first operating wavelength can be predetermined so that laser irradiation having an energy density value equal to or greater than a threshold energy density value applied to the print layer causes carbonization thereof, which can be used to produce a container mark 199 therein.

[0110] In the context of this specification, the term "carbonization" of a material, such as one or more layers of the markable area 195, refers to partial oxidation of hydrocarbons due to the breaking of chemical bonds between the molecules of the material by laser irradiation with a certain minimum energy density value. As a result, the oxidized hydrocarbons form a discoloration from gray to black in the printed layer.

[0111] Additionally, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of first laser 502 and second laser 504 can be a second laser type having a second operating wavelength different from the first operating wavelength. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the second operating wavelength can be predetermined such that when laser irradiation is applied at an energy density value equal to or greater than a threshold energy density value associated with one or more layers of markable area 195, blistering is induced therein, which can be used to produce container marking 199 therein.

[0112] In the context of this specification, the term "foaming" of a material, such as in the markable area 195, refers to melting it by laser irradiation, resulting in carbon oxidation of the material to form carbon dioxide, which further appears as bubbles on the surface of the material. Foaming causes the color of the thermoplastic material (e.g., material 182, 184) to appear light gray to white at the point where radiation above the threshold is received.

[0113] In addition, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first operating wavelength of the first laser type can be longer than the second operating wavelength of the second laser type. In a specific non-limiting example, the first laser type can include a carbon dioxide laser with an operating wavelength of about 10600nm. The second laser type can include a near-infrared (NIR) laser with an operating wavelength of about 750nm to about 1400nm. In another example, the first laser type can be a fiber laser with an operating wavelength of about 1064nm to about 2100nm; the second laser can be an ultraviolet (UV) laser, such as one of an ArF, KrF, XeF or XeCl laser, providing laser irradiation with an operating wavelength of about 250nm to about 350nm. However, it should be clearly understood that other suitable lasers can be used to produce the above-mentioned color-changing effects in the printed layer of the container 190.

[0114] As described above, the beam modulation component 506 controls the beams 501 and 503 to form an overlapping focal region 605. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the beam modulation component 506 may include a pair of lenses (not shown). Broadly speaking, a given lens in the pair of lenses is configured to converge the input optical flow of a corresponding one of the first beam 501 and the second beam 503 at a corresponding focal distance in its corresponding focal region.

[0115] For example, the first lens of the pair of lenses can be configured to focus the first light beam 501 in a first focus region located at a first focus distance 509. In addition, the second lens of the pair of lenses can be configured to focus the second light beam 503 in a second focus region located at a second focus distance 511.

[0116] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a given one of the pair of focusing lenses can be configured to provide a corresponding one of the first focusing distance 509 and the second focusing distance 511, such as one of 1.5 inches, 2.0 inches, 3.0 inches, and 4.0 inches.

[0117] However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a given focusing lens can include a lens system that is configured to focus a respective one of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 at a plurality of focusing distances from the laser 502, 504, such as 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 focusing distance within a predetermined distance range, such as 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 focusing distance from the lens system.

[0118] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the beam modulation component 506 may further include various other optical components and / or mechanical type components for performing steering and focusing of a given one of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503. For example, the beam modulation component 506 may include one or more mirrors, prisms, lenses, MEM components, piezoelectric components, optical fibers, beam splitters, diffraction elements, collimation elements, etc. It should be noted that the beam modulation component 506 may also include one or more additional actuators (not separately shown) that drive at least some of the other optical components to, for example, rotate, tilt, pivot, or move in an angular manner around one or more axes.

[0119] There is no limitation on how to select a given one of the first focusing distance 509 and the second focusing distance 511 to focus the corresponding one of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503; and in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, it may depend on the depth of the corresponding one of the first focal zone and the second focal zone. For example, it will become apparent from the description provided below that a given one of the first focusing distance 509 and the second focusing distance 511 may be predetermined so that the depth of the corresponding one of the first focal zone and the second focal zone is not greater than the depth of the printed layer, for example Figure 6B The print layer depth 603 is depicted in FIG.

[0120] Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, to form the overlapping focal region 605, the printing system controller 316 can be configured such that the beam modulating component 506 arranges the first optical axis of the first light beam 501 and the second optical axis of the second light beam 503 so that they are non-parallel to each other. Specifically, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be configured such that the beam modulating component 506 arranges the first optical axis relative to the second optical axis at an overlap angle 507, which corresponds to an overlap between the first focal region of the first light beam 501 and the second focal region of the second light beam 503. In a specific non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, the components of the printing system 300 (e.g., the first laser 502 and the second laser 504) can be arranged such that the overlap angle 507 is an acute angle. It is also contemplated that the lasers 502, 504 can be arranged at angles that are non-parallel to each other, such that the optical axes associated with the light beams 501, 503, respectively, arrive at the beam modulating component 506 at angles that are non-parallel to each other.

