Laser Marking Through Paper to Metallized Foil Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking technologies for packaging substrates often compromise the appearance and integrity of products, require multiple machines, and can contaminate food products due to the use of inks and chemicals, while also being inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A fiber laser-based system that directs a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.06 μm through a paper layer to be absorbed by a metalized foil layer, creating indelible and discreet markings without affecting the paper layer, thus avoiding contamination and reducing machinery needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ink-based printing is used to mark codes on packaging substrates, then the marking process is simple and cost-effective, but it compromises product integrity through chemical contamination and allows easy tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based ink printing with a laser-based marking system that uses optical energy to permanently mark codes on packaging substrates. The laser beam interacts with the substrate material to create permanent marks without requiring chemical inks, thereby eliminating chemical contamination risks while maintaining marking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes specific laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, power) to achieve selective marking on packaging materials. By controlling the laser parameters, the system creates permanent marks that are resistant to tampering while avoiding damage to the packaging integrity, thus improving reliability without chemical contamination.
2Loss of information
If laser marking is performed on the outer surface of packaging substrates, then the marking is visible and accessible, but it affects the marketing appearance and may come into contact with food products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by marking codes on the inner surface of the packaging substrate rather than the outer surface. This allows the codes to remain visible for scanning and identification purposes while preserving the marketing appearance of the outer surface and preventing any contact between marking materials and food products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the packaging substrate itself as an intermediary medium, marking codes on the inner surface that can be detected through the packaging material. This allows code visibility for tracking and identification while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the outer packaging and preventing contamination of food products.
3Reliability
If multiple machines are used for marking and packaging processes, then each function is performed with specialized equipment, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser marking system into the existing packaging line, allowing the same equipment to serve both packaging and marking functions. The laser system can be configured to mark different types of packaging materials and can be positioned to mark at various stages of the packaging process, reducing the need for separate dedicated marking machines.
4Productivity
If high-speed marking is implemented to increase production speed, then productivity improves, but the precision and quality of markings may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser operation where the laser beam is delivered in controlled pulses rather than continuous exposure. This allows the laser to accumulate energy delivery over multiple pulses, achieving high-speed marking while maintaining precise control over the marking quality. The pulse frequency and duration can be adjusted to optimize both speed and precision for different packaging materials.
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and contamination-free laser marking on packaging substrates, enhancing product integrity and reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for inks and chemicals, while maintaining the product's appearance and allowing for increased production speed.
Implementation Method 1
receiving one or more laser settings, wherein the one or more laser settings are determined to configure a laser to produce a laser beam having a wavelength of 1.06 μm that is absorbed by a foil layer side of a substrate and substantially not absorbed by a paper layer side of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes systems and method relating to laser marking, in particular an apparatus comprises a fiber laser operable to produce a laser beam, an optics assembly operable to focus and direct the laser beam onto a non-metalized layer side of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises the non-metalized layer side comprising a nonmetalized material and a metalized layer side comprising a metalized material, the metalized layer side being opposite the non-metalized layer side; and electronics communicatively coupled with the fiber laser and the optics assembly, the electronics being operable to control the fiber laser and the optics assembly, based on one or more laser settings, to direct the laser beam through the non-metalized layer side to be absorbed by the metalized layer side, generate a laser marking on the metalized material, and avoid generating the laser marking on the non-metalized material.