Laser technology has been a major player in the eyewear industry for decades, where it has revolutionized marking and customization processes. An evolutionary path has seen the transition from the first simple and reliable CO2 systems to the latest UV lasers, and now to a new generation of ultrashort lasers: picosecond lasers.
The Industry Challenge
The needs of the eyewear market are constantly evolving. Simple marking is no longer sufficient: manufacturers are demanding micrometric precision, versatility on materials and flawless aesthetic results. Traditional laser systems, while having served the industry well for years, are showing increasing limitations, especially in handling the heat affected zone (HAZ) and processing innovative materials. On fine acetates or titanium alloys, even the slightest thermal alteration can compromise the value of a high-end product.
Technological Evolution: from CO2 to Picosecond
The evolution of laser technologies in the industry can be summarized in three generations:
First Generation: CO2 Laser
- Strengths: simplicity, low cost, excellent on organic materials
- Limitations: limited accuracy, large thermally altered zone, unsuitable for metals
- Typical applications: marking on standard acetates, packaging
Second Generation: UV Laser
- Strengths: higher precision, good quality on plastics
- Limitations: high cost, frequent maintenance, limited power
- Typical applications: precision markings on engineering plastics
New Generation: Picosecond Laser
Picosecond technology represents a generational leap, overcoming the limitations of previous technologies through a radically different approach to laser-material interaction. With pulses a thousand times shorter than conventional lasers (10^-12 seconds), picosecond radically changes the interaction between laser and material: energy is released so rapidly that the material undergoes a cold ablation process, where molecules are removed before heat can spread to surrounding areas. This allows:
- Accuracy greater than 25 microns (versus >100 microns for CO2)
- Near-perfect thermal control with virtually nonexistent HAZ
- Versatility on all materials, from metals to the most delicate plastics
- Controlled color changing effects impossible with other technologies
Practical Applications
In the context of eyewear, picosecond technology demonstrates its versatility in multiple applications:
- On titanium components, makes high-contrast markings while fully preserving mechanical properties
- On acetate frames, it ensures definitions above 25 microns without micro-fractures
- On polycarbonate lenses, allows functional and decorative markings without surface alteration
The LASIT Experience
LASIT has developed a comprehensive technology ecosystem around picosecond technology, with more than 100 systems implemented in the past two years. At the heart of this ecosystem is FlyCAD, the proprietary software that represents the intelligence of the marking system. FlyCAD integrates:
- Advanced algorithms for parameter optimization
- Management of complex logos and gradients
- Industrial traceability systems 4.0
- Real-time process control
Integration of picosecond systems requires multidisciplinary expertise, which LASIT has developed in-house. Synchronization between laser source, motion systems, and control software is managed through proprietary protocols that ensure optimal performance. The choice of 25- and 50-watt powers, combined with IPG sources, is the result of careful optimization of the entire system.
