초록 ▼

A portion or component of a metal container is provided with markings or indicia using laser light. High-speed laser steering is used to position laser light or laser light pulses across a lateral and longitudinal extent in a relatively short time period such as a time period selected so as to avoid

A portion or component of a metal container is provided with markings or indicia using laser light. High-speed laser steering is used to position laser light or laser light pulses across a lateral and longitudinal extent in a relatively short time period such as a time period selected so as to avoid slowing, stopping or otherwise interfering with other container or container component production processes. Preferably, tab stock for container-opening tabs can be provided with 6 to 9 or more visible characters within a time window of 50 to 100 milliseconds or less. Preferably, the size and resolution provided by the pulses are sufficient to permit legible, and preferably attractive, formation of any standard typewriter characters. In one embodiment, other logos, designs, textures, backgrounds and similar features can be provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Apparatus for marking a portion of an aluminum container, comprising:means for outputting a laser beam, wherein said means for outputting defines a first aperture; means for moving at least said portion of said aluminum container past a marking station; and means for steering said laser beam in t

1. Apparatus for marking a portion of an aluminum container, comprising:means for outputting a laser beam, wherein said means for outputting defines a first aperture; means for moving at least said portion of said aluminum container past a marking station; and means for steering said laser beam in the region of said marking station to ablate aluminum, while said portion of said aluminum container is moving, so as to form at least nine characters on said portion of said aluminum container in less than about 100 milliseconds; wherein said means for steering steers said laser beam without moving said laser beam with said portion of said aluminum container, and without displacing said means for outputting a laser beam.