SYNRAD, INC. - http://www.synrad.com  
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Issue 88

SYNRAD's sealed CO₂ lasers are used in a variety of industrial processes including cutting, welding, drilling, and marking. This news brief showcases some of the interesting materials and products that are processed daily by Synrad's line of CO₂ lasers and marking heads.

Marking 2D Codes Using the WinMark Pro Circle  Tool

Photo 1




Photo 2


Photo 3
 

The most common method of marking 2D Data Matrix codes is to raster fill each cell, by steering the laser beam top to bottom, left to right across the substrate. This method works very well until the 2D Code is reduced to fit tighter spaces, such as on high-density circuit boards. When code size becomes smaller, the diameter of the focused beam fills a larger percentage of the cell so that marked cells grow proportionately larger than unmarked cells. This effect is shown in Photo 1. Although the code may read properly when scanned, the AIM* grade will fail.

 

To solve this issue, WinMark Pro provides the ability to create 2D barcode cells by drawing an unfilled vector circle. The advantage of this “circle” tool is that the circle radius can be adjusted from 100% down to 1% of the cell's size. Decreasing the circle radius compensates for the diameter of the laser beam at the point of focus.

 

To use the “circle” tool, create a 2D code on WinMark Pro’s drawing canvas and then click the Format tab. Find the 2D Barcode Bitmap property and change the property value to “No”. Another property, 2D Barcode Circle Radius appears. Photo 2 shows the original code marked with a default circle radius of 100%.

 

To achieve optimum results in this particular barcode application, we further reduced the barcode circle radius to 75% as shown in Photo 3.

In addition to the normal marking adjustments such as Power, Velocity, Resolution, etc., 2D Barcode Bitmap and 2D Barcode Circle Radius properties allow you to 'dial in' marking parameters to obtain consistent marking and verification results. Another important benefit is that “circle” barcodes mark much faster, often reducing cycle times by 30 to 40%.

Cutting Fabrics

Fabric cutting is another great application for Synrad’s sealed CO₂ lasers. The ability to cut at high speeds and obtain cleanly cut, sealed edges is a major advantage over older, mechanical cutting technologies and non-contact cutting means that the laser’s “light knife” is always sharp and never needs replacing.

Marking 2D Data Matrix Codes in Rubber

Engraved mark made with ~15W at 10”/sec



This contrasting mark was achieved with ~5 watts at a speed of 15”/sec.

Information-dense 2-D matrix codes are becoming a popular means of product identification, and Synrad’s FH-Series “Index” Marking Head paired with a CO₂ laser is a fast, permanent means of applying them to a variety of materials. 

This application required marking the 2D codes on rubber. Rubber is extremely absorbing of CO₂ radiation, and certain compounds result in a white contrast. This effect is generally enhanced when the rubber is colored. 

Some types of rubber do not result in contrasting marks, but an engraved code can be made instead.  Additionally, with suitable lighting, the code can be read using a vision system.

Browse Synrad's Applications Database

Search our online library for more applications of Synrad's sealed CO₂ laser technology. Sort by material, process, or industry.

http://www.synrad.com/search_apps/Default.htm

Do you have an interesting application using Synrad Lasers?  Would you like to see it published in the Synrad Newsletter?  We would love to hear from you!  Please send your story ideas to: editor@synrad.com

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Copyright (c) 2004 SYNRAD, Inc. All rights reserved.