U.S. patent application number 11/345424 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for glass masking method using lasers.
Invention is credited to James E. Larsen.
Application Number | 20060127612 11/345424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32654163 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060127612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larsen; James E. |
June 15, 2006 |
Glass masking method using lasers
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for masking glazing panels while leaving a
peripheral region free of masking material. The method can include
providing a masking material and applying the masking material to
at least one major surface of the glazing panel. The glazing panel
can be either a single glass pane or a multi-pane insulating glass
unit. After application to at least one major surface, a laser can
be used to describe a closed path on the major surface, thereby
cutting or scoring the masking material through to the glass major
surface. The path demarcates a central, masked region from a
peripheral masked region of the glazing panel. In one method, the
laser cuts a muntin bar pattern having several central regions. The
laser power can be selected and/or adjusted such that the masking
material is burned through, without damage to the underlying glass
material and any coatings on the glass material. After cutting
through the masking material to define the peripheral masked
region, the peripheral masked region can be peeled or stripped off
from the masked glazing panel. The remaining panel thus has a
protective mask about the central region while leaving the
peripheral region unprotected. The resultant masked glazing panel
may be assembled into a window unit by mounting window frame
members about the four sides of the glazing panel. The window frame
members may thus have a tight and durable fit directly to the glass
in the peripheral region, while the central region of the glazing
panel remains protected by the masking material.
Inventors: |
Larsen; James E.; (Waconia,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
32654163 |
Appl. No.: |
11/345424 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10248257 |
Dec 31, 2002 |
7026571 |
|
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11345424 |
Feb 1, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 63/0056 20130101;
Y10T 156/1052 20150115; B29C 63/02 20130101; B29L 2031/7782
20130101; B32B 38/105 20130101; B32B 37/226 20130101; E06B 3/685
20130101; Y10T 156/108 20150115; C03C 23/0025 20130101; B32B
2315/08 20130101; B23K 26/0661 20130101; C03C 2218/34 20130101;
B32B 27/36 20130101; B32B 17/10018 20130101; B29C 2793/009
20130101; B32B 2310/0843 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/034 |
International
Class: |
E06B 3/24 20060101
E06B003/24 |
Claims
1.-18. (canceled)
19. A glazing subassembly, comprising: a glass panel including a
central region disposed within a peripheral region; and a masking
material covering the central region and including a plurality of
closed paths formed by cuts therethrough.
20. The subassembly of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of
closed paths encloses a separate sub-region, the sub-regions space
apart from one another.
21. The subassembly of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of
closed paths form a rectangular shape.
22. The subassembly of claim 19, wherein one of the plurality of
closed paths surrounds a remainder of the plurality of closed
paths.
23. A glazing subassembly, comprising: a glass panel including a
central region disposed within a peripheral region; and a plurality
of masked sub-regions disposed within the central region and spaced
apart from one another.
24. The subassembly of claim 23, further comprising a muntin bar
disposed over the central region and extending between at least two
of the plurality of masked sub-regions.
25. The subassembly of claim 23, wherein the sub-regions have a
rectangular shape.
26. The subassembly of claim 23, further comprising a frame holding
the peripheral region of the glass panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to glass windows and
doors. More specifically, the present invention relates to
preparing glass panels for insertion into window frames. The
present invention includes methods for protecting or masking glass
panes to be disposed within window frames, while leaving the
peripheral region free to be better sealed within a frame.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Glazing panels are often mounted within frames such as
window frames. The glazing panels can be single glass panes or
multi-pane, insulating glass units. The window panes typically have
first and second major surfaces with peripheral edges about the
major surfaces, and peripheral regions within the peripheral edges.
The peripheral regions bound a central region on each of the first
and second major surfaces. The glass panes are typically ultimately
disposed within frames, where the frames are dimensional and
configured to accept only the peripheral regions of the glass
panes, leaving the central regions of the window panes unoccluded.
