EP0531565A1 - Method for marking the surface of a workpiece with the help of a low-performance laser - Google Patents

Method for marking the surface of a workpiece with the help of a low-performance laser Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0531565A1
EP0531565A1 EP91115352A EP91115352A EP0531565A1 EP 0531565 A1 EP0531565 A1 EP 0531565A1 EP 91115352 A EP91115352 A EP 91115352A EP 91115352 A EP91115352 A EP 91115352A EP 0531565 A1 EP0531565 A1 EP 0531565A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
marking
additive
film
laser
workpiece
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP91115352A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Dieter Schulz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Techem GmbH
Original Assignee
Techem GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Techem GmbH filed Critical Techem GmbH
Priority to EP91115352A priority Critical patent/EP0531565A1/en
Publication of EP0531565A1 publication Critical patent/EP0531565A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/24—Ablative recording, e.g. by burning marks; Spark recording

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for marking the surface of a metallic, preferably light-colored workpiece, in particular aluminum sheet, with the aid of a laser marking device of low power.
  • Low power marking lasers e.g. NdY lasers
  • NdY lasers Low power marking lasers
  • the effect of the laser on different materials is different. This is how the marking is created, for example in the case of plastic, by color change or penetration, in the case of bare steel, by temper colors, in the case of dark anodized aluminum, by burning away the anodized layer and the bright aluminum emerging (negative writing). After lasering, light aluminum shows too little contrast at the lasered areas.
  • a low-power laser device is understood to mean one that has a maximum power of about 20 watts.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a method with the features of the preamble of claim 1, in which the contrast of the lettering can be perceptibly improved by simple measures.
  • the invention is characterized in that when labeling with Laser marking device Components of an additive are thermally removed from the additive by the laser and are burned into the lettering.
  • the components will discolor (blacken) when they are burned in, so that a permanent contrasting of the lettering is achieved.
  • additives for example colored (black) plastics, which give the desired contrast even without a noticeable discoloration.
  • the additive will be placed in close proximity to the label. It is therefore preferred if the additive lies as a film directly on the film to be labeled. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the additive spatially at a certain distance from the surface to be labeled, in which case components are then removed from the additive with the laser and burned into the label. With this arrangement, the workpiece to be labeled together with the additive should be housed in one chamber.
  • a transparent film is preferably used because, on the one hand, it is commercially available and, on the other hand, the labeling process is visible and can be checked.
  • Typical additives are transparent protective films (protecting the sheet from scratches) and transparent self-adhesive films (e.g. scotch tape). All additives can then be removed. The lettering appears dark brown to black.
  • the laser beam penetrates the transparent film and hits the bare sheet. A part of the jet is absorbed by the sheet and heats up the surface selectively following the jet. The thermal energy releases substances from the adhesive of the film and the film itself, discolors it and burns it into the sheet. The reflected part of the beam contributes significantly to this process due to its changed wavelength and the absorption in the film.
  • workpieces made of aluminum sheet are therefore preferably labeled using a laser device.
  • steel sheets chrome sheets
  • the surface to be labeled does not have to be bright, although the problem of low contrast when labeling according to the prior art is particularly apparent on bright surfaces. In principle, it is possible to label any light or dark surfaces with the method according to the invention, because the contrast is increased even on darker surfaces.
  • the surface to be labeled can also be provided with a coating, for example with an oxide layer.

Landscapes

  • Thermal Transfer Or Thermal Recording In General (AREA)

Abstract

A method is described for marking the surface of a metallic, plain, preferably bright workpiece, in particular of aluminium sheet, with the aid of a low-performance laser marking device. In order to increase the contrast of the marking, a film is placed on the surface to be marked during marking and the material of the film is separated from the film during marking. It is burnt into the marking and changes colour during this process.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Beschriften der Oberfläche eines metallischen, vorzugsweise hellen Werkstücks,insbesondere von Aluminiumblech, mit Hilfe eines Laser-Beschriftungsgeräts kleiner Leistung.The invention relates to a method for marking the surface of a metallic, preferably light-colored workpiece, in particular aluminum sheet, with the aid of a laser marking device of low power.

