MXPA98003421A - Method to laser de trazar grafi - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laser (11) trace graphics on a material (21). The movement of the laser beam (12) in contact with the surface (22) of the material (21) causes a graph (23) to be drawn on the surface (22). The movements and the synchrony of the mirrors (13, 17) are controlled by the numerical control computer (15) to plot the desired graph (23). Once a range of energy density per unit time is determined to plot a desired graph on a given material, the energy density per unit time can be controlled to remain within that range to achieve the desired results in a repeatable manner. . When the material traced is cloth, leather or vinyl, the control of the energy density per unit of time can be controlled to substantially prevent complete carbonization, melting and / or burning of the material.

Description

METHOD TO LASER OF GRAPHICS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to a laser method of plotting graphics on materials including fabrics, skins, vinyls, rubber, wood, metals, plastics, ceramics, glass and other materials (hereinafter collectively referred to herein). as the "materials"). The term "trace", as used herein, means contacting the material with a laser beam to form a graphic. The term "graphic", as used herein, refers to decorative and artistic designs, non-decorative designs, patterns, graphic images, appearances such as a sandblasted appearance, an appearance washed with stones, and a worn appearance, alphanumeric characters, logos, other identifications, and any other visual composition traced by a laser on a material. In a preferred embodiment, this invention relates to a laser method of plotting graphics on fabrics, skins and vinyls. Materials have been commonly used to manufacture, without limitation, clothing, blankets, footwear, belts, bags and purses, luggage, vehicle interiors, furniture covers, wall coverings and many other manufactured articles. Graphics have been formed on these materials to give them a unique and attractive appearance. The typical methods of forming graphics on materials are various methods of pigmenting, printing, highlighting and printing. Unfortunately, such methods are extremely expensive in terms of capital investment and operating costs, and are often plagued with environmental problems. Complex and intricate graphics are often more attractive than simple graphics. However, previously there has not been an efficient method from the point of view of costs of forming complex and intricate graphics on materials. Most previous methods lack the registration and precision necessary to ensure that minute details of the graphics are presented accurately and repeatable about the materials. Lasers have been used in the fabric industry to cut fabrics into separate pieces. They have also been used to etch designs on carpets, and to fix pigments or heat-treat unbleached or bleached articles so as to impart improved adhesion properties. However, in the past, certain technical barriers have prevented the use of lasers to form graphics on cloth, leather and vinyl materials. When such use was attempted, the laser beam caused complete carbonization, cross burn and / or fusion at the point of contact. This resulted in burning, complete penetration and / or formation of an undesirable hole or defect in the material.

If technical barriers can be overcome, a laser would be a desirable method of forming graphics on materials. On the one hand, a laser is well adapted to form complex and intricate graphics on materials with precision and repeatability. Moreover, laser manufacturing methods are fast and cost efficient, and do not cause environmental problems. In this way, it would be desirable to provide a suitable method of using a laser to form graphics on the materials. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a unique laser method of plotting graphics on materials. In the method, a laser beam makes contact with a material and alters the physical and / or chemical properties of the material to draw a graph. The keys to the invention are: 1) the identification and understanding of a new energy measurement called "energy density per unit of time" (hereinafter referred to as "EDPUT"), and 2) identification and simultaneous control of the laser operating parameters that influence the EDPUT. Once an EDPUT range is determined to plot a desired graph on a given material, the EDPUT can be controlled to remain within that range to achieve desired results in a repeatable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method of plotting graphics on cloth, leather and vinyl materials. In this embodiment, the EDPUT can be controlled to prevent substantially complete carbonization, fusion and / or cross-burn of the material. In this way, the invention can overcome the technical barriers that have impeded the use of lasers to plot graphics on such materials in the past. The operating parameters include the continuous energy of the laser beam, the area of the point formed by the laser beam on the material, and the speed of the laser beam relative to the surface of the material. These parameters, each one and in an interactive way, influence the EDPUT, which is the critical factor to eliminate complete carbonization, cross burn and / or fusion, but still produce a visible graphic on the material. If the EDPUT is too large, the laser will carbonize, burn crosswise or melt through the material. In a conversational manner, if the EDPUT is too small, the graphic plotted on the material will not be sufficiently visible. Preferably, the EDPUT is defined as follows: EDPUT = (continuous power (watts) / dot area (watts-sec / mm3) beam (mm2)) (1 / speed (mm / sec)) It was found that the EDPUT preferred was different for different types of materials, and was often different for different weights and colors of the material. In addition, it was found that the preferred EDPUT was often different for different types and sizes of graphics plotted on the material. This invention then teaches the importance of identifying and simultaneously controlling various laser operating parameters together in order to achieve an EDPUT that produces the desired results every time and every time. Accordingly, this invention teaches the use of a laser of variable power such that continuous power can be adjusted downward or upward at certain levels. The prior literature typically refers to the use of a laser having a specific power output, for example a 75-watt YAG laser or a 25-watt C02 laser. In contrast, this invention teaches controlling the continuous power and other variables simultaneously and within specific limits so that the EDPUT is within a range to produce the desired results. Accordingly, although a 25-watt C02 laser was used in experiments relating to this invention, the continuous power was controlled in such a way that power levels between 0.25 and 25 watts were able to be achieved. This invention also introduces a way to influence the EDPUT by changing the area of the point formed on the material by the laser beam. Typically, the prior literature refers to focused laser radiation. However, it was found that the area of the spot can be increased and the EDPUT reduced by defocusing the laser beam both at distances greater than and less than the focus distance between the laser lens and the material. The invention also teaches how to produce specific graphics by oscillating the laser beam along a waveform such as a sawtooth or a half circle. In several cases, the best way to achieve the desired results was by oscillating the laser beam at distances that were out of focus. New graphics can be imparted on materials at the retail point of sale, in the wholesale warehouse or in the manufacturing plant that are not possible by other means, thereby creating new products with greater market opportunities. In particular, a variety of desirable graphics can be produced on the denim fabric and on leather / vinyl by the laser method of the invention. The graphics on the denim fabric include, without limitation, graphic images, logos and identifications, a sandblasted appearance, an appearance washed with stones, a worn look, an appearance of loose threads, and a stitched appearance. The intricate, laser-induced graphics can be imparted on skin and vinyl, materials in which unique graphics are rarely found. Graphics on skin and vinyl include, without limitation, graphic images, a tuft appearance, a hand-stitched appearance, and logos and identifications. The products made by this method maintain the quality of the graphic after repeated washing. In some experiments, it was found that the graphics were visible before washing (particularly for denim), but after washing or repeated washing, the graph faded or caused tears in the material. It was particularly critical then: 1) to conduct computer-designed experiments to identify the specific combination of laser operating parameters that produced the desired EDPUT, and 2) to evaluate the graph after several washes. The laser method of this invention can be used to impart a unique identification to each piece of material. The registration and precision needed to repeatedly trace alphanumeric characters on a garment or an article piece can be controlled very precisely, once the preferred EDPUT is identified and controlled for that material and that type of identification. In addition, the computer can be programmed to increase the identification number in one so that shoes, jeans, shirts or other items of clothing or articles can be identified quickly and only in a somewhat automatic manner by simply placing the first piece under the laser and pressing the start button, placing the second piece under the laser and pressing the start button, etc. This technology can then find wide application in the identification of garments or articles for inventory control, quality control, counterfeit prevention and product labeling. The graphics can be produced on materials in a very efficient way from the point of view of costs, with automatic, modern laser systems. The EDPUT for the particular type of material and graphic can easily be controlled by the computer. The laser method of charting avoids the costs associated with a heavy capital investment in equipment and environmental protection equipment. Pre-processing of the material, such as rinsing or spraying, is not required before tracing with the laser beam. Various objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a laser method of forming graphics on materials, in accordance with this invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic view of a first point formed by the laser beam on the material when the laser beam is in focus, and a second point formed by the laser beam on the material when the laser beam is out of focus. Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic view of an oscillated laser beam. Figures 4-6 are graphs showing the results of experiments where a solid graph was drawn on denim and the graph was evaluated. Figures 7-8 and 11-30 are drawings and photographs of various graphics formed on materials, in accordance with this invention. Figure 7 is a drawing of a graphic image formed on denim. Figure 8 is a photograph of a sandblasted appearance formed on denim. Figure 9 is a schematic view of a method of forming the appearance to sandblasting by continuously changing the distance from the lens to the denim via the use of a cone. Figure 10 is a drawing of a grid to change the relative EDPUT of the laser method to form the appearance to sandblasting. Figure 11 is a drawing of laser lines of a width that increases more and more and spacing that is increasingly reduced, used to form the appearance to sandblasting. Figure 12 is a photograph of a stone washed appearance formed on denim. Figure 13 is a worn-looking pattern formed on denim shorts. Figure 14 is a drawing of an appearance to gnawed threads formed on denim shorts. Figure 15 is a drawing of a logo design formed in denim trousers. Figure 16 is a drawing of a sewn design formed on denim. Figure 17 is a drawing of a worn appearance formed on denim. Figure 18 is a drawing of a polka dot formed on denim. Figure 19 is a photograph of a special appearance formed on denim. Figure 20 is a photograph of an appearance of crazy lines formed on denim. Figure 21 is a drawing of a graphic image formed on skin. Figure 22 is a plan view of a tuft appearance formed on skin. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tuft appearance, taken along line 23-23 of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a hand sewn appearance pattern formed on skin. Figure 25 is a relief appearance pattern formed on polyester. Figure 26 is a drawing of laser lines formed on bleached cotton fabric before dyeing the cotton fabric. Figure 27 is a drawing of the laser lines of Figure 26, after the cotton fabric has been dyed.

