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Application of UV laser marking machine on glass

Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-05-19 Origin: Site

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UV laser marking technology is a rapidly developing marking method in recent years. It uses short-wavelength, high-energy UV laser beams to accurately mark and etch materials. Compared with traditional laser technology, UV lasers have higher absorption rates and can achieve clear and detailed patterns and logos on a large number of materials, especially for some optically sensitive or heat-sensitive materials such as plastics, glass and ceramics. This technology has excellent marking quality and durability, and is widely used in many fields such as product anti-counterfeiting, barcodes, QR codes, artworks and decorative design.

Application of UV laser marking machine on glass

Glass materials are widely used in many industries such as construction, automobiles, electronic products and daily necessities due to their unique optical properties, corrosion resistance and beautiful appearance. Especially in the fields of consumer goods and high-tech, the demand for glass products is increasing. However, the brittleness and fragility of glass materials also bring challenges to processing, which makes it particularly important to choose the right marking technology.

This article aims to explore the application of UV laser marking technology on glass materials and its technical advantages, analyze the market demand for high-precision marking and the industry changes brought about by this technology. Through the analysis of the application examples of UV laser marking machines in the glass industry, this article hopes to provide a reference for related companies, help them innovate in product identification, personalized design and anti-counterfeiting technology, and guide the industry towards higher standards and sustainable development.

Basic Principles of UV Laser Marking Machine

1. Definition and characteristics of UV laser

UV laser is a laser with a wavelength range of 10 to 400 nanometers, which is mainly divided into three categories: ultraviolet (UVA), true ultraviolet (UVC) and near ultraviolet (NUV). Among many laser technologies, UV laser has extremely high energy density and excellent material absorption rate due to its short wavelength characteristics, which is especially suitable for those light-sensitive or heat-sensitive materials such as glass, plastic and coating. UV laser can achieve delicate marking effects, including high-resolution text, patterns and barcodes, and the heat-affected zone generated during marking is smaller, which can effectively avoid deformation and damage of materials.

2. Physical principles in the marking process

During the UV laser marking process, the laser beam is focused onto the glass surface through an optical system. When the laser beam is irradiated to the material, the molecules in the material absorb the laser energy and photolysis occurs. In this process, the molecular structure is cut, ablated or evaporated, forming a permanent mark or pattern on the glass surface. Due to the high energy and short wavelength of UV laser, it can accurately control the depth and width of the mark, and realize complex and delicate pattern transfer. In addition, UV laser does not generate too much heat during the marking process, which reduces the impact of thermal effects on glass materials and ensures the marking quality.

3. Comparison with other laser marking technologies

Compared with other common laser marking technologies (such as CO2 laser and fiber laser), UV laser has the following advantages:

● Small thermal impact: Due to its shorter wavelength, UV laser can complete the marking of materials in a shorter time, reduce heat conduction, and avoid thermal damage to sensitive materials during the marking process.

● High precision: UV laser marking machine can achieve more delicate marking effects, suitable for high-resolution and microstructure applications, especially for glass products with high optical requirements.

● Material diversity: UV laser is suitable for marking a variety of materials (not limited to glass, but also plastics, metals, etc.), while CO2 laser is mainly suitable for non-metallic materials, and fiber laser is more suitable for metal surface processing.

● Environmental protection: No chemical substances are used in the UV laser marking process, which is more environmentally friendly and safer than traditional methods such as chemical corrosion or inkjet marking.

In general, UV laser marking machines are gradually becoming an ideal choice for marking in the glass industry with their unique technical advantages, providing efficient and precise solutions for various application scenarios.

Characteristics and Challenges of Glass Materials

1. Physical and chemical properties of glass

Glass is an amorphous solid, usually composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as the main component, and other oxides, such as aluminum, sodium, calcium, etc., can be added to improve its properties. The physical and chemical properties of glass mainly include:

High transparency: Glass has high transmittance to visible light, making it suitable for optical applications and decorative designs.

Good chemical stability: Glass has high corrosion resistance to most acid and alkali solutions, but certain dissolution will occur in alkaline environments.

Brittleness and Fragility: While glass excels in terms of compressive strength, its brittleness makes it prone to cracking when subjected to impact or stress.

