Laser marking by transferring marking material from carrier to surface includes second radiation phase to attach material to surface

摘要

Marking is placed on a target surface (2) by transferring marking material (4) from a carrier (5) by a scanning laser beam (3). The laser beam then also combines the marking material with the target surface (2) in a conversion phase by operating at a higher intensity. The two phases can follow each other at each element (ME) or in successive treatments of the whole surface. An Independent claim is also included for a marking device incorporating marking material (4) on a carrier (5) and a laser (7) with a focussing and scanning arrangement (12, 13, 17) that can be switched (11) between a transfer and conversion mode. The carrier (5) can have the marking material facing the target surface (2) or it can have a series of recesses with marking material facing away from the target (2) to give better definition.