Figure 28 is a photograph of a sandblasted appearance formed on denim using stencils of reducing area. Figure 29 is a drawing of a color design formed on cotton fabric. Figure 30 is a drawing of a chart formed on denim, including thick and thin lines, continuous and discontinuous, and straight and curved. Figure 31 is a drawing of a graph formed on skin, including thick and thin lines, continuous and discontinuous, and straight and curved. Figures 32 and 33 are photographs of denim samples in which the laser beam has caused complete charring, cross burn and / or fusion at the contact point, resulting in complete penetration and hole formation in the denim. Figures 34 to 43 are schematic views of alternate embodiments of a laser method of forming graphics on materials in accordance with this invention. Figure 34 illustrates a method in which the laser is moved to control the speed of the laser beam relative to the surface of the material. Figure 35 illustrates a method in which the material is moved to control the speed of the laser beam relative to the surface of the material.

Figure 36 illustrates a method in which both the laser and the material are moved, and specifically where the material is placed on a moving roller. Figure 37 illustrates a method in which a mirror is moved to direct the laser beam onto the surface of the material. Figure 38 illustrates a method in which a mirror is moved to direct the laser beam onto the surface of the material, and where the material is placed on a moving roller. Figure 39 illustrates a method in which a main mirror and a plurality of secondary mirrors are moved to direct the laser beam onto the surface of the material. Figure 40 illustrates a method in which a main mirror and a plurality of secondary mirrors are moved to direct the laser beam onto the surface of the material, and where the material is placed on a moving roller. Figure 41 illustrates a method in which a shutter periodically interrupts the laser beam to form a discontinuous design on the surface of the material. Figure 42 illustrates a method in which a lens is moved to direct the laser beam onto the surface of the material, and in which a shutter periodically interrupts the laser beam to form a discontinuous design on the surface of the material.

Figure 43 illustrates a method in which the laser is placed on a robot arm so that the robot can be used as the x-y device to plot a graphic on a stationary or moving material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred laser method of plotting graphics on materials according to this invention. The method uses the apparatus indicated generally at 10. The apparatus includes a laser 11, which can be adjusted for different power outputs. A preferred laser 11 is a Stylus C02 laser, manufactured by Excel / Laser Control, 7503 Chancellor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32809, United States. The laser 11 generates a laser beam 12 in the direction of a computer system controlled numerically by mirrors. The mirror system includes a mirror on the x-axis 13. The mirror on the x-axis 13 is mounted on a galvanometer on the x-axis 14. The galvanometer on the x-axis 14 is adapted to rotate to cause rotation of the mirror in the x-axis 13. The rotation of the mirror on the x-axis 13 causes the movement of the laser beam 12 along the x-axis. A numerical control computer 15 controls the output of a power source 16 to control the rotation of the galvanometer on the x-axis. The laser beam 12 is deflected by the mirror on the x axis 13 and directed towards a mirror on the y-axis 17. The mirror on the y-axis 17 is mounted on a galvanometer on the y-axis 18. The galvanometer on the y-axis is adapted to rotate to cause rotation of the mirror on the y-axis. 17. The rotation of the mirror on the y-axis 17 causes the movement of the laser beam 12 along the y-axis. The numerical control computer 15 controls the output of the power source 16 to control the rotation of the galvanometer on the y-axis 18. The laser beam 12 is deflected by the mirror on the y-axis 17 and directed through a focusing lens 19. The lens 19 is adapted to focus the laser beam 12. Preferably, the lens 19 is a multi-element, flat-field focusing lens assembly that optically holds the focused point on a plane plane as the laser beam moves through the material to trace a graphic. The lens 19, the mirrors 13, 17 and the galvanometers 14, 18 can be housed in a galvanometer block (not shown). The apparatus 10 further includes a work surface 20, which can be almost any solid substrate such as a table, or even a gaseous fluidized bed. A material 21 is placed on the work surface 20. The material 21 includes a surface 22. The work surface 20 can be adjusted vertically to adjust the distance of the lens 19 to the surface 22 of the material 21. The laser beam 12 It is directed by the mirrors 13, 17 against the surface 22 of the material 21. Usually, the laser beam 12 is directed generally perpendicular to the surface 22, but a different graphic can be achieved by adjusting the angle between the laser beam and the laser surface. around 45 to around 135 °. The movement of the laser beam 12 in contact with the surface 22 of the material 21 causes a graph 23 to be plotted on the surface 22. The movements and timing of the mirrors 13, 17 are controlled by the numerical control computer 15 to plot the specific desired graphic 23. A second computer such as a workstation computer (not shown) can be used in the method to facilitate the formation of the desired graphic. For example, a chart can be scanned into the workstation computer, converted to the appropriate format, and then entered into the numerical control computer via a floppy disk. The numerical control computer then controls the galvanometers and mirrors to form the graph on the surface of the material to the appropriate EDPUT. The apparatus 10 may also include a tank 24 for injecting a gas such as an inert gas into the work zone. The amount of gas can be controlled by the numerical control computer or by other means. The injection of a gas is discussed in more detail later. In a series of experiments, graphs were formed on materials using the preferred laser apparatus and method illustrated in Figure 1. The operating parameters were maintained within the following ranges: Continuous power: 0.25-25 watts Dot area: 0.031 -0.071 mm2 Focus distance: 169 mm Distance out of focus: 127-165 mm, 170-207 mm Speed: 25-750 mm / sec Oscillations: 0.5-1.5 mm amplitude Frequency: 200-5,000 Hz Wavelength: 10,600 nm "Continuous power" is the continuous power output of the laser, unlike the power output when the laser has a temporary power peak or when the laser is pulsed. The continuous power can be varied by adjusting the power reading in the laser. The "point area" is the area of the point formed by the laser beam on the surface of the material, when the laser beam is stationary relative to the material. The area of the point formed when the laser beam is in focus is a characteristic of the laser and the lens. It can be determined from the reference materials included with the laser and / or by contacting the laser manufacturer. A typical C02 laser with a typical lens has a spot area of 0.0314 mm2, and a typical Nd: YAG laser with a typical lens has a spot area of 0.002826 mm2. As shown in Figure 2, when the focused laser beam contacts the surface 22 of the material 21, it forms a generally circular point 25 on the surface. The circle has a radius "R". The area of the point is equal to 3.14 x R2. The "focus distance" is the distance from the lens to the material when the laser beam is in focus. The "distance out of focus" is a distance from the lens to the material that is greater or less than the focus distance. It was found that the area of the point can be increased by defocusing the laser beam both at greater distances and at distances smaller than the focus distance. As shown in figure 2, when the laser beam is out of focus, it forms a generally circular point 26 on the surface 22, which has an area greater than the point 25 formed when the laser beam is in focus. For example, when the C02 laser lens of Figure 1 is at the focal distance of 169 mm, the area of the point is 0.031 mm2, and when the laser lens is at a distance out of focus of either or 203 mm, the area of the point is 0.071 mm2. It will be understood that the laser beam may also be out of focus by other means. The "speed" is the speed of the laser beam relative to the surface of the material. The speed can be varied by controlling the movements of the mirror on the x-axis 13 and the mirror on the y-axis 17, illustrated in figure 1. In other embodiments of the invention, the speed can be varied by controlling the movements of the laser, the movements of the material, the movements of a lens, by combinations of these methods, or by other means. "Oscillations" means that the laser beam is oscillated in a specific waveform such as a semi-circle or sawtooth while plotting the desired graph. Figure 3 illustrates a line 27 formed by oscillating the laser beam in a sawtooth pattern while tracing on material 21. The amplitude "A" of the oscillation is preferably within the range of about 0.1 to about 2.5 mm , and more preferably from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm. Using the preferred laser system of Figure 1, the laser beam can be oscillated by controlling the movements of the mirror on the x-axis 13 and the mirror on the y-axis 17. Other means for oscillating the laser beam can also be used. Computer-designed experiments, followed by multiple correlation analysis, were first carried out by using a special software package called "Computer Optimized Process Solutions", from Rapid Innovations, Inc., 24803 Detroit Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145, U.S. The purpose of the statistically designed experiments and the multiple correlation analyzes was to discover whether a key function and the parameters influencing such a function can be identified to overcome the technical barriers that have impeded the use of lasers to plot graphics on materials cloth, leather and vinyl in the past. Three different computer designed experiments were conducted with a variety of different graphics on different materials at different laser operating conditions. For each experiment, continuous power, dot area, velocity and oscillation amplitude were varied according to the experimental design. The area of the point was varied by changing the distance from the lens to the material, as described above. The frequency (5,000 Hz) and the wavelength (10,600 nm) of the laser were kept constant. The resulting graphs were evaluated and given a rating between 1 and 5, the rating of 5 being considered as the highest. It should be noted that the rating of a graph will ultimately depend on the wishes of the customer, and the present invention is not limited by any particular qualification system. The results of the computer designed experiments are shown below in Tables 1-3.

