Laser Marking of Moving Articles With High-Speed Galvo Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking technologies are limited by slow speed, high cost, and lack of precision, especially when marking small characters or machine-readable graphics on articles in motion, and existing systems struggle to achieve high-speed, high-precision marking on large areas.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed laser system with a high repetition rate, combined with an X-Y galvo scanning mechanism and optimized beam guidance, allows for precise and rapid marking by controlling laser pulses and beam focus across a grid pattern on moving articles, using absorption additives to enhance marking quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional laser marking systems are used, then marking can be performed on articles, but the marking speed is slow and precision is insufficient for small characters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic scanning control where the laser beam position is continuously adjusted during the marking process. The system uses real-time feedback to modify scan patterns, pulse timing, and beam intensity dynamically, enabling precise marking of small characters while maintaining high marking speed through adaptive process control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple laser parameters including pulse duration, pulse energy, repetition rate, and scan speed during the marking process. By optimizing these parameters in real-time based on the specific marking requirements, the system achieves both high precision for small characters and high productivity for efficient production.
2Productivity
If high repetition rate lasers are used, then marking speed increases, but precision for small characters and machine-readable graphics decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes periodic laser pulses with variable repetition rates to achieve high marking speed. By employing pulsed operation with optimized pulse intervals, the system can mark at high speeds while maintaining precision through controlled pulse delivery timing and synchronization with the scanning motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the laser repetition rate during operation, varying it according to the specific marking requirements. This dynamic parameter control allows the system to achieve high speeds for general marking while switching to lower repetition rates with higher precision for small characters and machine-readable graphics.
3Productivity
If laser marking is performed on moving articles, then production efficiency increases, but marking precision and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the position and motion of the article being marked. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the laser beam positioning and scanning parameters in real-time, compensating for article motion and maintaining high marking accuracy and precision during high-speed production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical positioning systems with optical and electronic control mechanisms. By using electronically controlled scanning and software-based positioning algorithms, the system achieves precise marking on moving articles without the limitations of mechanical positioning accuracy, enabling high production efficiency with maintained precision.
4Productivity
If single lines of large spots are used for date codes, then marking speed is fast, but readability and machine readability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the marking process into discrete, precisely controlled laser spots arranged in structured patterns. Instead of continuous lines, the system uses arrays of individual spots with controlled spacing and positioning, enabling both fast marking and high readability for machine recognition while maintaining production speed.
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
Enables high-speed, high-precision laser marking of small characters and machine-readable graphics directly on articles in motion, reducing the need for additional processing steps and lowering production costs while maintaining legibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Short pulse duration laser marking utilizes energy from nano, pico and femto short-pulsed lasers across a variety of wavelengths and energies to mark surfaces to produce visible images
Implementation Method 2
A pulsed laser system with a high repetition rate, combined with an X-Y galvo scanning mechanism
Implementation Method 3
using absorption additives to enhance marking quality
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture having a surface that is imprinted without ink, the imprinting having been effected via impartation of a pattern of substantially circular marks created by one or more of oxidation, reduction, ablation, etching, foaming, carbonization or annealing of material at and/or proximate the surface of the article.