Laser Marking Transparent Containers via Ink Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking transparent containers, such as syringe bodies, are ineffective in preventing information alteration or damage, and can compromise the mechanical integrity of the container, especially when using laser engraving, which may cause microcracks and generate glass particles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving applying an ink spot on the outer surface of a transparent container wall, heating it, and then engraving a data matrix within the ink spot using a laser, without affecting the substrate, thus preserving the container's integrity and allowing for durable, readable markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser engraving is used to mark the container wall, then the marking is durable and difficult to remove, but the mechanical strength of the container is reduced due to microcracks
Solution Approach 1:
An ink layer is introduced as an intermediary between the laser and the glass substrate. The laser engraves the marking on the ink layer rather than directly on the glass, preventing microcrack formation while maintaining marking durability. The ink layer acts as a sacrificial medium that protects the structural integrity of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking process is segmented into two distinct stages: first applying the ink layer to the surface, then performing laser engraving only on the ink layer. This segmentation allows the engraving to be confined to a non-structural layer, preserving the mechanical strength of the underlying glass substrate.
2Reliability
If laser engraving is used to mark the container wall, then the marking is permanent, but glass micro-particles are generated during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The ink layer serves as an intermediary that captures the laser energy for marking while preventing direct interaction between the laser and glass substrate. This eliminates glass micro-particle generation during engraving, as the laser only vaporizes or carbonizes the organic ink material.
3Reliability
If the glass wall is engraved to create a marking, then the information is incorporated into the substrate, but the refractive index change makes reading difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is created by changing the color or optical properties of the ink layer through laser-induced carbonization or chemical transformation. This produces a high-contrast visual marking that can be read quickly by optical scanners, eliminating the need for transmission-based reading methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical-chemical parameters of the ink layer are changed by laser heating, transforming it from a readable state to a marked state with distinct optical characteristics. This parameter change creates a marking that reflects or absorbs light differently, enabling rapid optical detection without time-consuming transmission measurements.
4Ease of manufacture
If external marking methods like labelling or printing are used, then the marking can be applied easily, but the information can be modified, destroyed, or falsified
Solution Approach 1:
The ink layer acts as an intermediary that combines the ease of application from external marking methods with the reliability of substrate-integrated marking. The ink is applied like a label but becomes permanently integrated into the container structure through laser engraving, preventing removal or falsification.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink layer is applied in advance before the laser engraving step. This preliminary action allows the marking material to be positioned and prepared on the container surface, after which the laser permanently alters the ink to create a tamper-proof marking that cannot be removed without damaging the container.
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 method provides long-lasting, tamper-proof markings that do not alter the container's mechanical properties, are cost-effective, and can be read quickly, even when the container is filled with substances, facilitating high-speed identification in assembly lines.
Implementation Method 1
engraving a data matrix in the spot of ink of said transparent wall
Implementation Method 2
heating said transparent wall
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for marking a container (1) comprising at least a transparent wall (3) comprising the following steps : - a) applying at least one spot of ink (5) on an outer surface of said transparent wall, - b) heating said transparent wall, - c) engraving a data matrix (6) in the spot of ink of said transparent wall. The invention also relates to a marked container and to a method for identifying such a marked container.