RGB Laser Marking of Carbonizable Polymer Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to create tactile markings with variable color and high detail on easily carbonizable polymeric substrates like polycarbonate, which are secure, durable, and resistant to interference, while maintaining the emboss effect and brightness.
Innovation Solution
A method using computer-controlled RGB or IR lasers to apply relief markings with emboss effect by varying laser power for color and height, creating punctual protrusions that correspond to pixels in a graphical marking, ensuring the marking is an integral part of the substrate and difficult to alter without damaging it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser engraving is used to create tactile markings on polycarbonate substrates, then the marking becomes visible and tactile, but the marking turns black and loses brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the laser processing parameters by using lower power levels and different pulse durations to create tactile relief without excessive carbonization. By controlling the energy input more precisely, the marking maintains brightness while still providing tactile feedback through the embossed effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of polycarbonate from solid to foamed state through controlled laser heating. This phase change creates the tactile relief structure without complete carbonization, allowing the marking to remain bright while providing the desired embossed effect.
2Manufacturing precision
If higher laser power is used to increase marking visibility and tactile effect, then the emboss effect improves, but the substrate degrades and the marking becomes too dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic laser pulsing with specific duty cycles to achieve the desired tactile effect. By applying laser energy in controlled pulses rather than continuous high power, the substrate has time to dissipate heat between pulses, preventing thermal degradation while still achieving the embossed effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial laser energy just enough to create the tactile relief and visual marking without excessive energy that would cause substrate degradation. This partial action approach achieves the minimum necessary effect while avoiding harmful side effects.
3Productivity
If conventional laser marking is used on polycarbonate, then the marking is created quickly, but the marking can be altered or removed without damaging the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates the tactile relief structure during the initial laser marking process, embedding the security feature into the substrate itself rather than applying it as a separate layer. This preliminary integration makes the marking permanent and difficult to alter or remove without affecting the substrate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable color marking is attempted on polycarbonate substrates, then the marking becomes more informative, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic laser power adjustment during the marking process to create variable color effects. By modulating the laser power levels and pulse durations in real-time, the system produces different color shades from the same polycarbonate substrate without requiring multiple laser sources or complex filtering systems.
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 produces high-security, easily recognizable, and durable tactile markings with precise detail and color variation, enhancing document security by making alterations impossible without substrate degradation.
Implementation Method 1
spot irradiation of the polymer substrate undergoing carbonization by means of a computer-controlled RGB or IR laser
Implementation Method 2
polymer substrate undergoing carbonization
Implementation Method 3
the beam of which modifies the polymeric substrates undergoing carbonization
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture a carbonizable polymeric substrate having a tactile relief marking with an emboss effect, in particular a data carrier substrate for documents with security features, the method comprising securing the carbonizable polymeric substrate of step b) by applying to the substrate a marking in the form of a relief with an emboss effect, by spot irradiation of a carbonizable polymer substrate by means of a computer-controlled RGB laser, the beam of which modifies the carbonizable polymer substrates at least in a part of the area, preferably over the entire area, the markings being obtained in the form of a relief with an emboss effect are obtained by creating punctual protrusions.