IMSTec’s fully automated laser marking system represents a fast and clean way to apply marks on metal samples such as orthopaedic implants in order to achieve full part traceability throughout the whole subsequent life cycle of the parts. Systems for part- and mark verification provide maximum quality control. The free working distance of the marking laser makes it possible to inscribe even areas that are difficult to access. With a batch size of up to 12 parts the machine is able to work autonomic for a certain time. A quarantine area inside the module stores up to 5 parts that require rework. Load and unload is possible while another batch is in process. To keep manual interactions on a minimum the operator is only responsible for in/output and recipe selection via the HMI. All batch information is scanned from a lot traveller sheet in order to minimize the potential for error.

Parts to be laser marked are manually grouped on a logistic tray before loading them into the machine. The tray contains a RFID tag in order to provide full batch traceability during the process. Loading and unloading can take place while another tray is in process inside the machine.

Mounted on the robot head is a camera that serves for verification of the product family of the part before gripping. A second inspection station proves the part’s size and surface finish. The measured information is compared against the scanned lot number and product number.

After all inspections have passed the robot moves the part to the laser module where the mark is applied to recipe-defined positions. A proof-read on the mark verification station controls the marking for integrity and correctness. Parts which require rework (i.e. a proof read fails) are routed to the quarantine area and can be unloaded independently from the remaining batch via the rework port. All recorded data is stored on a SQL database.

Although this machine is a stand-alone solution it includes an interface for connection to a cluster system. A safety housing protects the associates from robot movements as well as laser radiation. During critical process steps the load ports are locked by interlocks so the operator has no access to the inside of the machine. Laser protection windows allow observation of the process without the danger to be hurt by the laser beam.