Method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation

A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation, comprising:

• receiving a product image by a computer, wherein the product image is to be reproduced on a workpiece by laser etching;
• generating, by the computer, a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, wherein the workpiece and a label are placed over a platform in a laser etching apparatus;
• moving a laser head to the workpiece by a transport mechanism;
• setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller;
• while scanning the laser head across the workpiece, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with the product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece;
• moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism;
• setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller;
• while scanning the laser head across the label, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label;
• and pairing the label with the workpiece to track the workpiece.