OR tO TABLE 3 It was discovered that it actually speaks of a unique energy measurement called "EDPUT" in the present, which had a critical influence on the desired graph. Preferably, EDPUT is defined as follows: EDPUT = (continuous power (watts) / area of points of the (watts-sec / mm3) beam (mm2)) (1 / speed (mm / sec)) If the EDPUT was too small, the graph imparted on the material would not be easily visible. If the EDPUT were too large, complete carbonization, cross-burn and / or melting of the material would result. There are several different ways to achieve the desired EDPUT by adjusting the relative values of continuous power, point area and velocity. The preferred EDPUT range varied for each material and for each graph. Once the preferred EDPUT range has been defined for a given material and for a given graph, the EDPUT can be controlled to remain within that range to achieve the desired results in a repeatable manner. From the results of computer-designed experiments, a highly preferred EDPUT range for a variety of different fabric, leather and vinyl materials is around 0.11 to about 6.52 watts-sec / mm3. From the results of different experiments with other materials, as shown below in Table 4, a preferred range of EDPUT for a variety of different fabric, leather and vinyl materials is from about 0.04 to about 15.81 watts. sec / mm3. It will be recognized that the preferred EDPUT specifies will often vary depending on the particular type, color and thickness of the material, the particular type and size of the graph, as well as other factors.

TABLE 4 ? It is now clear why the laser tracing of graphics on cloth, leather and vinyl materials has not been previously marketed: the preferred EDPUT range is often narrow and only a fraction of the EDPUT capacity of the laser. For example, the possible EDPUT range for typical lasers is around 0.006 to about 931 watts-sec / mm3, as shown below in Tables 5 and 6. Therefore, identify and use a preferred EDPUT range, specific from around 0.11 to about 6.52 watts-sec / mm3 is similar to locating a needle in a bale of straw.

Table 5: EDPUT calculations for a typical CO Laser, Table 6: EDPUT Calculations for a Typical Nd: YAG Laser In some cases, the results may be affected by the introduction of the oscillation amplitude variable. As described above, the laser beam can be oscillated along a waveform such as a sawtooth or semi-circle while being traced. Figures 4-6 show that for experiments where a solid graph was plotted on denim and the quality of the graph was evaluated after washing, the amplitude of oscillation and the distance of the lens to the denim (affecting the area of the dot) were important All experiments were conducted at a continuous power of 14 watts. The experiments shown in Figure 4 were conducted without oscillation of the laser beam. Figure 4 illustrates that there is almost no possible combination of readings at a power level of 14 watts without oscillation of the laser beam that produces a rating greater than 4. A rating of around 4 can only be reached at a distance out of focus about 7.6 inches (193 mm) and a narrow operating speed of about 5 inches / second (127 mm / second). The experiments shown in figure 5 were conducted with the laser beam oscillated at an amplitude of 0.02 inches (0.5 mm). Figure 5 illustrates that the use of a 0.02 inch (0.5 mm) oscillation extends the operating range to produce a higher rated product. In this case, higher ratings are achieved at distances that are out of focus. The experiments shown in Figure 6 were conducted with the laser beam oscillated at an amplitude of 0.04 inches (1.0 mm). Figure 6 further demonstrates the positive effects of the oscillation and the distance out of focus on the qualification of the product. These results contrast with the previous teachings of the use of focused laser radiation without oscillation. Of course, the desired results can be obtained with focused laser radiation and EDPUT control.

In yet another series of experiments, different types of graphics were drawn on a variety of cloth, leather and vinyl materials. Although the different graphs are illustrated in relation to such particular materials with denim, it is recognized that the laser method of this invention is capable of plotting graphics on many other different types of materials. Table 7 below outlines the combination and ranges of operation parameters that jointly generated a preferred level of EDPUT to provide the desired graphics on the materials, without full carbonization, cross burn and / or melting.

Table 7: Operation Parameters and Resulting EDPUT that Produced New Design Effects * The frequency was changed continuously as the design pattern was drawn.

