Logo marking of glass and jars

In cooperation with a Czech integrator, we designed a solution for a major Slovak glass company for marking glass and glasses with logos and other motifs. Part of the assignment was to test marking in several types of glasses, including marking in the foot of the glass. The new laser marker is to replace the existing CO2 laser marking system. The customer expects higher quality marking without damaging the glass surface.

The Coherent PowerLine E8 QT UV laser in the following configuration was chosen for the project:

The Coherent PowerLineE 8 QT is a compact, air-cooled Class IV subsystem designed for easy integration, operational reliability and fast field service. In addition to the laser and scanning optics, it also includes an integrated power sensor, mechanical safety shutter and a visible positioning laser. The system components are housed in a sealed enclosure that uses filtered, recirculated air to minimize external contamination. If service is required, various system components such as the power sensor, cleaning unit, moisture sensors and scanning optics can be replaced in the field without exposing other system components to contamination. This allows most servicing to be performed on-site at the customer's site.

Key advantages

• Powerful UV laser marker (7 W @ 45 kHz on workpiece)
• Efficient air cooling
• Integrated power sensor, mechanical safety shutter and positioning laser
• Air recycling and filtration for long life of UV components

Conclusion

The better absorption of 355 nm UV light makes the UV laser more suitable for glass marking than the CO2 laser. Due to the better absorption, there is no thermal stress to the material in the glass, minimizing the risk of surface damage. Thanks to its fast pulses, the UV laser makes it possible to create fine details in the glass and get the job done faster.