Rear-Side Laser Processing for Printed Packaging Boxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser processing of packaging boxes often results in cracking and decoloring of patterns printed on the surface during indentation and cutting, which is not ideal for maintaining the integrity of the printed design.

Innovation Solution

A method involving back feeding of the paper material through an automatic feeder, edge finding, registration marking, and laser cutting on the rear side to form indentations and cut the packaging box, ensuring the pattern on the front side remains undamaged by calculating and marking the rear side's positions accurately before cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser indentation and cutting are performed on the front side of the paper material, then the processing speed and efficiency are improved, but the patterns printed on the surface are damaged (cracking and decoloring)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidpattern damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by performing laser indentation and cutting on the rear side of the paper material instead of the front side. The laser beam processes the rear surface while the front surface with printed patterns remains protected, thus eliminating pattern damage while maintaining processing efficiency. This reverse approach allows the harmful laser action to be directed away from the sensitive printed surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Shape

If indentation and cutting are performed on the front side to maintain pattern visibility, then the aesthetic quality is preserved, but the structural precision of the packaging box is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern integrityVSAvoidcutting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the processing action from the front surface dimension to the rear surface dimension. By moving the indentation and cutting operations to the rear side, the front surface patterns remain intact and visible, while the structural formation occurs on the opposite side. This dimensional shift allows both pattern integrity and structural precision to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If the paper material is fed through an automatic feeder for back feeding, then the automation level and productivity are improved, but the positioning accuracy and registration precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic feedingVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms including edge finding to detect paper position, registration markings to establish reference points, and CCD cameras to verify positioning accuracy. These feedback systems continuously monitor and adjust the paper feed position, compensating for variations introduced by automatic feeding and ensuring precise alignment for laser processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions including edge finding, registration marking, and positioning verification before the actual laser indentation and cutting operations. These preparatory steps establish accurate reference frames and compensate for feeding variations in advance, ensuring that the subsequent high-precision laser processing can be accurately executed despite automatic feeder variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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 method prevents damage to the patterns on the front side of the paper material by forming indentations and performing cuts on the rear side, enhancing product accuracy and reducing waste while maintaining the integrity of the printed design.

Implementation Method 1

The basic principle for a standard laser processing machine is to direct and focus light beams outputted by a laser on a surface of an object to be engraved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The focused light beams are then absorbed by the material. This raises the temperature of the material and vaporizes it, leaving recesses in the surface of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11780031B2Method for laser processing packaging box

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 XINGYUN COMP

AI summary

A method for laser processing a packaging box is provided, which includes feeding a paper material printed with a pattern on the front side thereof to a cutting machine by back feeding using an automatic paper feeder; performing edge finding on the rear side of the paper material, and forming indentations on the rear side of the paper material corresponding to where the pattern is on the front side; conveying the paper material to a laser cutting machine to perform registration marking on the rear side of the paper material before laser cutting; and finally performing laser cutting based on the registration markings to obtain a packaging box with the pattern printed on the front side and the indentations formed on the rear side.