In some uses, the window panes are first formed into insulating
glass units, having two or more substantially parallel window panes
separated by spacers there between. In some insulating glass units,
the parallel glass panes are sealed to the spacing member, and the
air between the panes replaced with an inert gas. The resulting
insulating glass unit can then be disposed within a window
frame.
[0005] Old style windows were often made using several smaller
panes of glass held within smaller frames, which were joined
together into one window unit. Each portion of a double hung window
might be formed of 4, 6 or 8 window panes held in place within a
corresponding number of window frames. The additional frame members
typically required additional glazing to secure the multiple window
panes to the frame. The additional glazing represented additional
labor and additional opportunities for air infiltration. Modern
windows are typically formed of larger single panels, which are
often insulating glass units. Some purchasers desire the older
style appearance, but without the drawbacks. To achieve these
goals, modern windows can have muntin bars placed over the single
glass panels, to achieve the older style appearance of multiple
panes, but without the disadvantages. The muntin bars thus
represent another set of framing members to be disposed over the
glass surface.
[0006] It is common for the glass panes and insulating glass units
to be formed at one location, protected in some fashion, and
shipped to another location. It is not until arrival at the second
location that the glass panes or insulating glass units are mounted
within window frames. Muntin bars may also be mounted at the second
location The window frames are often then shipped to a third
location, where they may be installed within homes, buildings, or
automobiles.
[0007] There is an opportunity for damage to the glass panes at
many points in the process, including the transport to the second
location prior to framing, and subsequent to framing, prior to
arrival at the building site. The glass major surfaces may also be
damaged after installation in the building, for example, during
building construction.
[0008] For the above-stated reasons, the glass pane major surfaces
are often masked, for example, with a polymeric protective film.
The protective film can provide some protection from abrasion and
scratches to the surface during the transport or the building
construction.
[0009] Sheets of masking material may be adhered to one or more of
the glass pane surfaces to protect the surfaces from the scratching
previously mentioned. Often, the entire glass pane is masked on at
least one major surface. The masking material may be cut to the
same size as a glass pane major surface. The glass pane may then be
inserted within a window frame adapted in dimension to accept the
peripheral region of the glass pane within the window frame. This
can be done while the masking material is in place, leaving the
glass major surface protected. This method, however, can leave
polymeric material trapped along the peripheral region of the glass
pane, between the glass surface and the enclosing frame member. The
visible polymeric remnants may be unsightly, and may eventually
degrade and/or be pulled out, reducing the integrity of the seal
between the glass surface and the enclosing window frame. This can
leave a gap between the glass surface and the window frame.
[0010] Cutting knives have been used to mechanically cut through
the polymeric masking material while the masking material is on the
glass surface. The peripheral strip of masking material thus
delineated from the central region masking material may be peeled
off, leaving the protected central region intact. The knife blade
used to cut through the polymeric material may require an undue
amount of adjustment, and may not provide exactly the needed
pressure to cut through the polymeric film but not into the window
pane. As windows are increasingly covered with coatings, the knife
edge cutting through the outermost window coating can be very
undesirable. What would be desirable are methods for removing the
masking material that do not requiring touching the glass pane
adhered to the masking material.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides methods and apparatus for
masking glazing panels with a protective layer, while leaving a
peripheral region near the glazing panel edges free of masking
material to allow better insertion and fit into a window frame. In
one method, a masking material is applied over a first major
surface of a glazing panel, followed by burning through the masking
material along a cutting path which can follow inside of the edges
of the glazing panel, demarcating a peripheral strip of masking
material. In one method, a closed path within the periphery of the
glazing panel is traveled by the laser beam, thereby forming a
scored path through the masking material. The peripheral strip of
masking material thus formed can be removed or peeled off by a
stripper or finger mechanism. The final glazing panel thus has a
central region covered with masking material and a peripheral
region free of masking material, ready to be closely fit within a
window frame.
[0012] In one method, the masking material is sized such that a top
and bottom peripheral region is free of masking material prior to
cutting by the laser beam. This method requires fewer cuts through
the masking material. In another method, the masking material is
applied, then a muntin bar pattern is burned through the masking
material. The masking material regions which are to lie under the
muntin bars can be removed, and the frame and muntin bars mounted
over the partially masked glass panel.
