HIGH SPEED AND HIGH POWER LASER SCRIBING METHODS AND SYSTEMS

• US 20100176101A1
• Filed: 06/12/2008
• Published: 07/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RevoLaze LLC (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: RevoLaze LLC (Lear Corporation)
• Inventors: Costin, Kimberly L., Costin, Darryl J. JR., Costin, Darryl J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,921,732 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/121.690
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/082 Scanning systems, i.e. devices involving movement of the laser beam relative to the laser head
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 59/16 by wave energy or particle radiation , e.g. infrared heating B29C59/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41M 5/24 Ablative recording, e.g. by burning marks; Spark recording marking by high energetic means, e.g. by laser otherwise than burning or ablative removal B41M5/26; materials or methods for recording or reproduction by optical means G11B7/00
• CPC Class Codes: B41M 5/26 Thermography B41M5/20, B41M5/24 take precedence; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used B23K takes precedence; thermographic or photothermographic systems using noble metal compounds G03C1/494
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/228 by laser radiation
• CPC Class Codes: C03B 33/102 involving a focussed radiation beam, e.g. lasers
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 23/0025 by a laser beam

Abstract

A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.

Claims

1. A method of scribing a graphic on a material, comprising:

applying laser output to the material, where the laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and the laser output has a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material.

2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising storing the graphic, and wherein said applying the laser output comprises using information indicative of the stored graphic to set control information for the laser output.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the material comprises a product that is used in or for commercial or residential building interior or exterior components.

4. A method as in claim 3, wherein the building material comprises at least one of an exterior decking material, exterior playground material, and a home exterior material.

5. A method as in claim 3, wherein the building material comprises a composite building material made from multiple different materials.

6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the material comprises at least one of fiberglass reinforced plastic, coated steel, or wood composite board.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the material comprises a glass product.

8. A method as in claim 7, wherein the material comprises a window.

9. A method as in claim 7, wherein the material comprises a mirror.

10. A method as in claim 3, wherein the material comprises a flooring product.

11. A method as in claim 3, wherein the material comprises a ceiling tile product.

12. A method as in claim 3, wherein the material is a drywall product.

13. A method as in claim 1, wherein the material comprises a clear plastic material.

14. A method as in claim 1, wherein said applying comprises moving the laser output with a controllable mirror.

15. A method as in claim 14, wherein the controllable mirror comprises a beryllium substrate which is coated.

16. A method as in claim 1, wherein the power of the laser output is greater than 1000 W, and the controllable mirror is capable of moving the laser output at a speed greater than 20 m per second.

17. A method as in claim 1, wherein the power of the laser output is greater than 2000 W, and the controllable mirror is capable of moving the laser output at a speed greater than 30 m per second.

18. A method as in claim 1, wherein said applying comprises applying the laser output on the material over an area of 0.9 meter or greater.

19. A method as in claim 1, wherein said applying the laser output comprises applying the laser output to process a first part of the material, the laser output comprising a first laser output emitted from a first laser, and applying a different second laser output emitted from a second laser to process a different part of the material.

20. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a controller for changing the speed of movement of the laser output.

21. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a controller for changing the power of the laser output.

22. A method as in claim 1, wherein said applying comprises continually moving the laser output relative to the material.

23. A method as in claim 1, wherein said applying is performed according to parameters that form a pattern on the material without undesirably damaging the material.

24. A system for scribing a graphic on a material, comprising:

a laser operable at a high power output greater than 500 W; and

a mirror system for moving output of the laser at a speed greater than 10 m per second to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material.

25-41. -41. (canceled)