Software cracks data matrix codes in glass
A
Laser Lines (Industrial and Medical) product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jun 17, 2003
The need to add data matrix codes to products manufactured from glass can be very challenging.
The need to add data matrix codes to products manufactured from glass can be very challenging.
The results obtained with CO2 lasers can be disappointing because of a lack of understanding of the fracturing process that occurs during marking.
However, research by Synrad has lead to a better understanding of the variables that influence the fracturing of glass during marking, allowing the development of methods for engraving glass with a CO2 laser.
Excessive energy input leads to increased heating, and fracture.
In some cases the glass debonds in the form of chips.
These chips are obviously undesirable, creating a safety hazard in handling the glass, and the loose debris may potentially fall into other components.
While the fractures are generated locally, they may propagate throughout the mark, sometimes over the period of a few days.
Using packets of spaced laser energy produces a fracture that "freezes" locally in the glass substrate.
This concept can be exploited to mark data matrix codes in glass with a CO2 laser.
Each individual cell can be made from a single or multiple spot.
The code above has been produced with a single spot representing a cell.
This has two effects, the code has no through fracturing, and its size is small.
Using individual spots for a cell can produce cell sizes down to 100-150um.
This idea can be seen more clearly with a magnified image, here the individual cells are seen.
The fracturing is contained within the spot, and does not spread to the adjacent cell.
The spacing between cells must be a compromise between preventing fracture spread and maintaining code integrity.
The close up of the fractured dots shows the fracture throughout the entire circle, there is another method of producing a mark, essentially using ring fracture.
This method tends to be more robust to fracture spread, particularly the slow creep fracture that occurs days after the mark.
Synrad's laser marking software allows users to precisely control energy input to the glass substrate.
This development should enable manufacturers of glass products to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by CO2 laser marking.
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