[0121] Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to cause the beam modulation component 506 to adjust at least one of: (1) an overlap angle 507 between a first optical axis of the first beam 501 and a second optical axis of the second beam 503; (2) a first focus distance 509 of the first beam 501; and (3) a second focus distance 511 of the second beam 503, such that the respective optical axes of the first beam 501 and the second beam 503 intersect in an overlapping focus region 605, in which the combined energy density value is greater than a threshold energy density value associated with the print layer. By doing so, the printing system controller 316 is configured to generate sufficient energy density values ​​to create a container mark 199 in the markable area 195 of the print layer.

[0122] Additional components of the 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, the printing system 300 may include a camera (e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) camera or array thereof, not shown) communicatively coupled to the printing system controller 316 for identifying the container 190 prior to applying the container marking 199 on the container 190. For example, using a camera (not shown) of the printing system 300, the printing system controller 316 may be configured to define a coordinate system (e.g., a Cartesian coordinate system) associated with the container 190 and further determine the location of the markable area 195 defined in the print layer.

[0123] Additionally, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to receive, as part of its program instructions, an indication of point coordinates of points that, in a coordinate system associated with the container 190, define the container marking 199. By doing so, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to identify a given location 515 in the markable area 195 to further form an overlapping focus area 605 thereat.

[0124] In addition, in order to apply the container marking 199 within the markable area 195, the overlapping focal area 605 can be moved along its surface or within its depth. To this end, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, at least some components of the printing system 300, such as the first laser 502, the second laser 504, and the beam modulation component 506 arranged as described above, can be moved, for example, by a robotic arm (not shown). Broadly speaking, the robotic arm can include a plurality of segments (or other connecting elements) interconnected by joints, each segment including a corresponding separate actuator connected thereto, such as one of an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or a pneumatic motor. Thus, a given joint can allow at least one of rotation, yaw, and pitch motion of a corresponding segment connected thereto to mimic the function of a human arm. The actuators may be further 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 for manipulating the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 may be attached.

[0125] 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 in which the container 190 is moved relative to the printing system 300 having formed the overlapping focal zone 605 for its displacement along the surface of the markable area 195 or within its depth are also contemplated without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0126] In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to move the overlapping focal area 605 along the surface of the markable area 195 or through the depth of the markable area 195 by rearranging the optical axis of each of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 using the beam modulation component 506 as described above to form the overlapping focal area 605 at corresponding positions of the markable area 195 corresponding to the point coordinates of the container mark 199 defined therein.

[0127] Therefore, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, after identifying a given position 515 within the markable area 195 based on the corresponding point coordinates, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to shift the overlapping focal area 605 formed by the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503 to the given position 515 to create a container mark 199.

[0128] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , schematically depicts a cross-sectional view and a side view, respectively, of an overlapping focal region 605 formed at a given location 515 of a markable area 195, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0129] Understandably, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the print layer is determined to be the outer layer 158 of the container 190, a portion of which is further selected as the markable area 195. Therefore, as described above, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to (1) focus the first light beam 501 emitted by the first laser 502 and the second light beam 503 emitted by the second laser 504 in the overlapping focal area 605; and (2) move the overlapping focal area 605 to a given position 515 of the markable area 195 to produce the container mark 199 therein.

[0130] refer to Figure 5 And continue to refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first focus distance 509 and the second focus distance 511 can be adjusted by the beam modulation component 506 so that the overlapping focus area depth 601 of the overlapping focus area 605 is not greater than the print layer depth 603 of the print layer, that is, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B This can allow the container marking 199 to be produced only in the printed layer without contacting or damaging other layers of the container 190, such as at least one intermediate layer 156 or the inner surface layer 154.

[0131] Thus, certain non-limiting embodiments of the printing system 300 may allow for more accurate creation of the container markings 199 on the containers 190 , which may further allow for improved overall efficiency of the process 100 .

