Rubber Stopper Laser Marking Without Contamination or Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for marking rubber stoppers used in pharmaceuticals fail to prevent foreign substance generation, deformation, and smearing or removal of markings, which are critical for tracking and compliance with pharmaceutical standards.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a short pulse laser with a power of 10 to 16 W and a peak power of 75 to 125 kW is used to mark rubber stoppers, specifically employing a YVO4 hybrid laser (S-MOPA) to ensure semipermanent and damage-free marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional printing methods are used to mark rubber stoppers, then marking can be applied to the surface, but foreign substances are generated and markings may smear or be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical printing methods with laser irradiation technology. The laser beam directly marks the rubber stopper surface through photothermal effects, eliminating the need for physical contact with printing materials that generate foreign substances. This substitution ensures marking permanence while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes laser parameters including power (10-16 W), pulse width (2-6 ns), and wavelength to achieve precise control of the marking process. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the laser creates permanent markings without excessive heat input that could cause rubber degradation or foreign substance generation.
2Productivity
If high power laser is used for marking, then marking speed increases, but rubber stopper deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser irradiation with pulse widths of 2-6 ns instead of continuous wave laser. This periodic action delivers energy in short bursts, allowing the rubber material to cool between pulses and preventing cumulative heat buildup that would cause deformation. The high peak power during each pulse ensures efficient marking while the short duration prevents thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes laser parameters including power (10-16 W), pulse width (2-6 ns), and scanning speed to achieve the balance between marking efficiency and preventing deformation. These parameter changes enable high-speed marking while maintaining rubber stopper structural integrity.
3Loss of information
If marking is performed on rubber stoppers for pharmaceutical use, then tracking capability is improved, but strict printing requirements cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional printing systems with laser marking technology that directly modifies the rubber stopper surface. This substitution eliminates issues with ink smearing, peeling, and foreign substance contamination, while providing permanent, high-precision markings for tracking pharmaceutical products through their lifecycle.
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 effectively prevents foreign substance generation, deformation, and smearing of markings on rubber stoppers, ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical standards and maintaining the integrity of the stoppers even after cleaning and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the surface of the rubber stopper with a laser
Implementation Method 2
marking the surface of a rubber stopper with letters or numbers by irradiating the surface of the rubber stopper with a laser
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for marking the surface of a rubber stopper with a character or numeral by irradiating the surface of the rubber stopper with a laser beam. According to the method of the present invention, there are advantages in that when a mark is made on a rubber stopper, foreign matter is not produced, deformation of the rubber stopper does not occur, and the mark is not erased or spread.