Laser Marking Apparatus for Durable Metal Surface Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking or coloring metal surfaces, such as paints and laser marking, are limited in flexibility, durability, and environmental impact, particularly when applying complex designs or large-scale geometrical shapes.
Innovation Solution
A laser marking apparatus with a bed, cover, and multiple laser units that can direct a laser beam to control the focus, bandwidth, and movement based on sensing units to create durable, multicolor graphical images on metal surfaces, capable of handling large and complex shapes without compromising surface quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If paints or adhesive labels are used for colouring metal surfaces, then the process is simple and flexible, but the markings are not durable and may be harmful to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical marking methods (paints, adhesives, etchants) with a laser-based physical marking system. The laser beam directly modifies the metal surface through controlled heating and material removal, eliminating the need for chemical substances while producing durable, permanent markings that resist wear and corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple laser wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm and 532 nm) and adjusts laser parameters (power, pulse duration, scanning speed) to achieve different marking depths, colors, and patterns on metal surfaces. By changing laser parameters, the system can create various types of durable markings without switching to different chemical substances.
2Reliability
If electrolytic colouring is used on metal surfaces, then the process is established and controllable, but it lacks flexibility for different markings and involves harmful chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic laser scanning system with programmable control that can adapt to different marking patterns, geometries, and designs. The laser beam can be precisely positioned and moved along complex paths using galvanometer mirrors or linear motors, allowing the same system to produce various types of markings (text, logos, geometric patterns, free-form designs) by simply changing the control program.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser marking system serves multiple functions: it can create permanent markings, apply protective coatings, modify surface properties, and produce various color effects on metal surfaces. A single laser device with adjustable parameters can replace multiple specialized marking processes, providing universal applicability across different metal types and marking requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional laser marking is used, then the process is fast and durable, but the markings are simple and cannot create complex multicolour graphical images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed laser operation with varying pulse durations and frequencies to create different marking effects. By applying periodic laser pulses with controlled parameters, the system can produce multicolour markings through selective oxidation, vaporization, and recoloring processes, enabling complex graphical images while maintaining high processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite surface structures through laser processing, combining different oxidation states, material phases, and surface topographies to generate multicolour effects. The laser-induced composite structures on the metal surface include oxidized layers, melted zones, and vaporized regions that interact with light to produce various colors in complex graphical patterns.
4Area of stationary object
If laser marking is applied to large objects with challenging geometrical shapes, then the marking area increases, but the positioning and surface quality maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms including sensors that detect the object's position, orientation, and surface characteristics in real-time. The system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust laser beam positioning, focus, and parameters to maintain precise marking quality on large objects with complex geometries, compensating for thermal expansion, vibration, and positioning errors.
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
The solution provides durable and corrosion-resistant markings on metal surfaces, enabling the creation of complex designs on various metal shapes and sizes, including automotive components, while maintaining the surface's properties and quality.
Implementation Method 1
one or more laser marking units capable of directing a laser beam onto the metal surface
Implementation Method 2
control the focus, bandwidth and movement of the one or more laser marking units on the basis of parameters and the sensing units to produce the pattern on the metal surface
Implementation Method 3
each marking unit comprising a sensing unit configured to determine the outline of the object to be marked and control the corresponding marking unit to follow the outlines of the object during marking
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus related to marking a metal surface are provided. The solution includes a bed for an object including a metal surface, the bed including a total marking area; a cover forming an airtight space over the bed; one or more laser marking units capable of directing a laser beam onto the metal surface located within a unit marking area, wherein the unit marking area is smaller than the total marking area. In the proposed solution control data including information on the marking of a pattern on the metal surface is received; the focus, bandwidth and movement of the one or more laser marking units is controlled on the basis of the control data to produce the pattern defined in the control data on the metal surface.