[0013] In still another method, a polymeric masking film is corona
treated on one side and coated with an acrylic adhesive on the
other side. The corona treated side is resistant to adhering to the
adhesive, with the corona treatment obviating the need for a
separate release liner. The adhesive coated masking material may be
rolled up and the resulting supply roll provided to the masking
line. In some methods, the adhesive force may be primarily a static
electrical force.
[0014] In the glazing masking line, the masking material may be
pulled from the supply rolls, and pressed against the glazing
panels with applicator or pincher rolls. After application to the
glass surface, a path within the periphery of the glazing panel may
be described by the laser beam. In one method, a laser unit is
mounted on a carriage mechanism which can travel with two degrees
of freedom, to describe the desired path about the glass masked
surface. In one exemplary method, the carriage mechanism has a
vertical carriage mechanism mounted on a horizontal carriage
mechanism. The path programmed for the carriage mechanism can vary
from run to run. In another method, the laser unit remains
stationary, while the laser beam is made to travel about the
desired path using a movable mirror.
[0015] After a line has been scored or burned through the masking
material about the periphery, the peripheral strips of masking
material thus formed can be grasped by stripping or gripping
fingers which can pull the peripheral strips of masking material
from the glazing unit.
[0016] The present invention thus provides a rapid method for
scoring the masking material, allowing precise definition of the
peripheral strip size desired. The laser beam enables forming score
lines through the masking material without burning the underlying
glass and underlying glass coatings. The laser device, which does
not physically contact the glass or masking material, is not
subject to mechanical wear and will not damage the glass surface.
The frequency and power of the laser beam can be selected to
adequately burn through the masking material but not the underlying
glass.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of a glazing
panel to be masked where the glazing panel can be a glass pane or
multi-pane insulating glass unit;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a highly diagrammatic, top view of the glazing
panel of FIG. 1, prior to masking;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the glazing
panel of FIG. 1, after masking;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the masked
glazing panel of FIG. 3, after scoring by a laser beam about the
periphery;
[0021] FIG. 4A is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the masked
glazing panel of FIG. 3, after scoring by a laser beam in a muntin
bar pattern;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the scored,
masked, glazing panel of FIG. 4, after the peripheral masking has
been peeled off;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the scored,
masked, glazing panel of FIG. 4A, after the peripheral and muntin
bar masking has been peeled off;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of an alternate
method of masking the glazing panel of FIG. 1, leaving the top and
bottom peripheral regions initially free of masking material;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the masked
glazing panel of FIG. 6, after lateral scoring by a laser beam;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the masked,
scored, glazing panel of FIG. 7, after the lateral peripheral
masking strips have been peeled off;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a highly diagrammatic, side view, of the masked
and peeled glazing panels of FIGS. 5 or 8, after being disposed
within a window frame;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a highly diagrammatic, top, cross-sectional view
of the window pane and frame of FIG. 9, illustrating the central
masked portion of the finished glass unit;
[0029] FIG. 11A is a highly diagrammatic, top view of a single
sided masking line including a supply roll, applicator roll,
carriage mounted laser cutting beam free to move in two degrees of
freedom, and a gripping or peeling mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 11B is a highly diagrammatic, top view of a two sided
masking line including supply rolls, applicator rolls, carriage
mounted laser cutting beam free to move in two degrees of freedom,
and a gripping or peeling mechanism; and
[0031] FIG. 12 is a highly diagrammatic, side view of the masking
application line of FIG. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different
drawings are numbered identically. The drawings, which are not
necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention. Several forms of
invention have been shown and described, and other forms will now
be apparent to those skilled in art. It will be understood that
embodiments shown in drawings and described above are merely for
illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit scope of the
invention as defined in the claims which follow.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a glazing panel 20 is illustrated.