Low thermal expansion coefficient: The thermal expansion coefficient of glass is low, so it can withstand temperature changes within a certain range, but excessive temperature changes may still cause stress concentration and cause rupture.

2. Common glass types

There are many types of glass, and different types of glass have significant differences in performance and application. Here are a few common glass types:

Float glass: Flat glass made by floating molten glass on top of molten tin, widely used in the construction and automotive industries.

Tempered glass: Glass that has been heated and rapidly cooled. It has higher strength and heat resistance than ordinary glass. It is often used in safety glass and architectural decoration.

Laminated glass: Made of two or more pieces of glass laminated with plastic film, it has good impact resistance and UV protection and is used in automobile and building windows.

Zircon glass: Adding zirconium element to the glass has high high temperature resistance and is suitable for higher-level applications.

Optical glass: Special glass used to manufacture optical equipment, with extremely high light transmittance and imaging quality.

3. Challenges you may encounter during the marking process

The challenges faced by the glass marking process mainly include:

Risk of breakage: Due to the brittleness of the glass material, stress may occur due to overheating or concentrated energy of the laser during laser marking, causing the material to break. This requires marking technology that can accurately control laser power, focus and marking speed to reduce the risk of breakage.

Discoloration issues: In some cases, laser marking can cause discoloration of the glass surface, especially when marking at high intensity for a long time. Selecting the appropriate laser parameters and frequency can help reduce discoloration.

Edge microcracks: During the laser marking process, blades and cracks may form on the glass surface, requiring special attention to cooling and laser energy control in the marked area.

Clarity: Laser etching may cause tiny depressions or impurities on the glass surface, which affects the clarity of the marking. This requires that the glass be treated before marking to ensure a smooth, dust-free surface.

In summary, although the unique physical and chemical properties of glass make it widely used in many fields, there are still various challenges that need to be overcome during the marking process to ensure marking quality and overall product performance. When selecting a marking technology, these characteristics and challenges need to be fully considered to achieve the best processing results.

Application of UV Laser Marking on Glass

UV laser marking machines are becoming more and more popular in glass marking applications due to their high precision and low thermal impact characteristics. Compared with traditional marking methods, UV laser marking has better clarity and detail, and is particularly suitable for various types of marking on glass materials. The following are several major applications of UV laser marking on glass:

1. Identification and coding

● Product traceability

UV laser marking machines can accurately mark production date, batch number, serial number and other information on the glass surface. This type of identification allows companies to be more efficient in product traceability, ensure product quality and safety, and facilitate monitoring and management.

● Barcode and QR code marking

Ultraviolet laser marking machines can be used to mark barcodes and QR codes on glass to achieve automatic information reading. This method is widely used in fields such as red wine bottles, cosmetics and electronic products to improve product management efficiency and market circulation capabilities.

2. Decorative marking

● Personalized design of artworks and household items

UV laser marking technology can perform fine pattern and text design on the glass surface, thereby providing unique personalized customization services. This technology is often used to customize cups, lamps, decorative bottles and other artworks to attract consumers.

● Anti-counterfeiting label

By marking the glass surface with unique anti-counterfeiting textures, patterns or information, the product can be effectively anti-counterfeited. Especially in high-end goods, such as branded wines and luxury goods, the application of anti-counterfeiting labels can improve the credibility of the brand and prevent the influx of counterfeit and inferior products.

3. Functional marking

● Anti-slip function provided by laser etching

Certain products, such as high-foot glasses or other glass products that need to be used by hand, can be etched with anti-slip patterns by UV laser. Such a design not only improves the safety of use, but also increases the aesthetics of the product.

● Pattern and text marking on touch screens and displays

On glass touch screens and displays in electronic devices, UV laser marking can be used to mark icons, trademarks, text and other information. This method has high clarity and high integration on the smooth glass surface, ensuring the readability and durability of the information in various environments.

The application of UV laser marking machine on glass is highly valued. Whether it is in identification and coding, decorative marking, or functional marking, it has shown great potential and flexibility. Click here to contact Suntop Laser now for more information.

