Laser Marking Power Control for Grayscale Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser marking machines lack precise control over the output power and coordinate of marking points, leading to low marking resolution and efficiency, and require separate machines for different materials, increasing user expenses.
Innovation Solution
A laser marking method that separately controls the coordinate and output power of each marking point by transforming image pixels to corresponding power values, using a control main board to calculate and adjust the laser power based on the gray scale value and material type, allowing for accurate matching of laser power to the material being marked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If segment control is employed in laser control, then the control system is simple to implement, but the marking resolution is not high enough and marking efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple pixels, where each pixel corresponds to a marking point with independent coordinate and power control. This segmentation enables precise control of each marking point individually, achieving high marking resolution while maintaining system simplicity through modular pixel-based processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a power dimension to the traditional coordinate control system. Each marking point is now controlled by two independent parameters: coordinate position (x, y) and output power (P). This dimensional expansion enables precise control of marking depth and intensity without complicating the basic control architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If different laser devices are selected for different materials, then the marking accuracy for each material is optimized, but the expense burden of the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal laser marking system that can handle multiple materials (plastic, carbon fiber, metal, etc.) with a single device. By implementing material identification and automatic power matching, the system adapts its output power to suit different materials, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines and reducing user expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the laser output power parameter based on the identified material type. The system pre-stores optimal power parameters for different materials and automatically selects the appropriate power level during marking operations, enabling one machine to optimally process multiple material types.
3Productivity
If high power laser is used for metal marking, then the marking efficiency is high, but the plastic or carbon fiber case may be directly ruined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system first identifies the material type through detection, then adjusts the laser power accordingly before marking begins. This pre-adjustment feedback loop prevents material damage by ensuring the correct power level is applied from the start, while maintaining high efficiency through automated parameter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs material identification and power parameter selection before the actual marking process begins. By determining the optimal power level in advance based on material type, the system prepares the correct settings beforehand, preventing harmful effects during marking while maintaining high productivity.
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 enables high-resolution, efficient laser marking with precise control over each marking point, reducing the need for multiple machines and minimizing material damage by accurately matching laser power to the material, thus enhancing marking quality and reducing user expenses.
Implementation Method 1
Laser marking is a marking method using high power density laser to irradiate a portion of work piece to gasify surface material or generate chemistry reaction of colour change
Implementation Method 2
different materials have different capacities of absorbing laser
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed a laser marking machine, method, equipment and system. The method comprises steps of: the control main board receiving coordinate and gray scale value of the target image pixel dot; calculating output power of the target image pixel dot by using the gray scale value; and controlling the laser device to use corresponding output power according to displacement of the galvanometer, and outputting laser specific to each target image pixel dot. By adjusting the output power of target image pixel dot (marking point), a separate pixel dot may reflect the change of gray scale value, so as to represent the image gray scale value. The coordinate of each pixel dot in the gray scale image may be calculated according to the predetermined resolution, such that, the coordinate of pixel dot is no longer adjusted, ensuring the DPI and the resolution of the gray scale image.