Glazing panel 20 can be a single glass pane or an insulating glass
unit including multiple glass panes separated by spacers. Glazing
panel 20 includes generally a top edge 22, a bottom edge 24, a
right side edge 26, and a left side edge 28. Glazing panel 20
includes generally a central region 34 surrounded by a peripheral
or marginal region which includes a pair of longitudinal peripheral
strips 32 and a pair of vertical or lateral peripheral strips 30.
While the central and peripheral regions are described separately
for purposes of illustrating the invention, the glazing panel
typically is the same across the central and peripheral regions.
Referring now to FIG. 2, glazing panel 20 is further illustrated
from the top, having a first major surface 40 and a second major
surface 42 substantially parallel to first major surface 40.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, glazing panel 20 is illustrated
after application of a masking material 44 over at least one of the
major surfaces 40 and 42. In one method, only first major surface
40 is covered. In another embodiment, both the first and second
major surfaces are covered with masking material 44.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, glazing panel 20 is illustrated
after the laser cutting of a closed path of score lines through the
masking material, but not through the underlying glass pane.
Central region 34 may be seen to be surrounded by a pair of
vertical or lateral score lines 48 and a pair of longitudinal score
lines 50. In a preferred embodiment, the score lines are burned
entirely through the masking material in a closed path, leaving no
masking material continuity between central region 34 and the
surrounding peripheral regions. Referring now to FIG. 5, glazing
panel 20 is illustrated after masking material 44 has been removed
from peripheral regions 30 and 32, leaving masking material in
central region 34.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 5A, another embodiment of the
invention is illustrated, which can be used with muntin bars. FIG.
4A illustrates a method similar to the method of FIG. 4, sharing
reference numerals for similar items. In FIG. 4A, masking material
34 is illustrated after having several closed paths 48A burned
through the masking material, as well as a peripheral closed path
48. In some embodiments, a separate peripheral closed path 48 does
not exist, and only the numerous separate closed paths 48A are
formed, which can result in a single contiguous piece of masking
material requiring removal. In such an embodiment, line segments 47
are not burned through the masking material. Paths 48A may be seen
to form numerous closed paths, defining corresponding central
regions 34A within, and corresponding removable strips 30A
without.
[0037] FIG. 5A illustrates the masked and scored glass panel of
FIG. 4A, after some of masking material 44 has been removed.
Central masked regions 44A may be seen to remain on the glass
panel, while the masking over the removable strip areas 30A has
been stripped off. At some point in the manufacture, muntin bars
can be disposed over the strip portions 30A having no masking
material. The masking material within each of the muntin bar faux
window panes may be removed at a later time, typically after
installation in a building.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate method is illustrated
for applying masking material 44 to glazing panel 20. In this
method, masking material 44 is sized so as to leave the glass top
and bottom longitudinal peripheral strips 32 free of masking
material 44. Masking material 44 may be seen to cover the central
region and the lateral regions on either end. Applying masking
material 44 sized in this manner reduces the cutting requirement.
In some methods, the top and bottom longitudinal strips 32 are
already free of masking material to a sufficient degree and do not
need to be further scored or cut by the laser beam. Referring now
to FIG. 7, glazing panel 20 is illustrated after lateral score
lines 48 have been burned through masking material 44 by the laser
beam.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 8, glazing panel 20 is illustrated
after peripheral lateral masking material strips have been removed,
leaving peripheral regions 30 and 32 free of masking material but
leaving masking material 44 in central region 34. It may be seen
that the result of utilizing the method illustrated in FIG. 6 can
form a similar end result to that of FIG. 5.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 9, further processing of the masked
and stripped glazing panels of FIGS. 5 or 8 is illustrated. Glazing
panel 20 has been disposed within a frame 54 about the peripheral
region, leaving the central region 34 unoccluded. In embodiments
having muntin bars, the muntin bars can be attached at this time,
within frame 54.
