This example demonstrates laser marking QR codes.
Anodised aluminium tags form the basis for the laser marking QR codes used as part of an emergency ID aid.
Laser cut to shape then anodised black. The laser marking process removing the anodised areas to create a high contrast level giving good code definition.
What is OneLife and why are they laser marking QR codes?
OneLife iD is an innovative, interactive, personal iD, which offers its users the opportunity to share different elements of their personal identity, in a variety of situations and events. Customers create their own personal iD webpages on the OneLife iD website. The system enables users to create, update and adapt their own iD webpage, and record key emergency and medical details, contact details, photos and link to social media content.
In this case, the Dog Tag, is available as an emergency Tag providing medical details that can be used by way of treatment, as required, or as a straight lost and found tag with contact details for item return. The Tag is laser cut from stainless steel, and the information is generated by laser marking, onto the surface using a fibre laser. On side one, you have the QR code, which contains the URL link, and on the reverse, you have human readable data that the individual has agreed to have shared.
The ID information is accessed by using a smartphone to scan the ID products which all include a personal laser engraved QR code. The products include ID bands, dog tags, key fobs and jewellery and can be worn by the customer, or attached to anything important including valuables, kids and pets, using the laser marking process.
CO2 can also be used for this type of laser marking application on anodised materials. With CO2 processing, the dye is removed without any surface disruption taking place. While this can provide certain advantages (corrosion), the quality of the mark is difficult to maintain. CO2 will heat the plate, while attempting to remove the dye through a chemical reaction, and in doing so, heat creep can occur. This shows up as blurred edges to the mark, and requires very concise set up of the laser parameters.
What is a QR code?
A machine readable code, consisting of an array of black and white squares. Typically used for storing URL’s, or other information that can be read and used by a camera on today’s smartphones.
Popular for its fast readability and storage capacity, it has a growing popularity in areas such as general marketing, product tracking, item identification along with document management. Today it is one of the most used types of two dimensional codes.
If you would like further information on this application, or any other application, please request a call back or, talk to one of our laser marking specialists by going to our contact page – link below.
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