Picosecond Laser Marking & Engraving on Glass

Picosecond Laser Marking & Engraving on Glass

Crack-free edges, crisp contrast, and factory-grade repeatability—powered by Advanced Optowave’s ps lasers

Why picosecond lasers for glass?

Glass is transparent, brittle, and thermally sensitive. Traditional approaches (CO₂, CW/fiber, or standard nanosecond UV) often leave micro-cracks, chips, gray haze, and heat-affected zones (HAZ)—all of which weaken the part and degrade appearance.

Picosecond (ps) lasers solve this by delivering ultrashort pulses that confine energy to the interaction zone. The result is precise material modification (micro-explosions or phase change via multi-photon/defect-assisted absorption) with minimal heat diffusion, enabling:

1. Higher contrast “frosted” marks that are readable at multiple angles
2. Sub-surface/internal marking (e.g., logos, IDs, microstructures) without cracking the surface
3. Tight dimensional control for fine text, QR/DataMatrix, icons, and decorative patterns
4. Better strength retention due to reduced micro-fractures and lower residual stress

Where ps glass processing shines

1. Consumer electronics glass (cover lenses, back panels, Gorilla®/aluminosilicate): serials, brand marks, camera ring text, and functional icons.
2. Automotive & architectural glass: e-codes, traceability, and durable exterior icons.
3. Medical & labware (borosilicate/fused silica): volumetric marks, scales, and corrosion-resistant identification.
4. Optics & photonics: fiducials, alignment features, and low-roughness edge engraving.
5. Premium packaging & décor: sub-surface graphics and fine frosted textures.

Glass types supported: aluminosilicate, soda-lime, borosilicate, fused silica/quartz (and many coated glasses with tuned parameters).

The Advanced Optowave advantage—two ps sources, one outcome: best-in-class glass marks

Both Advanced Optowave picosecond laser series deliver elite performance for glass; pick your fit:

AOPico Montauk — performance-focused ps source

• IR/Green/UV options to match coating/absorption behavior
• Excellent beam quality (for ultra-fine features and smooth textures)
• Wide process window for complex stacks and coated glass

AMark — affordable ps solid-state source for glass

• Cost-effective path to picosecond quality (ideal for OEMs & machine builders)
• Stable ps output, practical parameter ranges, and easy recipe ramp-up
• Drop-in with standard galvos, vision, and motion hardware
• Outstanding results on both surface engraving and sub-surface/internal marking

What you can expect from both series

• Minimal HAZ and micro-cracking → stronger parts
• High-contrast, consistent marks at production speeds
• Compatibility with text, logos, 2D codes (QR/DataMatrix), scales, and micro-features

Picosecond vs. other laser sources on glass

Picosecond delivers a sweet spot—near-fs quality, better than ns/CO₂ on edge integrity and readability, with superior cost/performance for production lines.