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates framed glazing panel 20 from the top,
showing that central region 34 is masked by masking material 44,
while the peripheral region within frame 54 is free of the masking
material, thereby allowing a tighter and/or more durable fit
between glazing panel 20 and frame 54.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 11A, a single sided glazing masking
line 100 is illustrated from the top. Glazing masking line 100
includes several glazing panels 20 being processed through the
line. Glazing panels 20 may be seen to be carried through the line
by number of conveyor rolls 1105. Glass panels 20 can pass
generally through a first station 120, a second station 122, and a
third station 124. First station 120 can be used to apply or adhere
the masking material 44 to the glass panes 20. Second station 122
may be used to form the score lines about the periphery of the
glass panes. Third station 124 may be used to strip or peel off the
masked peripheral regions. In first station 120, a pair of masking
material supply rolls 102 may be seen disposed on either side of
glazing panels 20, being applied to glazing panel 20 by applicator
or pinch rollers 104.
[0043] Second station 122 can include a carriage mechanism 110,
which can include a horizontal carriage 112 and a vertical carriage
114, which can be slidably carried on horizontal carriage 112. A
laser unit 116 can be carried on vertical carriage 114 and may be
seen to be emitting a laser beam 118 which impinges upon masking
material 44 applied to glass pane 20. In some embodiments, the
horizontal and vertical carriages carry the laser 116 through a
path sufficient to describe a closed, path within the edges of a
glass pane, to allow later removal of the peripheral masking
material. In other embodiments, a fixed laser is used, together
with a mirror for sweeping the laser beam in a path about the
periphery of the glass unit.
[0044] Third station 124 may be seen to include a stripper or
peeler mechanism 130. In one embodiment, stripper mechanism 130
includes numerous peeler or stripper fingers 132 which are biased
against glass panel 20 in order to grasp and peel off masking
material 44 in the peripheral regions. In some embodiments,
stripper fingers 132 extend along the vertical edge of glazing
panel in order to grasp the leading edge of the lateral or vertical
peripheral strip to be removed as well as the lateral top and
bottom strips to be removed. The finished, masked and stripped
glazing panels may be seen as indicated at 140 in FIG. 11A.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 11B, a double sided glazing masking
line 101 is illustrated from the top. Double sided line 101 can be
similar to line 100 of FIG. 11A. Double sided line 101 has a second
supply roll 102A, a second applicator roll 104A, a second side
carriage mechanism 11A having a horizontal carriage 112A, a
vertical carriage 114A, and a laser 116A. A second side stripper
mechanism 130A having numerous stripper fingers 132A may also be
seen. Double sided line 101 may be used when masking of both sides
of a glass panel is desired.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 12, the glazing masking line 100 of
FIG. 11A is illustrated from the side. A carriage mechanism 110 may
be seen to include the horizontal carriage component 112 and the
vertical carriage component 114 for carrying laser 116 thereon.
Stripper mechanism 130 may be seen to include numerous stripper
fingers 132.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the path
described by the laser cutting demarcates a central, masked region
from a peripheral strip region which is to be removed. In one
preferred embodiment of the invention, this path demarcates the
central, masked region such that when the frame members and/or
muntin bars are put in place over the glazing panel, the frame
members and muntin bars do not overlie the central, masked region
or regions. In this preferred embodiment, all peripheral edges of
the central region may be disposed slightly inside of the
surrounding frame members and/or muntin bars. This allows all edges
of the central region to be grasped and peeled off, manually if
need be. This also can provide a tight seal between the frame
members and/or muntin bars, and the unmasked glazing panel directly
underneath.
[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the path
described by the laser cutting follows a path slightly inside of
the region to be overlaid by the frame members and/or muntin bars.
This path would thus be slightly outside of, and larger than, the
path designed to have the central, masked region totally within the
frame members and/or muntin bars. The central, masked region would
thus be slightly overlaid by the frame members and/or muntin bars
on one, some, or all peripheral edges of the central, masked
region.
[0049] In one embodiment, the central, masked region is laser cut
so as to have only one edge slightly underlying the overlying frame
member and/or muntin bar. In another embodiment, two peripheral
edges of the central, masked region are cut so as to slightly
underlie the overlying frame members and/or muntin bars. The two,
underlying edges may be adjacent edges, or opposing edges,
depending on the embodiment. In yet another embodiment, all but one
peripheral edge of the central, masked region slightly underlies
the overlying frame members and/or muntin bars.