Beschriftungslaser geringer Leistung (z.B. NdY-Laser) sind seit geraumer Zeit im Einsatz. Die Wirkung des Lasers auf verschiedene Materialien ist unterschiedlich. So entsteht die Markierung z.B. bei Kunststoff durch Farbumschlag oder Einbrand, bei blanken Stahl durch Anlaßfarben, bei dunkel eloxiertem Aluminium durch Wegbrennen der Eloxalschicht und Hervortreten des hellen Aluminiums (Negativschrift). Helles Aluminium zeigt nach dem Lasern bisher zu wenig Kontraste an den gelaserten Stellen.Low power marking lasers (e.g. NdY lasers) have been in use for some time. The effect of the laser on different materials is different. This is how the marking is created, for example in the case of plastic, by color change or penetration, in the case of bare steel, by temper colors, in the case of dark anodized aluminum, by burning away the anodized layer and the bright aluminum emerging (negative writing). After lasering, light aluminum shows too little contrast at the lasered areas.

Insgesamt läßt sich somit feststellen, daß beim Beschriften derartiger Werkstückoberflächen mittels Laser die Beschriftung nicht kontrastreich genug ist, bedingt durch das im allgemeinen ungenügende Absorptionsvermögen der Werkstückoberfläche. Unter einem Lasergerät kleiner Leistung wird hierbei ein solches verstanden, welches eine Leistung von etwa maximal 20 Watt hat.Overall, it can thus be determined that when such workpiece surfaces are inscribed by means of laser, the inscription is not sufficiently rich in contrast due to the generally insufficient absorption capacity of the workpiece surface. A low-power laser device is understood to mean one that has a maximum power of about 20 watts.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs von Patentanspruch 1 vorzuschlagen, bei dem durch einfache Maßnahmen der Kontrast der Beschriftung fühlbar verbessert werden kann.The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a method with the features of the preamble of claim 1, in which the contrast of the lettering can be perceptibly improved by simple measures.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist die Erfindung dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß beim Beschriften mit dem Laser-Beschriftungsgerät Bestandteile eines Zusatzstoffes durch den Laser thermisch aus dem Zusatzstoff herausgelöst werden, die in die Beschriftung eingebrannt werden.To achieve this object, the invention is characterized in that when labeling with Laser marking device Components of an additive are thermally removed from the additive by the laser and are burned into the lettering.

Im allgemeinen werden sich die Bestandteile beim Einbrennen verfärben (schwärzen), so daß dadurch eine dauerhafte Kontrastierung der Beschriftung erreicht wird. Es ist aber auch denkbar, solche Zusatzstoffe, beispielsweise gefärbte (schwarze) Kunststoffe, zu verwenden, die schon ohne eine fühlbare Verfärbung den gesuchten Kontrast ergeben.In general, the components will discolor (blacken) when they are burned in, so that a permanent contrasting of the lettering is achieved. However, it is also conceivable to use such additives, for example colored (black) plastics, which give the desired contrast even without a noticeable discoloration.

Im allgemeinen wird man den Zusatzstoff räumlich in enge Nachbarschaft mit der Beschriftung bringen. Es wird daher bevorzugt, wenn der Zusatzstoff als Folie direkt auf der zu beschriftenden Folie aufliegt. Denkbar ist es aber auch, den Zusatzstoff räumlich in einem gewissen Abstand von der zu beschriftenden Oberfläche anzuordnen, wobei dann mit dem Laser Bestandteile aus dem Zusatzstoff herausgelöst werden und in der Beschriftung eingebrannt werden. Bei dieser Anordnung sollte das zu beschriftende Werkstück mitsamt des Zusatzstoffs in einer Kammer untergebracht sein.In general, the additive will be placed in close proximity to the label. It is therefore preferred if the additive lies as a film directly on the film to be labeled. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the additive spatially at a certain distance from the surface to be labeled, in which case components are then removed from the additive with the laser and burned into the label. With this arrangement, the workpiece to be labeled together with the additive should be housed in one chamber.

Bevorzugt wird eine transparente Folie verwendet, weil diese zum einen handelsüblich ist und zum anderen der Beschriftungsvorgang sichtbar ist und kontrolliert werden kann.A transparent film is preferably used because, on the one hand, it is commercially available and, on the other hand, the labeling process is visible and can be checked.

Vorzugsweise verwendet man handelsübliche Selbstklebefolien oder Schutzfolien, abermals vorzugsweise aus transparentem Kunststoff.Commercial self-adhesive films or protective films are preferably used, again preferably made of transparent plastic.

