on glass
Achieving clarity

CO2 lasers can make marks on a range of glass surfaces. Applications may be decorative, functional or technical. Fromdecoration of high-end glassware to subtle traceability codes on beverage bottles, our systems have applications in thepharmaceutical, automotive, cosmetic, beverage and tableware industries. Our IP66-rated laser markers are engineered
to withstand the harsh environments typically encountered in these industries. Cutting applications include laser cutting
the rims of wine glasses, tumblers and other drinking glasses.

Glass production line3FEEDER
FURNACEBOTTLE MOULDER

1COOLING FURNACEINSPECTION

2CARTON LASER MARKINGPACKAGING

COLD-END LASER MARKING

HOT-END LASER MARKING
RAW MATERIALS

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Case study:

Data Matrix marking
on hot glass bottles
Marking glass at high temperature (> 500˚C) induces no stress inthe material and minimises the risk of cracking. This means thatvery high-quality marks can be produced. Quality is critical whenmarking 2D Data Matrix codes, where any small defects may
compromise the readability of the code.
Luxinar lasers feature an inbuilt beam delivery system which has
been specially developed to produce the optimal beam quality
required for Data Matrix marking on glass.
A high quality, round beam working in conjunction with a 2D or
3D scanner generates a small spot and produces clear,
distinct dots. This results in a reliable code with excellent
readability.
A Data Matrix code is a two-dimensional barcode
consisting of a series of dots or modules arranged ineither a square or rectangular pattern, also known as amatrix. The information to be encoded can be text ornumeric data. Usual data size is from a few bytes up to1556 bytes. The length of the encoded data depends
on the number of cells in the matrix. A Data Matrix
symbol can store up to 2335 alphanumericcharacters.

Why are QR and 2D codes
important features inglass production?
These codes can include a unique identification mark foreach bottle, a date stamp, a production line number, oreven a tool number. There are several reasons why they
are applied on glass.
1. To lower the carbon footprint: glass is the most
eco-friendly kind of packaging; it can be re-used and recycled
many times over. An indelible and unique code, engraved at
the hot end stage of the glass production line, allows drinks
companies to monitor the number of times a glass bottle orcontainer has been re-used before being recycled
2. So drinks companies only pay when the bottles are filled:
glass bottle manufacturers deliver bottles on a consignment stockbasis (i.e. the bottles are not paid for; they remain the property of thesupplier but are stored and insured by the drinks companies). Whenthe bottles are withdrawn from stock, the drinks company pays for thebottle. The QR/Data Matrix code is then read and the information ID sent
to the supplier to invoice the bottle
3. The code can be used for real-time manufacturing: on each production line,
each tool can be identified within the code. Bottles are checked in real time on
the line and if a defect is identified, using the code printed on the bottle, the correct tool can be adjusted or shut down in order to correct the fault
4. Anti-counterfeiting: the tamper-proof code can be scanned and the datacompared to the data stored in a cloud database to ensure that the product sold is agenuine one, and that it meets all health and safety regulations

Traceability code 12/13 characters

Case study:logo marking on cold glass
CO2 lasers mark glass by making tiny cracks in the surface of the material. The rough texture thisproduces can mimic a sandblasted effect for decoration, or can serve a practical purpose – for example, alaser mark inside the base of a beer glass can keep the bubbles flowing, and the frothy head on your beer!
High quality decorative marking is possible; our lasers are used for cosmetics and perfume bottles as wellas drinking glasses and crystal glassware.
Marking parameters must be chosen with care to avoid ‘breakout’ – tiny cracks which appear around themark, spoiling its appearance.
In this case study, the glass was marked using a MULTISCAN VS.
On large diameter glasses, to compensate for the curvature of the glass, the bitmap logo can be compressed andthe glass rotated slowly during marking. Bitmap marking allows complex graphics and logos to be applied.
Note: A pulsed laser with high peak power is generally recommended for glass marking.

tableware glass cutting
Our lasers are routinely used in the production of glass tableware to cut therims of wine glasses and tumblers.
Cold cutting is done using a “crack off” process to remove the excess glass;the laser is used to thermally shock the glass, forcing it to break in acontrolled way. Although further grinding and polishing is required, thisprocess produces a rim with a characteristic profile, suitable for the highest
quality glassware products. Thanks to the quality of the cut with our lasers,
we drastically reduce the consumption of water and diamond tools.
As laser cutting is done without any physical contact with the glass, tool
wear is no longer an issue; productivity is improved as a result. Complex
glass shapes can be handled with ease, allowing designers more creative
freedom.

Photo courtesy of BBK

Case study:

MULTISCAN HE– 125W CO₂ laser marking system
Laser coding in harsh environments
The MULTISCAN HE has been specifically developed for use in harsh environments where liquids or dust may
be present. Its IP66 rating means that it can even work on production lines which must be regularly washeddown in order to comply with strict hygiene regulations.
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IP66 rating to withstand harsh environments (humidity, dust, water)
1.6m articulated arm for ease of siting
Remote keyboard and display
Static or on the fly marking
Alphanumeric text, data matrix codes and graphics can be marked
Flexible software allows intelligent data to be placed anywhere within the specific scan area
Various scan head and focusing lens combinations available

SR series – 80-250W sealed CO2 laser sources

A watertightlaser technology

Our SR series CO2 laser sources, SR 08s, SR 10i, SR 15i and SR 25i, are all IP66 rated to ensure ahigh level of protection against water and dust ingress. This, together with the reliability that ourcustomers have come to expect from Luxinar, guarantees a watertight laser technology.
• IP66 rating• Wavelengths 10.6µm, 10.25µm, 9.3µm• Integrated and field replaceable RF power supplies• Compact, lightweight laser source• Simple diagnostics• Minimum shipment power 20% higher than rated power
The simple control interface and compact mechanical design of the units allow easy integration into laser-based processing machines used for cutting, marking,perforating and drilling, among others. Throughput, economy, flexibility and reliability are the main features associated with the SR series of CO2 laser sources.

Applications laboratories
Could a CO2 laser be used to enhance your glass production process? We can help you to find out by testing samples ofyour product.
Our applications lab facilities are open to both new and existing customers and OEMs. Our laboratories are well equippedto carry out a range of processes, including marking on both hot and cold glass.
We offer rapid sample turnaround times, detailed application reports, and complimentary advice from our experienced
applications engineers.
We carry out application tests using your actual product samples. Guided by your objectives, we will try to replicate theconditions of your application as closely as possible in the lab.
Upon completion, you will receive a detailed report outlining our findings, along with some laser-processed samples foryour evaluation. Most application tests can be completed within 10 days.
Whatever your process, we can help you to find the best laser for your application.

Contact us on https://www.luxinar.com/contact/ or info@luxinar.com

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