[0050] In one example of the invention, the central, masked region
underlies the overlying frame members and/or muntin bars by about
one millimeter, where the central, masked region is in fact
underlying. In another example, the central, masked region
underlies the overlying frame members and/or muntin bars by less
than about two millimeters. The slightly underlying, central masked
regions can provide benefits in certain situations. The slightly
underlying central masked regions can provide total coverage and
protection against glazing panel damage, rather than leaving a
small, for example, one millimeter wide unprotected strip about the
periphery of the central masked region. This total protection may
be appropriate in situations where subsequent processing of the
framed glazing panel may have a deleterious affect on the glazing
panel. Having the central masked region slightly underlying a frame
member or muntin bar along only one edge may also provide a more
secure attachment of the masking material to the framed glazing
panel. Allowing the central masked region to slightly underlie the
framing member and/or muntin bars can also provide for a more
secure attachment of the masking material to the framed glazing
panel, where the adhesion of masking material to the glazing panel
may otherwise be weak. This may be appropriate, for example, where
the adhesion of masking material to glazing panel is intentionally
weak, as when the use of adhesive is not desirable.
[0051] The slight underlying of the framing members and/or muntin
bars is not believed to deleteriously affect the seal between the
framing members and/or muntin bars and the underlying glazing
panel, as the framing members and/or muntin bars still have a
substantial surface area for direct contact to the underlying
unmasked glazing panel. In one example, the framing member may be
at least about three centimeters wide, providing more than
sufficient width to allow a one or two millimeter wide inside
peripheral strip of underlying masking material between the framing
member and the underlying glazing panel. Thus, the great majority
of the framing member may still directly contact the underlying
glazing panel. In another example, a muntin bar may be about ten or
fifteen millimeters in width, such that a one millimeter wide strip
on either side of the muntin bar may still leave about 80% of the
muntin bar to directly contact the underlying unmasked glazing
panel. Allowing a slight underlying of the central masked region
may thus provide many of the advantages of the present invention,
while allowing the central masked region to be totally removed, by
pulling the underlying peripheral regions out from under the
overlying frame members and muntin bars at the time of masking
material removal.
[0052] A variety of masking materials are suitable for use with the
present invention. The masking material is preferably a polymeric
film material which is sufficiently clear to allow viewing the
glass through the masking material. Opaque masking materials, for
example, paper are also believed suitable for use with the present
invention. In some embodiments, polymeric film material is applied
having a paper release liner there over, where the release liner
can be removed from the central region of the glazing panel prior
to removing the polymeric masking material.
[0053] Polyolefin films, for example, polyester or polyethylene,
may be used to practice the present invention. In one method, a
polyester film is used, well known to those skilled in the art. The
polyester film may be supplied in a roll having an adhesive applied
to one surface of the masking material and the other side of the
polymeric masking material having a treated surface that resists
adhesion to the adhesive. In some embodiments, a release liner is
provided over the adhesive to prevent adhesion between the adhesive
and the backside of the polymeric masking film. In one embodiment,
the polyester film is roll coated with an acrylic adhesive, where
the polyester film has been treated with a corona or UV treatment
to prevent the acrylic adhesive from adhering or sticking to the
polyester film surface. The masking material should be selected
such that the material absorbs the laser beam in the laser
wavelength utilized. Alternatively, the laser beam wavelength is
selected to be absorbed by the masking material provided.
[0054] Various lasers may be used with the present invention. In
one method, a 20 watt laser is utilized at approximately 4% power
and a travel speed or burn speed of 9 inches per second. In another
embodiment, a 10 watt laser is used and is operated at a minimum 8%
power. In yet another embodiment, a 20 watt laser is operated at
between 4% and 15% power. When using a 10 watt laser, the power
range can be between 8% and 30% of full power.
* * * * *