Typische Zusatzstoffe sind also transparente Schutzfolien (Schutz des Bleches vor Kratzern) und transparente Selbstklebefolien (z.B. Tesafilm). Alle Zusatzstoffe können anschließend entfernt werden. Die Beschriftung erscheint dunkelbraun bis schwarz. Der Laserstrahl durchdringt die transparente Folie und trifft auf das blanke Blech. Ein Teil des Strahles wird vom Blech absorbiert und erwärmt punktuell dem Strahl folgend die Oberfläche. Dabei werden durch die thermische Energie Stoffe aus dem Kleber der Folie und der Folie selbst herausgelöst, verfärbt und in das Blech eingebrannt. Der reflektierte Teil des Strahles trägt durch seine veränderte Wellenlänge und der Absorption in der Folie zu diesem Vorgang maßgeblich bei.Typical additives are transparent protective films (protecting the sheet from scratches) and transparent self-adhesive films (e.g. scotch tape). All additives can then be removed. The lettering appears dark brown to black. The laser beam penetrates the transparent film and hits the bare sheet. A part of the jet is absorbed by the sheet and heats up the surface selectively following the jet. The thermal energy releases substances from the adhesive of the film and the film itself, discolors it and burns it into the sheet. The reflected part of the beam contributes significantly to this process due to its changed wavelength and the absorption in the film.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren werden also bevorzugt Werkstücke aus Aluminiumblech mit Hilfe eines Lasergeräts beschriftet. Es können aber auch Stahlbleche (Chrombleche) mit dem Verfahren beschriftet werden. Die zu beschriftende Oberfläche muß nicht hell sein, obgleich bei hellen Oberflächen das Problem der Kontrastarmut beim Beschriften nach dem Stand der Technik besonders krass hervortritt. Grundsätzlich ist es möglich, beliebig helle oder dunkle Oberflächen mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zu beschriften, weil auch bei dunkleren Oberflächen der Kontrast erhöht wird.With the method according to the invention, workpieces made of aluminum sheet are therefore preferably labeled using a laser device. However, steel sheets (chrome sheets) can also be labeled using the method. The surface to be labeled does not have to be bright, although the problem of low contrast when labeling according to the prior art is particularly apparent on bright surfaces. In principle, it is possible to label any light or dark surfaces with the method according to the invention, because the contrast is increased even on darker surfaces.

Wenn vorstehend von einem Laser kleiner Leistung gesprochen wurde, so sollen darunter alle Laser-Beschriftungsgeräte verstanden werden, bei denen die geschilderte Problematik (Kontrastarmut beim Beschriften nach dem Stand der Technik) auftritt; die vorstehend angegebene Grenze von etwa 20 Watt für das Beschriftungsgerät ist also nicht bindend.If a laser of low power was mentioned above, then it should be understood to mean all laser marking devices in which the described problem (low contrast when marking according to the prior art) occurs; the above-mentioned limit of approximately 20 watts for the labeling device is therefore not binding.

Vorstehend wurde die Beschriftung eines blanken Blechs beschrieben. Dies ist zwar ein bevorzugtes Anwendungsgebiet der Erfindung, jedoch kann die zu beschriftende Oberfläche auch mit einer Beschichtung versehen sein, beispielsweise mit einer Oxidschicht.The labeling of a bare sheet was described above. Although this is a preferred field of application of the invention, the surface to be labeled can also be provided with a coating, for example with an oxide layer.

Claims (6)

