Novanta Photonics

Marking Glass with a Laser

A clean and flexible alternative to marking glass

CO2 laser marking and coding advantages

CO2 laser systems are used to apply permanent marks and codes to a variety of glass types, including high performance glass used in electronics, scientific applications, architectural glass, and glassware for food and beverages. Graphical marks, patterns, alpha/numeric codes, expiration dates, barcodes, and UPC codes can all be applied to glass with a laser. This non-contact marking and coding process is quickly gaining popularity since it alleviates concerns for cracks or stress caused by mechanical processes, and laser applied marks and codes are permanent.

 

Laser marking and coding yields additional operational advantages:

 

  • Improves worker safety, no glass fragments or silicon carbide residue
  • Clean process with no consumables
  • Highly repeatable results
  • On-The-Fly mark, code and pattern changes with no tooling changes
  • Flexible, digitally controlled system
  • Faster change-overs

 

Precisely controlling the laser system is critical for ensuring a consistent results that will protect glass integrity. Marks are likewise controlled to offer the desired consistent finish without chipping or flaking.

 

Glass types, including borosilicate, quartz, and soda lime can be marked with a CO2 laser system. The choice of laser will depend on the material and desired application results, but pulsed and ultrashort pulsed lasers are increasing in popularity to ensure proper edge effects, consistent mark contrast, and minimize heat impact. Beam delivery can include scan heads for high-speed marking or cut heads to produce smaller spot sizes in cutting.

 

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Laser Marking Glass

Watch this short video to learn more about marking glass with a CO2 laser.


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New Laser Processing Sub-System

Novanta offers unique, configurable laser processing sub-system packages for OEMs and system integrators. These sub-system packages are out-of-the box ready for installation into laser processing systems and processing lines and easily adapted for marking and coding applications. Learn more here.


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Why Use Lasers For Manufacturing

Lasers are a unique manufacturing tool, offering advantages that other processes simply cannot match. Industrial CO2 lasers have been used for a variety of applications. However, the mystery remains on the benefits and limitations of this equipment. And most importantly: how do I know if laser processing is the right choice for my needs? Learn More.


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