Pulsed Laser Marking for Fast Precise QR and Text Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser marking technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed and high-precision marking, particularly for small characters and machine-readable graphics like UPC or QR codes, due to limitations in raster and vector marking processes, which result in slow processing times and poor accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A pulsed laser marking process that uses a grid pattern with alphanumeric characters, where the laser beam moves at a constant surface velocity greater than 8 m/s, with optimized X and Y distances and angular velocities of galvo sets, to achieve precise and fast marking of consumer and machine-readable text without the need for traditional labels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If raster laser marking process is used, then marking precision is improved, but processing speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking precisionVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action with optimized pulse duration and repetition rate to achieve both high precision and high speed marking. The pulsed regime allows precise energy delivery while maintaining fast processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes multiple laser parameters including pulse duration, repetition rate, and surface velocity simultaneously to resolve the contradiction between precision and speed. By changing these parameters within specific ranges, both marking quality and processing efficiency are improved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If vector laser marking process is used, then processing speed is improved, but marking precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidmarking precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic pulsed laser action with optimized pulse duration and repetition rate to achieve both high precision and high speed marking. The pulsed regime allows precise energy delivery while maintaining fast processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If laser beam moves at high surface velocity, then processing speed is improved, but marking accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidmarking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains constant surface velocity within the optimized range of 8-50 m/s to ensure both high processing speed and accurate mark placement. This parameter optimization resolves the trade-off between speed and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control through electronically controlled mirrors (galvo sets) to maintain precise beam positioning at high surface velocities, ensuring marking accuracy is preserved despite high processing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If pulse spacing is increased to increase speed, then processing speed is improved, but fine detail marking capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidfine detail marking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes pulse spacing within specific ranges to maintain both high processing speed and fine detail capability. By carefully selecting pulse spacing in conjunction with spot size and overlap parameters, the system achieves high speed while preserving marking fidelity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial overlap between consecutive laser spots to ensure fine detail marking while maintaining high speed. The controlled overlap provides sufficient precision without requiring excessive pulse frequency that would slow processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enables fast, cost-effective, and precise marking of alphanumeric characters, sentences, and machine-readable codes on articles, improving processing speed and accuracy while eliminating the need for labels, enhancing environmental sustainability and enabling instant changes in labeling content.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed laser marking process that uses a grid pattern with alphanumeric characters, where the laser beam moves at a constant surface velocity greater than 8 m/s

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

Short-pulse laser decoration utilizes energy from nano, pico and femto short pulse lasers across a variety of wavelengths and energies to mark decorative patterns onto articles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20230191532A1High speed laser processes for marking on articles

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Laser marked articles having a predetermined feature marked onto a wall that is either user readable, machine readable, or both. Also, methods of making the marked articles by laser marking.