Verfahren zum Beschriften der Oberfläche eines metallischen, vorzugsweise hellen Werkstücks, insbesondere von Aluminiumblech, mit Hilfe eines Laser-Beschriftungsgeräts kleiner Leistung,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß beim Beschriften mit dem Laser-Beschriftungsgerät Bestandteile eines Zusatzstoffs durch den Laser thermisch aus dem Zusatzstoff herausgelöst werden, die in die Beschriftung eingebrannt werden.Process for marking the surface of a metallic, preferably light-colored workpiece, in particular aluminum sheet, with the aid of a laser marking device of low power,
characterized,
that components of an additive are thermally detached from the additive by the laser when being inscribed with the laser inscription device and are burned into the inscription. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Zusatzstoff beim Einbrennen verfärbt wird.Method according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the additive is discolored when baked. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß als Zusatzstoff ein Kunststoff verwendet wird.The method of claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that a plastic is used as an additive. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Zusatzstoff als Folie direkt auf der zu beschriftenden Fläche aufliegt.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized,
that the additive lies as a film directly on the surface to be labeled. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß eine transparente Folie verwendet wird.Method according to claim 4,
characterized,
that a transparent film is used. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4 oder 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß eine Selbstklebefolie oder eine Schutzfolie verwendet wird.Method according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized,
that a self-adhesive film or a protective film is used.
EP91115352A 1991-09-11 1991-09-11 Method for marking the surface of a workpiece with the help of a low-performance laser Withdrawn EP0531565A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP91115352A EP0531565A1 (en) 1991-09-11 1991-09-11 Method for marking the surface of a workpiece with the help of a low-performance laser

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP91115352A EP0531565A1 (en) 1991-09-11 1991-09-11 Method for marking the surface of a workpiece with the help of a low-performance laser

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0531565A1 true EP0531565A1 (en) 1993-03-17

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EP91115352A Withdrawn EP0531565A1 (en) 1991-09-11 1991-09-11 Method for marking the surface of a workpiece with the help of a low-performance laser

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4408927A1 (en) * 1994-03-16 1995-09-21 Licentia Gmbh Method of applying designs onto objects via thermography
US5653900A (en) * 1991-01-17 1997-08-05 United Distillers Plc Dynamic laser marking
WO2000005078A1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2000-02-03 Novartis Ag Method for marking a laminated film material
US6791592B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2004-09-14 Laserink Printing a code on a product
CH702440A1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2011-06-30 Bernina Int Ag Decoration foil for fixing on housing surfaces of devices, particularly sewing machines, has recesses for operating elements or for indicating marking zones in surroundings
US10583668B2 (en) 2018-08-07 2020-03-10 Markem-Imaje Corporation Symbol grouping and striping for wide field matrix laser marking

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2321748A1 (en) * 1975-08-18 1977-03-18 Siemens Ag PROCEDURE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A DIAL OR A PLATE
JPS60115490A (en) * 1983-11-29 1985-06-21 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Production of nameplate
JPS63176184A (en) * 1987-01-16 1988-07-20 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd Method for laser marking on surface of steel product
EP0345032A2 (en) * 1988-05-31 1989-12-06 Dainippon Ink And Chemicals, Inc. Method and composition for laser-marking
EP0190997B1 (en) * 1985-02-05 1991-10-09 Novartis AG Laser lettering on pigmented systems

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2321748A1 (en) * 1975-08-18 1977-03-18 Siemens Ag PROCEDURE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A DIAL OR A PLATE
JPS60115490A (en) * 1983-11-29 1985-06-21 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Production of nameplate
EP0190997B1 (en) * 1985-02-05 1991-10-09 Novartis AG Laser lettering on pigmented systems
JPS63176184A (en) * 1987-01-16 1988-07-20 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd Method for laser marking on surface of steel product
EP0345032A2 (en) * 1988-05-31 1989-12-06 Dainippon Ink And Chemicals, Inc. Method and composition for laser-marking

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 12, no. 442 (M-766)(3289) 21. November 1988 & JP-A-63 176 184 ( SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED ) 20. Juli 1988 *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 9, no. 272 (M-425)(1995) 30. Oktober 1985 & JP-A-60 115 490 ( MATSUSHITA DENKI SANGYO K.K. ) 21. Juni 1985 *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5653900A (en) * 1991-01-17 1997-08-05 United Distillers Plc Dynamic laser marking
DE4408927A1 (en) * 1994-03-16 1995-09-21 Licentia Gmbh Method of applying designs onto objects via thermography
WO2000005078A1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2000-02-03 Novartis Ag Method for marking a laminated film material
US6791592B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2004-09-14 Laserink Printing a code on a product
US6829000B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2004-12-07 Laserink Printing a code on a product
CH702440A1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2011-06-30 Bernina Int Ag Decoration foil for fixing on housing surfaces of devices, particularly sewing machines, has recesses for operating elements or for indicating marking zones in surroundings
US10583668B2 (en) 2018-08-07 2020-03-10 Markem-Imaje Corporation Symbol grouping and striping for wide field matrix laser marking

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