Laser bonding
Laser bonding is a marking technique that uses lasers to bond an additive marking substance to a substrate.
First invented in the mid 1990s by Paul W. Harrison, the founder of TherMark LLC, this technology[1] produces permanent marks on metals, glass, ceramic and plastic parts for a diverse range of industrial and artistic applications, ranging from aerospace and medical to the awards and engraving industries. It differs from the more widely known techniques of laser engraving and laser ablation in that it is an additive process, adding material to the substrate surface instead of removing it.
Laser bonding has been achieved by Nd:YAG, CO2 laser, Fiber laser and Diode-pumped solid-state laser and can be accomplished using other forms of radiant energy.
Laser bonding technology was licensed by TherMark LLC to Ferro Corporation in 2004 as part of a settlement to long-standing litigation.[citation needed]
The laser bonding process
Mark quality depends on a variety of factors, including the substrate used, marking speed, laser spot size, beam overlap, materials thickness, and laser parameters. Laser bonding materials may be applied by various methods, including a brush on technique, spraying, pad printing, screen printing, roll coating, tape, and others.
The marking process generally comprises three steps:
1. Application of the marking material.
2. Irradiating the marking material with a laser in the form of the desired mark.
3. Removal of excess, unbonded material.
The resulting marking is permanently bonded to the substrate, and in most cases it is as durable as the substrate itself.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ Patents US 6075223, "High contrast surface marking", US 6238847, "Laser marking method and apparatus", US 6313436, "High contrast surface marking using metal oxides", US 6855910, "High contrast surface marking using mixed organic pigments", and EP 1023184, "Laser Marking Method".
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
