Laser Etching Workpiece Tracking With Integrated Label Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 tracking label printers and manual pairing of labels with workpieces, leading to increased costs and potential mixing of items.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates laser etching of both product images and tracking labels on workpieces using a single laser etching system, 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 and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tracking label printers are used to print product codes and thumbnail images, then tracking information can be provided, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracking label printing function with the existing product image printing function by integrating both operations into a single laser etching apparatus. The system prints both the product image and tracking information (product codes, thumbnail images) on the same workpiece using one device, eliminating the need for separate tracking label printers and reducing process complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The laser etching apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it prints both the decorative product image and the functional tracking information on the same workpiece. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable tracking
2Reliability
If manual pairing of tracking labels with workpieces is performed, then tracking information can be associated, but errors increase and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking information printing directly onto the workpiece surface with the product image printing in a single automated operation. This eliminates the manual separation and pairing steps where errors occur, as the tracking information is permanently associated with the workpiece through the same printing process that creates the product image
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically printing both the product image and tracking information in one integrated process. The workpiece itself carries its own tracking information directly on its surface, eliminating the need for external manual pairing operations and reducing labor requirements while improving accuracy
3Reliability
If tracking labels are printed on separate printers, then tracking information can be provided, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking label printing operation with the existing product image printing operation into a single laser etching process. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional tracking label printers and associated materials, reducing capital equipment costs and operational expenses while maintaining reliable tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The laser etching apparatus performs dual functions by printing both decorative product images and functional tracking information on the same workpiece. This multi-functionality allows the company to eliminate separate tracking printing equipment, reducing overall manufacturing costs while ensuring accurate tracking is maintained
4Productivity
If workpieces are etched in batch, then productivity increases, but tracking and identification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by printing unique tracking information (individual product codes and distinct thumbnail images) on each workpiece within the batch. This allows each item to be individually identified and tracked even when processed together, maintaining tracking accuracy while enabling batch processing for improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual differentiation through thumbnail images and product codes printed on each workpiece. These visual elements provide immediate identification of individual items in a batch, making tracking and verification easier even when multiple workpieces are processed together, thus maintaining reliability while enabling batch 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 on workpieces in a batch, using existing capital equipment and eliminating the need for separate tracking label printers, thereby reducing labor and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser head that can emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
etching customized image patterns on workpieces
Implementation Method 3
etch the workpiece at the first power level... etch the label at the second power level
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.