Technical Advantages of UV Laser Marker

As an important part of modern laser marking technology, UV laser marking machine has many significant technical advantages.

1. High-precision marking

UV laser marking machines use short-wavelength lasers (usually 355nm), which can achieve high-resolution marking effects. Its laser beam has a small diameter and can reach the micron level, thus supporting the marking of detailed patterns and text, ensuring that the marking effect is clear, sharp and not easy to wear.

2. Low thermal impact

During the UV laser marking process, the laser energy is quickly absorbed by the material and almost no heat is generated. This feature avoids the common heat-affected zone problems of traditional laser or other thermal processing methods, ensuring that the physical properties and appearance of the sample are intact. It is especially suitable for materials that are easily affected by heat, such as glass, plastics and films.

3. Wide applicability

UV laser marking machines are suitable for a variety of materials, including but not limited to glass, plastics, metals, ceramics and composite materials. This allows it to have application potential in multiple industries (such as electronics, automobiles, medical, daily necessities, and luxury goods) to meet the needs of different customers.

4. Automation and flexibility

Modern UV laser marking machines are usually equipped with computer control systems, allowing users to quickly adjust the marking scheme according to specific needs. It supports mass production and can also flexibly respond to small batch personalized customization needs to adapt to the rapidly changing market.

5. Environmental advantages

UV laser marking uses non-contact processing and does not require the use of inks or chemical solvents, reducing environmental pollution and health threats to operators. In addition, no harmful gases or waste are produced during the laser marking process, helping companies meet environmental standards.

6. Strong durability

After marking, the markings formed by the UV laser are very wear-resistant and will not easily peel, fade or corrode. Even under harsh environmental conditions (such as high temperature, humidity, chemical corrosion, etc.), the durability of marking remains good and can meet application scenarios with high durability requirements.

7. High efficiency

UV laser marking machines have fast processing speeds and can achieve efficient production operations. Compared with traditional marking methods, UV laser marking can significantly improve production efficiency, shorten production time, and reduce unit costs.

With its technical advantages such as high precision, low thermal impact, wide applicability, automation, environmental protection advantages, durability and high efficiency, UV laser marking machines have become an indispensable and important tool in the field of modern manufacturing and personalized customization. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today to learn more.

Specific Application Cases

Laser marking technology has been widely used in glass processing. Here are some specific application cases:

1. Electronic product identification

In the consumer electronics industry, UV laser marking technology is used to mark brand logos, model information and serial numbers on the glass shells of mobile phones, tablets and smart devices, especially. This method ensures that the marking is durable and will not fade due to use and wear.

2. Medical devices

In medical devices, many instruments and equipment are made of glass for the shell or components. Through laser marking, clear qualified logos, instructions for use or production dates can be marked on these products to ensure product traceability and safety. Common applications include engraving of medicine bottles and syringes.

3. Personalized customized products

In the mid-to-high-end gift market, customized products are becoming increasingly popular. UV laser marking can achieve personalized patterns and texts on glass cups, wine bottles, lighting fixtures, etc. Consumers can customize gifts according to their preferences, which increases the added value of the products.

4. Home decoration

In the field of home decoration, glass products such as photo frames, art glass, lamps and bathroom glass can be made into complex decorative patterns and artistic patterns through laser marking. This not only improves the aesthetics of the product, but also increases market competitiveness.

5. Security labels and QR codes

On some products that require high security (such as luxury goods and special food packaging), QR codes and anti-counterfeiting labels are printed on glass bottles or packaging through laser marking technology. This allows consumers to verify the authenticity of the product and other related information by scanning the QR code, improving the safety of the product.

6. Automotive glass

In the automobile manufacturing process, laser marking technology can be used to identify the manufacturing information, qualification certificates and safety logos of automotive glass. This wear-resistant and non-fading marking method can ensure that it is clearly visible at any time without affecting the beauty of the glass.

7. Artworks

In artistic glass products, many artists use laser marking technology to create unique designs and patterns on glass to complete their artistic creations. This method allows artworks to show high-definition details and complexity on the glass surface.

