Method and system for marking a graphic on a textile with laser radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking technologies, particularly those using CO2 lasers, struggle to achieve high-quality, high-resolution graphics on textiles without forming 'dead' regions and lack the ability to finely tune contrast and color effectively, leading to 'flat' graphics and increased cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Employing a fast laser system with a rise and fall time of 35 µs or less, preferably a fiber laser, to control and modulate laser radiation for precise interaction with textiles, optimizing power and wavelength to improve contrast and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 lasers with long wavelength radiation are used for marking textiles, then the laser radiation can be absorbed by both the core material and dye of the textile, but the resulting graphics appear flat and lack fine contrast control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser radiation from the conventional 10.3 micrometers (CO2 laser) to shorter wavelengths between 0.2-2.0 micrometers. This parameter change enables selective absorption primarily by the dye rather than the core material, achieving finer contrast control and higher resolution graphics while eliminating the flat appearance problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves local quality by making the laser absorption property location-dependent: at the shorter wavelength range, the dye absorbs laser radiation preferentially while the core material remains relatively unaffected. This creates a differentiated effect where only the dyed surface layers are modified, producing detailed graphics with excellent contrast rather than uniform flat markings
2Productivity
If high power CO2 lasers are used to improve marking speed, then productivity increases, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to shorter ranges (0.2-2.0 micrometers) which can be generated by more compact and cost-effective laser sources compared to high-power CO2 lasers. This enables achieving high marking speeds without requiring complex high-power laser systems, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining high productivity
3Device complexity
If conventional lasers are used for marking, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but dead regions appear on the marked surface at high speeds and high resolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to shorter ranges that enable faster interaction with the dye molecules, allowing the laser to keep up with high-speed scanning requirements. This eliminates dead regions that occur with conventional lasers because the shorter wavelength allows for more rapid energy deposition and material response, maintaining graphic quality even at high marking speeds
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 use of fast lasers significantly enhances graphic quality and reduces energy consumption while eliminating 'dead' regions, achieving superior contrast and resolution with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
producing a laser radiation using a fast laser, wherein the fast laser has a rise time of 35 µs or less, and/or a fall time of 35 µs or less
Implementation Method 2
directing and moving the laser radiation such that the latter impinges on a textile
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of marking a graphic on a textile, the method comprising: using a laser for producing a laser radiation; controllably, according to control information related to a graphic, directing and moving the laser radiation such that the latter impinges on a textile and changing the power or intensity of the laser radiation, characterized in that the laser has a rise time of 35 µs or less, and/or a fall time of 35 µs or less. A system for marking a graphic on a textile, comprising: a said laser for producing said laser radiation; moving means configured for moving and directing said radiation such that the latter impinges on a textile, control means configured for controlling, according to said control information, the moving means and the laser for changing the power or intensity of the laser radiation.