APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WRITING A PATTERN IN A SUBSTRATE

摘要

A method and apparatus are described for forming a pattern including one or more markings on a substrate. The method includes the step of forming each marking by locally heating the substrate, for example using a fibre laser. A step is also performed of monitoring the temperature of the substrate, e.g. using a temperature sensor, whilst each marking is being formed. The method may be used to form a magnetic encoder scale on a stainless steel substrate having a high content of martensitic material. The local heating causes the martensitic material to be transformed into austenitic material. An encoder scale made using the method is also described.

主权项

1. A method for forming a pattern comprising one or more markings on a substrate, the method comprising the step of forming each marking by locally heating the substrate, wherein the method comprises the step of monitoring the temperature of the substrate whilst each marking is being formed.