High speed and high power laser scribing methods and systems
A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.
1. A system for scribing a graphic on a material, comprising:
a laser operable at a power output of at least 500 W;
a mirror system for moving output of the laser at a speed of at least 10 m/s to scribe the graphic on a surface of the material; and
a controller having a processing power of at least 10,000 pixels per second.
2. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured for storing information indicative of the graphics to set control information for the laser.
3. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the controller speed is variable as a function of power change width.
4. A system as in claim 3 , wherein the material comprises a flooring product.
5. A system as in claim 3 , wherein the material comprises a ceiling tile product.
6. A system as in claim 3 wherein the material comprises a drywall product.
7. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a glass product.
8. A system as in claim 7 , wherein the material comprises a window.
9. A system as in claim 7 , wherein the material comprises a mirror.
10. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a clear plastic material.
11. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the mirror system comprises a beryllium substrate that is coated.
12. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the power output of the laser is at least 1000 W, and the mirror system is capable of moving the laser output at a speed of at least 20 m/s.
13. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the power output of the laser is at least 2000 W, and the mirror system is capable of moving the laser output at a speed of at least 30 m/s.
14. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured for changing the speed of movement of the laser.
15. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured for changing the power output of the laser.