8. Beverages and packaging

Laser marking technology can be used to print brand names, wine information, and exquisite patterns on glass bottles of beer, wine, and other beverages. This marking method is wear-resistant and environmentally friendly, and can meet the high requirements of the modern beverage industry for packaging design and environmental protection.

The application scenarios of laser marking technology in glass processing are rich and diverse, involving multiple fields. Its high precision, durability, and environmental protection characteristics can meet the market's demand for personalization, specialization, and high quality, and promote the innovation and development of glass products. Click here to contact Suntop Laser now for a free laser marking test.

Future Development Direction

The future development direction of laser marking technology is mainly affected by many factors such as technological innovation, sustainable development requirements and changes in market demand. The following is a specific analysis of these development directions:

1. Direction of technological innovation

a. Higher frequency laser

With the advancement of laser source technology, higher frequency lasers (such as ultrashort pulse lasers, laser frequency conversion technology, etc.) will become an important direction for future development. This technological advancement can bring higher marking accuracy, smaller heat-affected zones and more delicate processing effects, and is suitable for more materials, especially fragile, flexible or other special materials.

b. Multi-wavelength laser source

In the future, laser sources with multiple wavelengths may be developed, which can be flexibly switched according to different materials and applications to improve the scope and efficiency of marking. This will be particularly helpful in achieving the demand for fine marking of multiple materials.

c. Automation and intelligence

Laser marking equipment will be increasingly integrated with automated production lines and intelligent manufacturing systems to improve production efficiency and accuracy. The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies can optimize production processes, realize intelligent adjustment and fault prediction, and further improve production efficiency.

2. The industry's emphasis on sustainable development and green manufacturing

As the world pays more attention to environmental protection and sustainable development:

a. Application of environmentally friendly materials

In the future, the laser marking industry will pay more attention to the use of environmentally friendly materials and reduce the impact on the environment. Solvent-free and chemical-free laser marking technology is the embodiment of this trend.

b. Resource conservation and efficient utilization

Improving production efficiency and increasing material utilization will be important goals in the future. Through the precise processing of laser marking technology, waste and defective rates can be reduced, thereby achieving efficient utilization of resources.

c. Promotion of circular economy

In the process of expanding the recycling of materials, the industry will pay more attention to laser marking technology. It can provide identification for recyclable and recycled materials, facilitate subsequent processing and classification, and help achieve a circular economy.

3. The impact of changes in market demand on laser marking technology

a. Personalization and customization needs

With the diversification of the consumer market and the increase in personalized customization needs, laser marking technology will usher in a broad market space. Users want to see personalized designs and high-quality logos on products. The flexibility of laser marking technology makes it an ideal choice to meet these needs.

b. The rise of emerging markets

As the demand for automation and efficient manufacturing in developing countries and emerging markets continues to rise, laser marking technology will be widely promoted. In industries such as medical, electronics, and packaging, companies are beginning to pay attention to the advancement and high precision of laser marking.

c. Improvement of quality and safety standards

As industry standards and consumer expectations improve, laser marking needs to adapt to higher quality and safety standards. This will promote continuous upgrading and innovation of technology to ensure the clarity, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of product logos.

In the future, the development of laser marking technology will focus on more efficient and flexible processing capabilities, as well as adaptation to sustainable development and market changes. Technological innovation, intelligence, and enhanced environmental awareness will lead the laser marking industry to a more efficient, sophisticated, and green direction.

Summarize

UV laser marking machines have broad application prospects on glass, thanks to their high precision, contactless processing and strong adaptability. Using UV lasers for glass marking can not only achieve detailed and clear patterns and texts, but also effectively reduce thermal effects and prevent material deformation or breakage. It is suitable for use in multiple industries such as electronics, medical and high-end consumer goods. With the continuous advancement of technology, UV laser marking will gradually replace traditional identification methods and become the preferred means of glass marking.

The revelation to the development of the industry is that companies should continue to pay attention to the innovation and application of laser technology and actively explore new production models that combine environmental protection and sustainable development. At the same time, in the face of personalized market demand, the flexibility and customizability of laser marking technology will promote the further development of the industry. By improving production efficiency and quality standards, companies can not only gain an advantage in market competition, but also promote the entire industry to a higher level.