[0132] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , schematic diagrams of various methods of creating a container marking 199 in a markable area 195 are depicted, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0133] After identifying the given position 515 within the markable area 195, the printing system controller 316 can be configured to move the overlapping focal area 605 within the markable area 195 according to the coordinates of the points defining the container mark 199, for example, along the given direction 702. In addition, as described above, the print layer can be configured to react differently to the resulting combined energy density value in the overlapping focal area according to the wavelength of each of the first light beam 501 and the second light beam 503. More specifically, in those embodiments where each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 is a first laser type (e.g., a NIR laser), the container mark 199 formed in the given position 515 can be a carbonized mark within the markable area 195 (i.e., the print layer depth 603) of the print layer, for example, appearing as a dark gray color within the carbonized mark.

[0134] However, in other embodiments, each of the first laser 502 and the second laser 504 is of a second laser type (e.g., a carbon dioxide laser), whereby the container marking 199 formed in the markable area 195 is produced by foaming the print layer in a given direction 702. In these embodiments, for example, Figure 7B As shown, container indicia 199 may appear light grey or white.

[0135] It will also be appreciated that in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the print layer may be determined, for example, as at least one intermediate layer 156 of container 190. Thus, similar to the previous example, print system controller 316 may be configured to: (1) form an overlapping focus region 605 in a given location 515 of markable area 195, which in this example is defined in at least one intermediate layer 156; and (2) in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, such as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the container marking 199 is applied by moving the overlapping focal area 605 in a given direction 702 within the markable area 195.

[0136] Similarly, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the print layer may be determined as the inner surface layer 154 for creating the container markings 199 therein, as described above.

[0137] In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, where the container 190 is a single layer container, as described above, the print layer can extend through the entire depth of the wall of the container 190; and the printing system controller 316 can be configured to apply the container marking 199 therein in a manner similar to that described above.

[0138] In addition, it should be clearly understood that the application of the above-mentioned printing system 300 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, etc.

[0139] Therefore, returning to the reference Figure 1 , the container printing process 14 is terminated and the process 100 proceeds to the container filling and capping process 16.

[0140] Container filling and capping procedures

[0141] 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.

[0142] As described above, the container filling and capping process 16 may be performed prior to executing the container printing process 14 .

[0143] The process 100 is thus terminated.

[0144] 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 for marking a product, the product comprising a markable area in which a mark can be created by incident radiation having an energy above a threshold energy; the system comprising: a first laser configured to emit a first light beam along a first optical axis, the first light beam having a first beam energy density less than the threshold energy density when focused; and a second laser configured to emit a second light beam along a second optical axis, the second light beam having a second beam energy density less than the threshold energy density when focused, wherein the first optical axis and the second optical axis are arranged to intersect in an overlapping focal region; At least one beam modulator assembly configured to adjust at least one of: an angle between the first optical axis of the first light beam and the second optical axis of the second light beam, the first focusing distance of the first light beam, and The second focusing distance of the second light beam is such that: An overlapping focal area of ​​the first light beam and the second light beam is formed at a given position in the markable area of ​​the product, and The sum of the first beam energy density and the second beam energy density is greater than the threshold energy density sufficient to produce the mark.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system is configured to create the marking on a surface of the markable area.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system is configured to create the mark within the markable area.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first laser and the second laser are configured to cause at least one of a physical change and a chemical reaction at a given location in the markable area of ​​the product.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first laser and the second laser is of a first laser type for carbonizing the given location of the markable area to create the mark therein.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first laser and the second laser is of a second laser type for bubbling the given location of the markable area to create the mark therein.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first laser and the second laser are selected from a first laser type and a second laser type; and The first laser type is configured to emit radiation at a longer wavelength than the second laser type.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: The first laser type comprises a carbon dioxide laser; and The second laser type includes near infrared lasers.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system is configured to mark products having materials that are normally unresponsive to radiation having energies below the threshold energy.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the system is configured to mark products having a hierarchical structure, the hierarchical structure comprising: Outer layer; at least one intermediate layer; and Inner surface.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the layered structure is made of at least one thermoplastic material.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermoplastic material is one of polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, or polypropylene.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein: One of the outer skin layer, the at least one intermediate layer, and the inner skin layer comprises a printed layer of the product, wherein the marking area is defined for creating the marking therein.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The at least one beam modulator assembly is configured to form the overlapping focal regions, the overlapping focal regions having a depth less than a depth of the printed layer.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein: The printed layer includes an additive that is sensitive to radiation having an energy above the threshold energy density.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the product is a container that has been made from a molded article.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first optical axis is not parallel to the second optical axis.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein: The first optical axis is arranged at an acute angle to the second optical axis.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein: The first optical axis and the second optical axis make equal angles with a normal to the markable area of ​​the product.

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