Pulsed Laser Marking for Precise High-Speed Moving Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking technologies are limited by slow processing speeds, high costs, and lack of precision, especially when marking small characters or machine-readable graphics on articles in motion, such as those required for regulatory purposes or replacing adhesive labels on polymer containers.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed laser system with high repetition rates and advanced beam guidance, combined with a grid-based marking process, allows for high-speed and high-precision marking of articles in motion, using techniques like foaming, carbonization, or ablation to create visible marks on various materials, including thermoplastics and metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional laser marking systems are used, then marking precision can be achieved, but processing speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action with repetition rates of 100 kHz to 10 MHz to achieve both high precision and high speed marking. The periodic pulsing allows precise material modification at each pulse while maintaining rapid overall processing through high frequency repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser parameters including pulse duration (10 ps to 10 ns), repetition rate (100 kHz to 10 MHz), and energy per pulse to optimize both marking precision and processing speed for different materials and marking requirements
2Productivity
If high repetition rate lasers are used, then processing speed increases, but marking precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
High repetition rate periodic pulsing at 100 kHz to 10 MHz enables rapid processing while maintaining precision through controlled pulse timing and energy delivery at each periodic cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically synchronizes the high repetition rate laser pulsing with the motion of articles on conveyor lines, adjusting pulse timing and positioning in real-time to maintain marking precision despite high processing speeds
3Productivity
If laser marking is performed on moving articles, then production efficiency improves, but marking precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to dynamically track and mark articles moving on conveyor lines at speeds up to 100 feet per minute, using real-time position feedback to maintain precise marking accuracy despite article motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning and stopping systems with a high-speed laser system that maintains precision through optical guidance and electronic control while articles continue moving on the production line
4Manufacturing precision
If small font text is marked with traditional systems, then precision requirements increase, but current systems cannot achieve it
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses ultra-short pulse durations (10 ps to 10 ns) with high repetition rates to achieve the precise energy delivery needed for small font text marking, controlling pulse parameters to create sharp, well-defined characters at high 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
Enables fast, economical, and precise laser marking of consumer and machine-readable features directly on articles, reducing the need for adhesive labels and improving production efficiency by allowing marking on moving conveyor lines.
Implementation Method 1
Short pulse duration laser marking utilizes energy from nano, pico and femto short-pulsed lasers
Implementation Method 2
using techniques like foaming, carbonization, or ablation to create visible marks on various materials
Data Source
AI summary
A method for laser marking an article with a pulsed laser to effect imprinting via the marking while the article is in motion.