US 6,635,846 B1 · Selective laser compounding for vitrescent markings

Abstract

A laser such as a continuous wave Nd:Yag or carbon dioxide unit is configured for optimized virescence of a colorant carrier and an object placed in the path of the beam. The beam is steered via computer controlled motors attached to reflecting mirrors located in the path of the beam. Graphical characters and letters can be vitrified into the surface of objects which are placed in the working area of the beam by running computer software for controlling the beam steering mirrors. A laser with adequate vitrification power will then vitrify, or change to glass, the surface of clay-containing objects including the colorant carrier falling in the path of the laser beam. The width of the beam, temperature and moisture content of the clay-containing object, gaseous atmosphere at the work surface and speed of beam movement can be optimized to maximize the throughput of a laser marking system. Vitrification of porous non-vitrifiable objects is possible by adding clays to the carrier. The use of a sealed colorant package allows prepackaging colorants to be used eliminating the need for handling various pigments that can stain or are known carcinogenic.

Claims44

Dependent claims

A method for selective laser compounding of an object comprising the steps of:

providing a carrier effective for positioning at least one colorant adjacent to, but not in contact with, an object to be marked;
positioning said colorant in juxtaposed relation with a surface of said object to be marked;
providing a means for producing a continuous wave laser beam operating in a power range of about 50-250 watts, said means including a collimator and a lens;
setting of said collimator and lens to produce a laser beam;
configuring said laser beam to form lettering and graphical patterns of a desired image upon said carrier;
steering said laser beam over said carrier to trace said desired image;
and
vitrifying a localized portion of said carrier and underlying surface in accordance with said desired image;
wherein said surface of said object is altered to form a permanent mark including at least one colorant according to said desired image.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Selective laser compounding for vitrescent markings

Life of this patent

Selective laser compounding for vitrescent markings

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims44