Laser Marking Alignment for Hot Glass Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking techniques for hot glass containers exiting a forming machine fail to accurately and safely ablate or melt the glass due to misalignment, environmental interference, and deformation, leading to defects and misreading of markings.
Innovation Solution
A method and installation using a laser beam system that determines the longitudinal and transverse positions of each container before marking, adjusts the laser beam focus plane accordingly, and controls the scanning to ensure precise and durable markings, even on non-circular containers with varying orientations and conveyor heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser marking is performed on hot glass containers exiting the forming machine, then marking durability is improved, but marking precision deteriorates due to misalignment and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment by detecting the transverse position of each container before the marking operation. The laser beam is positioned to follow the central axis of the container, and the focal plane is adjusted in advance to ensure optimal focus on the marking surface, preventing misalignment and deformation issues during marking
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical detection means to continuously monitor the transverse position of containers and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of the laser beam position and focal plane to maintain marking precision despite variations in container alignment as they move through the marking zone
2Manufacturing precision
If containers are aligned using guides or mechanisms at high temperature, then alignment precision is improved, but container quality deteriorates due to contact defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical alignment guides and contact-based alignment mechanisms with an optical detection and laser positioning system. The transverse position of each container is detected optically, and the laser beam is electronically positioned to follow the container's central axis, eliminating mechanical contact and associated defects while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the container and the marking process. Instead of direct mechanical contact for alignment, optical detection means detect container position and the control unit mediates by adjusting laser beam position accordingly, avoiding harmful contact with hot glass
3Manufacturing precision
If laser power is increased to ensure effective ablation or melting, then marking quality is improved, but safety deteriorates due to insufficient power when containers are out of focus
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the laser focal plane to follow each container as it moves through the marking zone. The focal plane is positioned at the correct distance from the container surface based on real-time position detection, ensuring optimal focus and consistent marking quality regardless of container alignment variations or movement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focal plane position parameter dynamically based on detected container transverse position. By adjusting this critical parameter in real-time, the system maintains optimal laser focus and power delivery to the marking surface, ensuring consistent marking quality and process reliability without requiring excessive laser power
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
Ensures high-quality, durable markings on hot glass containers without defects, maintaining marking integrity through alignment, temperature control, and geometric correction, facilitating automatic reading.
Implementation Method 1
use a laser marking system which produces markings or codes on the surface of the articles, by ablation or fusion of the glass
Implementation Method 2
use a laser marking system which produces markings or codes on the surface of the articles, by ablation or fusion of the glass
Implementation Method 3
a first light sensor (E1) having a first optical axis (A1) and a second light sensor (E2) having a second optical axis (A2), these optical axes being positioned non-parallel to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6C
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for marking a marking zone (R) on hot glass containers (2) at the outlet of a forming machine (3) by means of a laser beam. The method consists in determining the longitudinal position and the transverse position of the marking zone of each container: - by positioning a first optical axis (A1) of a first light sensor (E1) and a second optical axis (A2) of a second light sensor (E2) such that they are non-parallel to each other, in a detection plane (Pd) parallel to the conveying plane (Pc) of the containers; - by detecting the instant a container intersects with (TC1) or no longer coincides with the first optical axis (A1) and the instant a container intersects with (TC2) or no longer coincides with the second optical axis (A2); - and by calculating the transverse and longitudinal positions from these instants and by taking into consideration a known or constant speed of translation (Vt) of the containers; The method consisting in determining the marking instant for each container passing in front of the laser apparatus (9), from the determination of the longitudinal position of the marking zone.