Golf Ball Laser Etching for Continuous Precision Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional printing techniques for adding markings or design elements to golf balls introduce variability and complications, particularly in creating elongated markings that require stitching or alignment, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method involving material removal processes like laser etching or engraving is used to expose underlying layers of different colors on a golf ball, allowing for precise and intricate markings without the need for stitching, by removing portions of the outer coating layers to create visual effects that can extend circumferentially around the ball.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional printing techniques (pad printing) are used to add markings to golf balls, then markings can be added to the golf ball surface, but variability and complications are introduced into the manufacturing process, particularly for elongated markings requiring stitching or alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmarking alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding material (ink) to create markings, the invention removes material (coating layers) to expose underlying layers and create markings. This inversion of the traditional printing approach eliminates the need for ink application, drying, and alignment processes, thereby simplifying manufacturing while improving marking precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts or removes portions of the outer coating layer to expose the underlying layer, creating the marking. This extraction approach replaces the traditional method of adding ink, eliminating the complications associated with ink application, stitching, and alignment for elongated markings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If material removal techniques (laser etching, chemical etching) are used to create markings, then durability and precision are improved, but additional process steps are required compared to traditional printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical printing processes with laser-based material removal. The laser etching process creates durable markings through precise ablation of coating layers, eliminating the need for mechanical ink application, stitching, and alignment operations, thereby improving durability while managing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of moving object

If elongated markings extending over 90 degrees are created using pad printing, then stitching or alignment of various portions is required, but this increases manufacturing complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking circumferential extentVSAvoidmanufacturing cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser etching process can continuously remove material along the entire path of the elongated marking in a single uninterrupted operation. This continuous material removal creates elongated markings extending over 90 degrees or more without requiring stitching or multiple alignment operations, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach provides improved durability and manufacturing efficiency by eliminating issues associated with traditional printing, such as coating disruption and ink durability, while enabling highly precise and continuous markings.

Implementation Method 1

The process of removing a portion of the outer coating layer can include etching techniques, such as laser etching or chemical etching, or engraving techniques, such as laser engraving.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

The process of removing a portion of the outer coating layer can include etching techniques, such as laser etching or chemical etching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250256162A1Method of providing indicia on golf balls

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A method and configuration of forming markings, indicia, or other design features on golf balls is disclosed herein. The present disclosure uses any one or more of various material removal processes or techniques, such as laser engraving, or similar processes, to remove portions of layers or components of a golf ball, such as a paint layer, coating layer, cover, casing, or any other intermediate layers. Removal of material can either: (i) expose an underlying differently colored portion, layer, or component of the golf ball, or (ii) create for a void or pocket that is configured to subsequently receive ink. Based on this arrangement, markings, indicia, or other design features can be provided on golf balls without using traditional printing techniques.