Example I. Denim A. Graphic Images Graphic images are rarely found in shirts, jackets or denim pants, because the technology to produce such designs is inherently difficult and / or expensive. For example, graphic images can be sewn or embroidered on the denim fabric in a very expensive or labor intensive process. Such techniques can only produce limited graphic images and are rarely seen on denim. However, by the laser method of this invention, numerous graphic images were drawn on trousers, shirts, jackets, vests and denim shorts. The quality of the denim varied considerably, however the laser method worked superbly on all the denims. By "graphic image" is meant any graphic that is drawn without complete carbonization, fusion and / or cross-burn of the material, including designs, views, drawings, paintings, logos, identifications and other graphics. Particular types of graphic images are described in more detail below. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a graphic image 28 formed on denim 29 in accordance with this invention. The area of the graphic image 28 is of a faded blue / white color, while the denim 29 is the conventional blue color of the denim. The graphic images varied from random lines to complicated animal lines and computer generated graphic images. In order to repeat the graphic image on the denim fabric, a graphic image was drawn on the denim and the fabric was simply moved on the work surface and the newly drawn graphic image! about the denim. The graphic images were drawn on the front and back bags and continuously around all the parts of the legs and the sleeves of pants and shirts. It was discovered that the graphic image produced on the fabric can first appear visible and without holes, but after washing, the graphic image disappears or contains holes and penings. In order to avoid the! formation of holes and penetrations, computer-designed experiments were conducted and the quality of the graphic image was graded before and after washing. The selection of the laser operating parameters and the readings that produced the desired graphic images after washing was then used. to specify the preferred EDPUT. The combination and ranges j of the operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced a variety of preferred graphic images on denim, are given in Table 7. B. Appearance to Sandblasting Treatment Denim pants are often sold with a worn appearance on the upper portions of the knee and the back portion of the seat. The effect is similar to an appearance of feathers or shadows in which the degree of appearance and wear is changed continuously along the length i and the width of the appearance1. To achieve this effect, pants are typically treated with sandblasting in a labor-intensive manufacturing process whereby each pair of pants is individually treated with sandblasting in a controlled environment installation. It is estimated that the cost of manufacturing for sandblasting is more than $ 2.00 US (two dollars) per pair of pants. Nevertheless, the laser method of this invention is relatively cheap both from the point of view of capital costs and operating costs, consisting of a single step (laser trace). The method is also free of environmental problems. It was discovered during the experiments that the laser can be used to simulate the appearance to treatment with sandblasting on denim. The laser method can also form the appearance to sandblasting on khaki and other materials. Figure 8 is a photograph of a sandblasted appearance 30 formed on denim 31, in accordance with this invention. The sandblasted appearance 30 was created by wrapping the denim 31 over a cone and tracing a solid pattern, as will be described below. The illustrated appearance to sandblasting 30 includes a central area 32, which appears to be more worn due to its lighter color (a faded blue / white color). The sandblasted appearance 30 also includes a peripheral area 33, which appears to be the least worn due to its darker color (a slightly faded blue color). The degree of worn appearance changes continuously along the length and width of the appearance to sandblasting 30. The change in the degree of worn appearance can be characterized as follows. A characteristic of pure indigo blue of non-worn denim is assigned a value of 100%, and a pure white color is assigned a value of 0%. The most worn area 32 of the sandblasting appearance 30 preferably has a value of from about 0 to about 30%, and more preferably from about 5 to about 20%. The least worn area 33 of the sandblasting appearance 30 preferably has a value of about 70 to about 99%, and most preferably about 80 to about 95%. The jet treatment appearance can be created using new techniques to control the distance from the laser lens to the denim (and thus the EDPUT), via the use of a shape such as a cone, cup or wedge to form the denim The denim is wrapped over the shape. The laser then sweeps over the shape to draw a solid pattern on the denim, such as a circle, rectangle or filled square, or a pattern of closely spaced lines. This unique technique has the effect of continuously changing the distance from the slow to the denim by tracing the laser beam to the solid pattern on the denim. When the distance from the lens to the denim is the distance of focus, the EDPUT has its superior value and the laser beam removes most of the pigment from the denim to create a more worn (lighter) appearance. When the distance from the lens to the mix is of a higher value of distance out of focus (ie, greater or less than the focus distance), the EDPUT has its lower value and the laser beam removes the least amount of pigment. of denim to create a less worn look (darker). Figure 9 illustrates a method in which a denim sample 34 is wrapped over a cone 35. A mirror and lens system 36 controlled by a computer 37 sweeps over the denim 34. The continuously changing distance of the lens 36 to the Denim 34 forms an appearance to sandblasting. Of course, this can be achieved alternatively by programming the computer of the laser system to continuously change the distance during the trace. It was also learned that the appearance to sandblasting can be simulated by tracing solid patterns on a grid such as the grid 38 shown in Figure 10. In this case, the EDPUT changes along each grid axis to ensure an appearance to sandblasting. In the drawing, the number 5 indicates a relative value for the upper EDPUT and the number 2 indicates a relative value for the lower EDPUT. Finally, it was also discovered that the appearance to sandblasting can be created using a design such as that shown in Figure 11. The design is composed of spacings and line thicknesses that increase or decrease more and more. In Figure 11, the line thickness increases from a thin line 39 to a thick line 40. The spacing between the lines is reduced from a wide space 41 to a narrow space 42. Preferably, the thin line 39 and the space Narrow 42 have a width of about 0.05 to about 0.5 mm, and more preferably about 0.1 mm. Preferably, the thick line 40 and the wide space 41 have a width of about 2.0 about 4.0 mm, and most preferably about 3.0 mm. Alternatively, a graphic image such as a radial gradient can be used, which gradually changes the shadow of the background from dark in the center to clear along the edges. Normally, the laser numerical control computer program can not process this image because it is a grayscale image and only black and white images can be successfully converted by the laser numerical control computer program. However, it was discovered that if this image is first processed by a graphics editing program such as Adobe Photoshop or the share are GVPD program, or other such programs, and converted into a black and white image by the screen method of halftones, pattern diffusion, threshold, diffusion by diffusion or preferably the method of error diffusion, then the laser numerical control system can in fact process and plot the image.

