Dual-Laser Marking for Thin Workpiece Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based marking technologies cause deformation in thin metal and plastic workpieces due to high-temperature processing, which is undesirable for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of marked products.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where two lasers are used to heat opposite sides of the workpiece while marking one side, minimizing deformation by synchronously operating fiber lasers with uniform parameters and configurations, including a controller to regulate the process and maintain workpiece stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-temperature laser marking is applied to thin metal and plastic workpieces, then marking speed and efficiency are improved, but workpiece deformation occurs which deteriorates aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a second laser to preheat the back side of the workpiece before the primary marking laser acts on the front side. This preheating creates thermal compensation that counteracts the thermal stress and deformation that would otherwise occur during high-temperature marking, enabling fast marking speeds without aesthetic degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters by introducing a dual-laser system where the second laser modifies the temperature distribution profile within the workpiece. By controlling the power, wavelength, and scanning pattern of the second laser, the internal stress field is altered to prevent deformation while maintaining the high-temperature conditions needed for efficient marking
2Device complexity
If single-sided laser marking is performed on thin workpieces, then process simplicity is maintained, but uneven heat distribution causes workpiece deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-sided to dual-sided laser application, adding a spatial dimension to the heating process. The second laser targets the back side of the workpiece, creating a three-dimensional thermal field that distributes heat more evenly through the thin material, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining process simplicity through automated dual-laser coordination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively prevents visible deformation in thin metal and plastic workpieces during marking, ensuring the quality and appearance of the marked products.
Implementation Method 1
heating the opposite sides of the workpiece to be treated while marking one of the heated sides
Implementation Method 2
The industrial market place has been in need for a way to easily mark metal and plastic with unique identifiers
Implementation Method 3
Fiber laser annealing creates a permanent mark induced by heat without removing or compromising the material
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for marking a thin workpiece is designed to prevent deformation of the workpiece. A plurality of lasers are opposed to respective opposite sides of the workpiece so as to both sides are heat treated. The lasers can operate synchronously with the respective emitted beams aligned wit one another. As a result, the workpiece does not exhibit signs of deformation upon the completion of the marking. The workpiece is made either from plastic or metals and has a thickness not exceeding 2 millimeters. The lasers each are configured as either a fiber laser or a gas laser. The marking can be performed by lasers which are configured uniformly or non-uniformly and includes annealing, engraving and ablating. The marking can be performed synchronously or sequentially. The multi-surface marking could also be used to cause "distortion of the surface in a more controlled or desired fashion.