Laser Marking Services Near Horsham of 2D data matrix codes onto Acrylic sheet – Thermofisher
In this case study we visit our customer Thermo Fisher Scientific. For this customer we did laser marking of medical devices. In this case the laser marking of 2D Matrix codes onto thin black sheet acrylic. The laser marking of medical grade acrylic is an industry standard and in this particular case study you can see repeatability of the laser marking. In order to maintain the smallest process area, the human readable was split onto either side of the code, as seen in the picture. The customer then punches out the code into an end cap which is ultrasonically welded onto the end of the vial.
We were able to use an Nd:YAG laser process in a single mode set up, which allows us to create very small matrix codes.
The acrylic material has been designed to be laser receptive. The multi layer material, exposes the inner layer white colour once the upper layer is removed using the laser marking process.
Laser marking of 2D Matrix codes, in this case, was done on our inhouse flash lamp Nd:YAG laser system with a f-180 F-theta lens, the marking process was normally about a minute to process, but this could be vastly improved on the newer Fiber lasers, with just as much contrast as on the older Nd:YAG system.
The codes shown are 10 character codes at 2.25 mm square. The part also has human readable characters. The product is laser marked in one pass without the addition of an outline afterwards as due to the beam width it causes the ratio between the black and white cells to overlap, therefore reducing the verification grade from an “A” Grade to a “C” Grade.
With this particular requirement, accuracy was a key part of the process, as after the laser marking., there are down stream processes which require the 2D Matric code to be accurately position in relation to the mounting holes, otherwise codes could be ‘trimmed’ in the wrong place. The jigging used was in a 2 stage approx. Firstly the Acrylic sheet had holes punched using one jigg. Then placed over positioning pins to locate the sheet in the same place every time in relation to the laser marking. These marks are repeatable to a greater accuracy than 0.05mm.
These vials are used in a variety of different sectors, but mainly medical sectors. For more indepth information and to view all other offering at the customer please visit Thermo Fisher Scientific – Products
If you would like further information on our Laser Marking Services near Horsham capabilities or anywhere else in the country. Please either visit our Case Studies page, request a call back or talk to one of our laser marking specialists by going to our contact page – link below.
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