This leads to amazing results: the traced image assumes the appearance of a grayscale image with different shades of the base color versus the typical black and white contrast. Therefore, this new technique can be used to simulate a faded pattern or appearance to sandblasting. In addition, as described later, this new technique can be used to create graphic images, gray tones, very exciting, on materials in what in the past was simply impossible. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the sandblast appearance using these denim techniques are given in Table 7. C. Appearance to Washing with Stones A particularly novel concept invented during the experiments was the way by which the laser-induced design can be established to create an appearance washed with denim stones. The method can also be used to create a washed stone look on khaki and other colored materials. With a stone washed appearance in denim jeans, all pants are a faded color. The conventional method used to create such an appearance is extremely costly, consists of four separate steps, including sandblasting and enzyme washing, and is fraught with environmental problems. Conversely, the laser method is relatively cheap both from the point of view of capital costs and operating costs, consisting of only two steps (laser tracing and simple washing) and is free of environmental problems. The specific technique used to create this novelty appearance was to first draw contiguous solid patterns such as circles, rectangles or filled squares, or patterns of closely spaced lines, over the entire piece of denim. Alternatively, a single pattern, instead of contiguous patterns, can cover the entire piece. An unfocused distance from the lens to the denim is used to spread the energy through a wider area. The EDPUT of the laser is carefully controlled to prevent cross burn. This method produced a surprising effect: the appearance of the fabric washed with stones when the denim was washed for the first time. Figure 12 is a photograph of the stone washed appearance 43 formed on the denim 44 according to this invention. It can be seen that the whole appearance washed with stones 43 is of a faded indigo / white blue color. To characterize the color, if a pure Indigo blue denim color is assigned a value of 100% and a pure white color is assigned a value of 0%, the color of the washed appearance with stones 43 is preferably about 5 to about 40%, and more preferably about 5 to about 25%. The combination and the ranges of operation parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range, which produced the appearance to wash with stones, are given in the Table 7. D. Raida appearance Another novel concept invented during the experiments was the incorporation of a specific pattern on denim, which assumed a ragged appearance. Figure 13 illustrates an example of a raid appearance formed on denim shorts 45 by means of the method of this invention. The shorts 45 have a white raided area 46 at the ends of the legs. The raid region 46 consists of parallel filaments 47 that are relatively long and somewhat spaced apart. Figure 14 illustrates an example of another type of ragged appearance known as the appearance of bare yarns over denim shorts 48. The shorts have a raked blue indigo 49 area at the ends of the legs. The frayed zone 49 consists of parallel filaments 50 which are relatively shorter and are closer together than the filaments 47 of the raid region 46. These effects can be achieved in such a way that the design looks quite solid after the stroke and then only it becomes raido after washing. Alternately, the design effect can be achieved directly as a result of the laser trace. To create the threadbare appearance, it was learned that the same EDPUT range that was used to create the stone-washed appearance should be used first. Second, in the specific areas where the fibers are going to be raided, the process is repeated three or four times. Variable degrees of shaving can be achieved by controlling the EDPUT and the number of times the laser duplicates the pattern in the same area. The balance of these parameters can be selected such that the denim is burned therethrough after the laser trace or that the ragged appearance is achieved only after washing, where some of the fibers are destroyed. The combination and ranges of the operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the threadbare appearance, are given in Table 7. A threadbare appearance can also be produced by using narrowly spaced lines, intersecting lines or duplicated lines such as partial or complete partial and complete partial and partial burned carbonization. E. Logos and Identifications It was learned that different logos and other identifications can be explored towards the computer system and traced on denim and other materials in a very high quality way. This method can create a whole new application to eliminate expensive labels and logos on denims and other materials. Figure 15 illustrates an example of a logo 51 formed on denim trousers 52 in accordance with this invention. The laser-traced logo 51 replaces the logo tag 53 conventionally sewn into the pants. This application will provide cost savings to the manufacturer and improved customer convenience, as tags sewn on clothing such as shirts, blouses and jackets can actually be totally removed. The EDPUT is controlled so that the logo or other identification can be traced and the quality of the design can be maintained by repeated washing. The laser method was particularly useful for plotting alphanumeric characters for identification on a variety of materials, due to the registration and precision qualities controlled by the numerical control system that govern the movement of the xy mirrors and therefore the location and separation of the characters traced on the material. The combination and ranges of operation parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced logos and identifications, are data in Table 7. F. Sewn Appearance The laser tracing method can provide a stitched appearance that is often included in the back pockets of the jeans. This appearance is created by pressing the laser beam while drawing the sewn design. The laser beam can be pulsed by reducing the frequency of the laser beam of the usual frequency of 5,000 Hz to a frequency in the range of about 200 to about 2,000 Hz. Figure 16 illustrates an example of the stitched design 54 formed on denim trousers 55 in accordance with this invention. The stitched design 54 consists of a dashed line similar to a series of dashes. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the stitched appearance, are given in Table 7. The stitched appearance can also be created by a specific stitched design that is scanned into the computer system for control numerical laser beam, or by using a stencil or template. G. Folded Appearance Figure 17 illustrates an example of a folded design 56 formed on denim, in accordance with this invention. The design includes alternating darker areas 57 which are of the conventional indigo blue color of the denim, and lighter areas 58 that are faded indigo / white blue. The folded appearance is formed by the laser tracing the trajectory of a scanned folded pattern consisting of solid or filled and profiled areas that became a specific vector image. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the folded appearance, are shown in Table 7. H. Polka Dot Appearance Figure 18 illustrates an example of a polka dot design 59 formed on denim according to this invention. The design includes a bottom area 60, which is of the conventional indigo blue color of the denim. A plurality of relatively large circular areas 61 and relatively small circular areas 62 are spaced relatively randomly over the bottom area 60. The circular areas 61, 62 are of a faded indigo / white blue color. The polka dot appearance is formed by tracing the laser the trajectory of a scanned image pattern consisting of solid or filled and profiled areas, which became a specific vectorial image. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the polka dot appearance, are given in Table 7. 1. Moire's appearance Figure 19 is a photograph of the Moire 63 design formed on denim, according to this invention. The Moire design includes a bottom area 64 which is of the conventional indigo blue color of the denim. An aqueous or wavy pattern of lighter areas 65 is formed on the background area 64. The lighter areas 65 are faded indigo blue / white. Moire's appearance is formed by continuously changing the frequency of the laser beam from 200 to 5,000 Hz when a line is drawn over the denim. Moire's design can include a variety of lines of different thicknesses and spacings. The thickness of the line can be adjusted by changing the distance between the laser lens and the denim. The combination and ranges of operation parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance of Moire, are given in Table 7. J. Appearance of Locas Lines Figure 20 is a photograph of a design of crazy lines 66 formed on denim, in accordance with this invention. The crazy line design includes a bottom area 67, which is the conventional indigo blue color of the denim. A plurality of narrow lines spaced closely 68 is traced over the bottom area, in a relatively cross-wise manner or in a more random manner. Lines 68 are faded Indigo blue / white. The appearance of crazy lines is formed by plotting the laser path of a scanned line pattern that was converted to a specific vector image. The combi-nation and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance of crazy lines, are given in Table 7. Example II. Skin and Vinyl A. Graphic Images The technology developed and improved during these experiments showed how for the first time attractive graphic images could be imparted on leather and vinyl items such as, without limitation, bags, jackets, jackets, belts, furniture, interiors of automobiles, and other articles of leather and vinyl, without complete carbonization, nor transverse burning and / or fusion. There simply is no effective cost technology currently available to produce such graphic images on skins and vinyls. Numerous graphic images with thin lines, thick lines, solid lines, discontinuous lines and even solid figures were traced on the skin or vinyl without complete carbonization, cross combustion and / or fusion during these experiments. Figure 21 illustrates an example of a graphic image 69 traced on a skin background 70 in accordance with this invention. The graphic image 69 is formed of a pair of curved, parallel, closely spaced lines 71, 72. Lines 71, 72 are of the tan color of the unfinished skin. The skin background 70 is of a very dark brown color. The graphic image 69 is formed by tracing the laser the trajectory of the scanned graphic image that was converted into a specific vector image. The combination and the ranges of operation, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the graphic images, are given in Table 7. B. Appearance of Tufts A novel design was created with a leather or vinyl material in which the material looked like a lock in the design area. after the drawing process is completed. The tuft appearance had a three-dimensional appearance. This unique appearance was created by changing the angle between the lens and the material before plotting. Instead of tracing with the laser beam perpendicular to the material, the laser beam was changed at an angle of between about 5 and about 45 ° from the perpendicular. If necessary, repetitive tracing with the laser beam can be used until the desired appearance is obtained. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate an example of a tuft design 73 traced on a leather bottom 74 according to this invention. The tuft design 73 comprises relatively thick, shallow lines 75, drawn on the skin. The edges 76 of the lines 75 are angled outwards. The lines 75 are dark brown and the skin background 74 is very dark brown or black. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance of tufts, are shown in Table 7. The appearance of tufts can also be created on artificial skin and some types of extremely thin natural skin using patterns of tufts. design consisting of dense, thick lines and curves. C. Hand Stitched Appearance Figure 24 illustrates an example of a new hand sewn appearance formed on skin according to this invention. It was learned that a design appearing on vinyl or skin material 77 could be created to resemble hand-sewn lines 78 using laser oscillations in combination with a distance out of focus from the lens to the material. Preferably, the distance of the lens to the material is from about 142 to 155 mm, and more preferably about 142 mm. The oscillating laser beam traces a continuous, semi-circular or sawtooth waveform on the vinyl or skin material 77. This appearance can also be easily created on any fabrics, including, without limitation, polyester sheet, rayon , acetate and cotton, and fabrics made of blends of fibers such as natural, artificial and / or synthetic. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the hand sewn appearance on leather and vinyl, are shown in Table 7. D. Logos and Identifications Various logos were explored in the computer system and traced on leather and vinyl, providing a new market opportunity for automotive interiors and leather and vinyl items. For example, and without limitation, logos of automotive companies or automobile models can be traced on leather seats, headrest, vinyl boards, consoles, etc. In addition, as a result of this technology, logos or other identifications can be drawn, without limitation, on suitcases, bags, shoes, belts, purses, jackets, etc. It was learned that with the identification and the appropriate control of the variables of laser operation, an EDPUT range can be reached providing very high quality, precision and registration of intricate logos on skins. The combination and ranges of operation parameters, and the resulting EDPUT that produced logos and identifications, are shown in Table 7. Example III. Organza, Nylon, Rayon, Acetate, Cotton, Polyester, Urethane, Mixes of Alcrodón / Poliéster, Mixes of Polyester / Ra-yón, Lvcra and Other Fabrics Made of Natural and Artificial Fibers and Mixtures A. Graphic Images A variety of images were imparted graphics on organza, nylon, rayon, acetate, cotton, polyester, urethane, me "z" clas ~ "e" argódón / pblTéster ^ 'lñezcla's-de. ~ PCJJLyester / rayon, lycra and other fabrics made of natural and synthetic fibers and blends. A more complete list of fabrics, fibers, threads and mixtures will be described later. In all cases, the EDPUT was adjusted to overcome the technical barriers of complete carbonization, cross burn and / or fusion that have impeded the successful use of lasers in the past to plot graphic images on such fabrics. It was particularly surprising to observe the attractive extreme of imparting gold-like color designs to acetate and rayon linings of jackets and coats by the laser method of this invention. The combination and ranges of operation parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the graphic images on these fabrics, are given in Table 7. B. Relief Appearance It was discovered during the experiments that a very peculiar design appearance can be obtained in polyester and polyester / rayon mixes by reducing the power of the laser and increasing the speed of the laser over that used to create more accentuated graphic images on the fabrics. For example, Figure 25 illustrates an example of a relief appearance 79 formed on red polyester 80 in accordance with this invention. The particular operating conditions used created very peculiar design lines that were difficult to visualize first. The design lines 81 are of a slightly darker red color than the red 80 polyester. It is believed that the peculiarly designed lines 81 are created by partially melting a portion of the fibers on the surface of the fabric. This type of appearance is often demanded for large objects, such as sofas and chairs, which are upholstered with fine textiles or for evening dresses designed to be elegant but not exaggerated. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance of relie-ve, are given in Table 7. C. Metallic Appearance In one experiment, laser designs were drawn on dark blue polyester fabric . The area where the laser drew a particular design removed part of the pigment, melted some of the fibers, and created a new metallized appearance of gold. It is believed that gold color is a characteristic of fibers, pigment, and finishing technology. This unique look can be very impressive in evening dresses and can be created differently only with costly gold threads sewn into the dark blue polyester. This appearance can be traced on other dark polyester fabrics. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the metallic appearance, are given in Table 7. D. Nylon Open Cutting Appearance It was also possible to form perfect straight cuts through nylon by adjusting the EDPUT of the laser method. Therefore, new designs can be created with an open appearance or allowing to see through in some sections of the design pattern where the laser beam completely penetrated the nylon fabric. For example, three adjacent parallel lines can be cut through the nylon to provide a see-through appearance. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance of open-cut nylon, are given in Table 7. Example IV. Cotton and Cotton Blends / Unbleached Polyester, and Cotton and Bleached Cotton / Polyester Blends A particularly unique concept was created using the laser to trace graphics on cotton and blends of unbleached cotton / polyester, and cotton and cotton / polyester blends bleached Unbleached fabrics are fabrics in the unfinished state before bleached and dyed. Blanched fabrics are fabrics that have been bleached but not yet dyed. Usually, when the laser is used to draw a graphic on a fabric, the pigment in the graphic area is removed selectively and the resulting graphic is lighter than the color of the fabric. It was discovered that by tracing the same graphic on unbleached fabrics and bleached fabrics, the graph is barely noticeable, if at all. However, surprisingly, after the fabric is dyed, the graphic appears in a color that is darker than the original pigment as the pigment is absorbed into the graphic at a different speed. As shown in Figure 26, prior to dyeing a bleached cotton fabric 82, the laser lines 83 are relatively clear and appear thin. As shown in Figure 27, after dyeing the fabric 82 ', the lines 83' are darker and appear thicker. The opportunity to create new and exciting graphics on pillows, sheets, tablecloths and many other products is now offered as a result of this discovery. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the graphs on unbleached and bleached fabrics, are given in Table 7. New Manufacturing Technology As mentioned before, new manufacturing technology was developed during the experiments, including a process to simulate sandblasting and a process to simulate stone washing. Table 8 below outlines the combination and ranges of operation parameters, and the resulting EDPUT that are preferred for different manufacturing technologies.

