Laser Etching Workpiece Tracking With Integrated Label Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes for laser etching of customized images on workpieces are complex, labor-intensive, and prone to errors due to the need for separate printers for product tracking labels, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates laser etching of both product images and tracking labels using a single laser etching apparatus, where a computer generates label images, and a laser head with adjustable power levels scans across workpieces and labels to etch images in a pixel-wise fashion, eliminating the need for separate tracking label printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate printers are used for tracking labels, then product tracking capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracking label printing function with the existing laser etching apparatus by integrating a label holder and positioning system. The same laser head that etches product images is used to etch tracking labels, merging two previously separate functions (product image etching and tracking label printing) into a single integrated system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The laser etching apparatus is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both product image etching and tracking label etching using the same laser head and control system. The system can switch between different modes (product image mode and label mode) while using the same hardware resources, achieving universality and eliminating the need for separate dedicated printing equipment
2Reliability
If manual pairing of tracking labels and workpieces is performed, then tracking labels can be associated with workpieces, but labor intensity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the laser etching apparatus automatically etches tracking labels onto workpieces without requiring manual intervention for pairing. The integrated system automatically associates tracking information with the corresponding workpiece through the labeling process, eliminating the need for manual matching and reducing both labor intensity and error rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of pairing tracking labels with workpieces (physical handling, visual matching, and attachment) with an automated laser etching process. The laser system directly imprints tracking information onto the workpiece surface, substituting manual operations with automated optical and thermal processes
3Ease of manufacture
If tracking labels are printed separately before etching, then labels can be prepared in advance, but throughput and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the benefit of preliminary preparation by pre-positioning tracking labels on label holders before the etching process begins. However, it eliminates the separate printing step by using the same laser apparatus to etch both product images and tracking labels in sequence during the same operational cycle, thereby maintaining preparation advantages while eliminating throughput losses
Solution Approach 2:
The laser etching apparatus performs continuous useful action by etching both product images and tracking labels in an uninterrupted sequence within the same operational cycle. Instead of separating the printing and etching processes into distinct stages, the system maintains continuous laser operation, switching between etching modes without stopping, thereby maximizing productivity and throughput
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 simplifies the process, reduces errors, and increases throughput by allowing simultaneous etching of product images and labels in a batch, using existing capital equipment and reducing labor and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser head that can emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
the laser head scans across the workpiece to etch the workpiece... in pixel-wise fashion to reproduce the product image on the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.