Laser Marking Readability After Metal Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal product manufacturing methods face challenges in maintaining the readability of two-dimensional codes on metal surfaces during heating processes, as the codes can tarnish or change appearance due to oxidization, leading to deteriorated readability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving forming a first identification code on a metal member with a laser beam, reading it under loose conditions, and then forming a second code based on the read first code, but under stricter conditions, ensuring readability even after heating, by adjusting laser beam parameters and camera settings to maintain code integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-dimensional code is formed on the metal member surface by laser oxidation, then the code can be read under initial conditions, but the code readability deteriorates after heating due to oxidization changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a first identification code on the metal member surface before heating, reading this code under loose conditions, and then using the read information to form a second identification code after heating. This preliminary coding allows the system to capture data before thermal distortion occurs, and the subsequent recoding ensures final readability under strict conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting laser beam conditions between two distinct coding operations. The first coding uses initial laser parameters to create a code readable under loose conditions, while the second coding uses modified laser parameters to create a deeper, more robust code that can be read under strict conditions after heating. This parameter adjustment compensates for the appearance changes caused by heating.
2Ease of manufacture
If the laser beam oxidizes the metal surface to create black markings, then the code can be formed, but the code appearance changes during heating leading to reading failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms a first identification code as a preliminary step before heating, allowing the code structure to be established when the metal surface is in its initial state. This preliminary code formation captures the necessary information before thermal oxidation alters the surface appearance and potentially compromises reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a second identification code that essentially copies the information from the first code, but forms it under different conditions (after heating) with adjusted laser parameters. This copying approach ensures that the critical information is preserved and can be read reliably even though the original code appearance may have changed during heating.
3Device complexity
If a single identification code is formed before heating, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the code may not be readable under strict conditions after heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification code formation process into two distinct operations: a first coding operation before heating under loose reading conditions, and a second coding operation after heating under strict reading conditions. This segmentation allows each coding step to be optimized for its specific conditions, with the first code capturing initial information and the second code ensuring final readability despite thermal changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The first identification code serves as a preliminary step that captures information before heating occurs. This preliminary coding allows the system to record the initial state and then use that information to guide the formation of a second, more robust code that can withstand the effects of heating and be read under strict conditions.
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 enhances the readability of the identification codes by forming a second code that is deeper and more robust, capable of withstanding heating processes and maintaining accurate information tracking throughout the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the surface of the metal member with a laser beam to oxidize the metal, thereby engraving circular dots corresponding to the shape of the beam onto the surface
Implementation Method 2
heating the metal member on which the identification code is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a metal product includes forming a first identification code onto a surface of a metal member with a laser beam, the first identification code being readable under a first reading condition, and heating the metal member on which the identification code is formed. The method further includes reading the first identification code with a reading device, and forming a second identification code onto the surface of the metal member subsequent to the heating with a laser beam based on the first identification code which is read with the reading device. The second identification code is readable under a second reading condition different from the first reading condition.