Table 8: Parameters of Operation and EDPUT Resulting Preferred for New Manufacturing Technology Example V. Process to Simulate Sandblasting Often in the production of pants, shorts, shirts, vests and denim jackets, it is desired to create a worn appearance in certain areas of the material. For example, to create a worn look in denim jeans, the pants are first subjected to sandblasting in three specific areas: the front, right and left leg sections from the upper thigh to the roller and the seat area. The process of subjecting the pants to sandblasting is extremely labor-intensive, time-consuming, expensive, and fraught with environmental problems. It was discovered that the same effect can be created using the laser with careful control of the EDPUT to control both the degree of reaction of the pigment and the resulting effect thereof. There were four experiments tending to create such an appearance, and the four were considered quite successful. A. Continuously changing the distance from the lens to the denim It was discovered that one of the simplest ways to create the appearance to sandblasting was to continuously change the distance of the lens to the denim while drawing a solid pattern such as a circle, rectangle or square fill, or a pattern of closely spaced lines. This novel approach can be achieved by allowing the computer numerical control system to automatically adjust the distance of the lens to the denim when the pattern is drawn. Alternatively, if the equipment can not be controlled in this way, a cone, cup or wedge can be used as a shape on which the denim is wrapped. For example, when the denim is wrapped in a cone and the solid pattern is drawn, the distance from the denim to the denim can be changed continuously from a distance out of focus (lower EDPUT) in the peripheral area of the cone to create a appearance less worn, darker, at the focus distance (greater EDPUT) in the central area of the cone to create a more worn, lighter appearance. If desired, the inverse effect can be achieved by changing the focus distance (greater EDPUT) in the peripheral area of the cone to a distance out of focus (lower EDPUT) in the central area of the cone. The use of a cup as a form would have the reverse effect of using a cone. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance to sandblasting by the use of a cone, are given in Table 8. B. Using a Pattern of Design with Weights and Spacing of Always Changing Lines It was also observed during the experiments that the appearance to sandblasting can be created using a design pattern with thicknesses and spacings of ever-changing lines. The thickness and spacing of lines can be adjusted to create a whole series of different worn appearances, with different degrees of tapering of the "worn" degree. Alternatively, the design pattern can be created as described above by means of a radial gradient graphic image that is converted into a black and white image by an error diffusion process, halftone process or pattern deviation, diffusion deviation or threshold. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance to sandblasting treatment by this method, are given in Table 8.

C. Changing the EDPUT The appearance to sandblasting can also be achieved by tracing solid patterns or closely spaced lines on denim, with varying degrees of EDPUT changes in different portions of the pattern. For example, in the area where the denim will look more worn, the operating parameters can be selected so that the power is maximized, the speed is minimized, and the distance from the lens to the fabric is in focus (169 mm) in order to increase the EDPUT, and no oscillations are present. Then, to create varying degrees of lower "spent", the power can be reduced, the speed increased, and the distance from the slow to the jean changed to out of focus to reduce the EDPUT, and oscillations used. The combination and the ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance to sandblasting by this method, are given in Table 8. D. It is easy to Reduce Area Finally, it was observed that The appearance to sandblasting can be formed on denim by the use of stencils of shrinking area. In this method, first use a ring as a stencil to draw a solid circle on the denim. Then a second ring with the same external radius but with a smaller internal radius is used to trace over the same area. Then a third ring is used with the same external radius but with an even smaller internal radius to trace over the same area. Finally, a fourth ring with the same external radius is used but with an even smaller internal radius, leaving only a small circle to trace over the same area. It is understood that any number of rings can be used to form the appearance to sandblasting by this method. In this way, the design is more worn or lighter in the circular central area of the design and less worn or more in the annular perimeter area of the design. This technique was used to produce the faded sandblasting treatment design 84 shown in Fig. 28. The sandblasting treatment design 84 includes a circular central area 85 that is faded Indigo blue / white. A first annular area 86 surrounding the central area 85 is of a slightly darker color. A second annular area 87 surrounding the first annular area 86 is still darker in color. An annular perimeter area 88 is still darker in color. The color of the perimeter area 88 is only slightly lighter than the conventional indigo blue color of the denim bottom area 89. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance to sandblasting by this method, they are given in Table 8. Example VI. Process to Simulate Stone Washing A particularly novel concept invented during the experiments was the way in which the laser can be set to replace the conventional method used to create a washed appearance with stones on denim. The conventional process is extremely expensive, consists of certain four separate steps, including enzymatic washing, and is plagued by environmental problems. In conversation, the laser method is relatively cheap from the point of view of both capital and operating costs, consists only of two steps (laser tracing and washing), and is free of environmental problems. The specific technique used to create this novel appearance was to first draw contiguous solid patterns such as circles, rectangles or filled squares, or closely spaced lines patterns, over the entire piece of denim. Alternatively, a single pattern can cover the entire piece, instead of contiguous patterns. An unfocused distance from the lens to the denim is used to spread the energy through a wider area. The EDPUT of the laser is carefully controlled to prevent cross burn. This unique combination of processing conditions produced a surprising effect: the appearance of cloth washed with stones when the denim was first washed. The combination and ranges of operating parameters, and the resulting EDPUT range that produced the appearance to wash with stones, are given in Table 8. Example VI. Process for Imparting Identification on Materials The means for imparting identification on materials such as clothing or leather / vinyl items are either printing, stamping, engargolado, burned, dyed, sewn or other expensive processes and that often consume a lot of time.

It was discovered that the laser can be easily used to trace, without limitation, letters, numbers, logos and other identification marks over a wide range of materials in a very fast and inexpensive method. The specific design can be simply scanned on the computer and the numerical control system will trace the exact set of letters or numbers on the material. The laser system can be established to continuously trace pieces of material, the numerical control system programmed to increment in one the next number or letter of identification for the subsequent piece of material to be drawn. Alternatively, a screen, mask or template can be used on the material, such that when the laser traces a solid pattern on the template, the specific letters or numbers are engraved on the material. Finally, the computer software of the laser can be programmed to allow the direct capture of alphanumeric characters that could be adjusted in size and weight. The numerical control system would then directly trace the desired identification on the material. This last technique was used to serialize clothes, shoes and boots, drawing codes on the materials and inside the shoe or leather boot. The preferred laser system disclosed in FIG. 1 was particularly suitable for this type of new work since the laser is extremely capable of maintaining almost perfect registration and repeatability of the alphanumeric characters in a specific area. In addition, the images are of such precision that small characters of less than 3 mm in height can be drawn with a fairly acceptable legibility. This technique can be used to identify articles of clothing and items for inventory control and to prevent -the copying or falsification of the same. Other Discoveries A surprising new invention was accidentally discovered in experimental tests. All the graphics that had previously been taught about the materials were basically monochromatic such that the color of a graphic was a lighter shade of the base material that was dyed to a certain color. However, it was discovered that if a substrate is placed between the material and the laser, and then the laser is used to plot the graphic on the material, a surprising effect is achieved. The laser beam passed through the colored substrate and "ironed" that color on the chart plotted on the material. For example, a thin red polyester fabric was placed on top of a white cotton cloth and the laser process was started to trace a star pattern on the white cloth. As illustrated in Figure 29, the resulting design was a red 90 star on white 91 cotton fabric. Thus, for the first time in history, this invention has revealed a unique laser method for achieving color graphics about materials. This invention can be applied to any material: rubber, wood, metal, plastic, ceramics, glass, fabrics, skins, vinyl and other materials. The colored substrate through which the laser beam passes can be almost any color substance that allows the laser beam to pass through it, such as thin materials composed of several different fibers, natural or synthetic, colored threads, plastics or sheets. Preferably, the color substrate is placed close to the material. When this invention is used to plot color graphics on cloth, leather or vinyl materials, the preferred EDPUT is usually the same as for monochromatic graphics. Another process to trace color graphics on a material was also discovered. In this process, a gaseous pigment is injected into the work area where the laser beam is drawing a graphic on a material. As shown in Figure 1, the gaseous pigment can be injected into the work area from a tank 24. Charts created by laser of various colors can be achieved by using different colors of gaseous pigments. A third process was discovered to draw color graphics on fabric materials, skin and vinyl. This process uses yarns (fibers) or pigments that change to different colors when exposed to different amounts of thermal energy. In this way, the laser system can be programmed to vary the level of EDPUT during plotting to change the colors of the threads or the pigment. Another process is to use pigments of different color in different sections of the material where the graph will be drawn. It was learned in the experimental tests that the effects produced by the laser tracing process are usually two color effects, such as white / black, indigo blue / white, dark indigo blue / light indigo blue, dark / gold, dark red / light red, etc. For example, where the laser traces the graph, a clear effect (white) is established against the darker background of the material (black). However, in order to reproduce photographic type images, there was a need to provide more than one gray tone process that created tonalized images. Therefore, a process was invented that allows for the first time a photographic image to be drawn on materials with surprising gray shades. The process is to first scan an image of a person or thing to the computer, or import an art image to the computer, or alternatively take an image with a digital camera and give the image as input to the computer. Second, the image is converted into a black-and-white image, preferably by the process of diffusion of errors or by the process of halftones, pattern deviation, threshold or diffusion of diffusion, with the use of a software editor. images such as Adobe Photoshop or the shared program GVPD, or other such programs. Then the image is converted to the language of the numerical control program of the laser. The image can then be traced on materials with a photographic pattern and detail. This technique was used to trace people's photographic images (taken by a digital camera), art images of products such as dice, and scanned images of tapestry designs on materials. The images drawn were very detailed and attractive. This is the first time that a laser has been used to directly trace a photographic type image on materials. The key to this invention is to process the image in a way that simulates shades of gray but as a true black and white graphic for processing with the computer program of numerical control of the laser. If the image is simply converted into a black and white image typical of laser etching processes on metals and plastics, then the detail will be lost and only the black and white sketches of the image will be formed. Another surprising result was discovered when this same technique was used to draw an image of a person on shiny vinyl material. The resulting image seemed to be of a "holographic" nature because at certain angles the details of the image can not be determined, but at other angles the image was observed quite clearly. This created an extremely unusual and attractive image about such material. Two other techniques were successfully treated to draw a tone-gray image on materials. In the first technique, different shades of gray were created by repetitive laser tracing. In this case, the first line was created from one pass of the laser beam to a low EDPUT and thus created a very dull shadow not very different from the base substrate. Then a second line was created with the same procedure but with a second pass of the laser beam on the same area. This created a somewhat lighter shade of gray. This process can then be repeated several times to create different levels of shades of gray such that a photographic type image with good readability can be reproduced. The second technique was to draw sections of the image to different EDPUT to produce different shades or shades of gray. This type of process can be made programmable such that the numerical control system can allow the laser to draw different sections of the image to different EDPUT in a continuous pattern and therefore to different shades of gray. This new process can then be used in a similar way as a mesh process or a transfer printing process that produces photographic images on T-shirts, caps and jackets. A client would provide the laser service center with a photographic image to be scanned or a digital camera would be used to scan an image on the site. Then the image would be converted to a vector format and the computer system of the laser would be programmed or manually changed to produce different shades of gray to generate the image on different materials. It was further discovered in the experiments that the particular graph also has an influence on the likelihood of the laser beam to cause full carbonization, cross-burn and / or melting of the material. Specifically, graphs with intersecting lines and discontinuous patterns have a propensity that increases to cause full carbonization, cross-burn and / or fusion. Consequently, intersecting lines should generally be kept to a minimum because at any point, if the laser beam contacts the material twice, the potential for complete carbonization, cross-burn and / or fusion, particularly increases. to higher powers and lower speeds. The discontinuous graphs produced by constantly varying the frequency of the laser to cause pulsing of the laser beam must usually be minimized, because pulsing increases the cross-burn potential. On the other hand, discontinuous graphs produced under computer control without pressing the laser beam generally have no impact on cross burn. Narrowly spaced lines and repeated laser shots in one location can also increase the propensity for complete carbonization, cross burn and / or fusion. It was found that the preferred EDPUT range became narrower as the graph became more complex, as described above. However, through the use of computer designed experiments it was possible to identify an EDPUT range that produces the desired results even for complex graphics. For example, to produce a complex graph with a shooting star type, on cotton, the use of an EDPUT of around 0.5 watts-sec / mm3 was required. It was also discovered that the preferred EDPUT will often change depending on the size of the graph. A smaller graph often uses a smaller EDPUT, while a larger graph often uses a larger EDPUT. It is believed that a smaller EDPUT is often preferred for a smaller graph because the graph has more closely spaced lines. Adjustments to the galva-nometer set-up times can also help prevent the initial creation of a hole when the laser beam is first turned on and the initial energy peak makes contact with the material. Galvanometer set-up times control when the laser beam arrives in relation to when the mirrors of the mirror system begin to move. The best adjustment is to set the galvanometer setting times so that the mirrors begin to move just before the laser beam arrives. In this way, the first pulse of energy is distributed over a wider area of material, minimizing the potential to create a hole in the material. The latest laser systems often automatically compensate for these peaks in the circuits and the program. Another technique is to use repetitive tracing of the laser beam at low EDPUT, preference at EDPUT levels below about 3 watts-sec / mm3. During the first pass of the laser beam, the graphic formed on the material is only partially completed, but complete carbonization, cross burn and / or fusion are avoided. During the repetitive passes of the laser beam, the graph is completed with the desired quality. Encapsulating the working area between the lens and the material in an inserted gas can also reduce the tendency to complete carbonization, cross-burn and / or fusion. This technique can also produce new effects in graphics. In general, any gas can be used in the work zone to create a new effect. As shown in Figure 1, the gas can be injected into the work zone from a tank 24. It was also learned that a certain level of carbonization, cross-burn and / or melting can be acceptable and sometimes desired, such as with the raid or bare thread appearance described above. The level of carbonization, cross combustion and / or fusion can be controlled by appropriate selection of the EDPUT. During the experiments, it was learned that the width of the graph lines can be changed using two approaches. In the first approach, the distance from the lens to the material is changed from the focus distance of 169 mm to a distance out of focus of 142 or 180-mm to create thicker graphic lines. In the second approach, the laser beam is oscillated as described above to create thicker graphic lines.

The normal operating frequency of the laser used for the experiments was 5,000 Hz. This frequency produced a continuous line when the laser was used to draw a line on the material. However, in order to create an additional effect of dashed lines or a sewn pattern, a new technique was used to pulse the laser at a very low frequency of about 200 to about 2,000 Hz. By varying the frequency during the plotting, it was possible to create a more randomized pattern on the material. Another new technique produces a unique appearance by modulating or moving the material as the laser is plotted. For example, this technique can produce a random wash appearance that is quite attractive. Numerous experiments showed that many new graphics can be created using a variety of stencils or schemes. The dot matrix patterns can be used to create some interesting new effects similar to sandblasting. Letters and numbers can be imparted on the materials either by 1) scanning the specific number or letter or using interconstructed sources allowing the numerical control mirror system to guide the graphic to laser, or 2) using stencils on the material, largely as screen printing. In order to create a variety of laser-drawn graphics on different materials, several novel inventions were used such as the use of cones, wedges and cups, the use of designs with spacing and line thickness that increase or decrease always, and the use of grids with patterns created with different EDPUT. However, it was determined that these types of effects and many others can be achieved by an integrated laser system in which the operating parameters can be effectively controlled to achieve the preferred EDPUT by plotting the specific graph on the material. The integrated computer, the scanning device, the numerical control system and the laser can then work together to create a variety of existing and new graphics on the materials and to avoid or control carbonization, cross burn and / or fusion. The laser used in the method of this invention can be any conventional laser capable of functioning as described above. A preferred laser is the C02 Stylus laser manufactured by Excel / Laser Control, illustrated in Figure 1. Other lasers, such as the well-known Nd: YAG laser, can also be used in this invention. New lasers, such as diode lasers, can also be used in a similar manner. The laser and the material can be placed so that the laser beam is vertical (after it is reflected from the mirrors) and the horizontal material, or the laser beam can be horizontal and the material vertical. The laser beam can be oscillated as described above, modulated or otherwise manipulated to produce different effects on the graphics. The laser beam can be oscillated as described above, modulated or otherwise manipulated to produce different effects on the graph. Suitable means include electro-optical modulators, optical acoustic modulators, laser-oscillated voltage, mechanical activation and deactivation synchronization devices, screening methods, methods of applying mechanical displacement, or synchronous systems with laser scanning operations. The computer used in the method can be any electronic controller incorporated as any computer, conventional microprocessor or other similar electronic calculation apparatus. Additionally, any software or computer language suitable for controlling the movement of the laser, the mirrors and / or the material can be used. This invention provides the production of unique laser graphics on many types of fabrics, fibers and / or yarns. The term "fabrics", when used by itself in the present, it will include all these materials. The materials can be natural or artificial. Natural materials include cotton, wool, linen and natural silk. Synthetic or artificial materials include artificial materials that are often cellulose derivatives, such as rayon and acetate. Synthetic materials also include synthetic materials that are often derived from petroleum, such as nylon, polyester and lycra. Any mixtures of fabrics, fibers and / or yarns can be used. Mixtures can be created within fibers or yarns by means of spinning processes and / or within fabrics from different fibers and yarns per fabric. Other means for making the mixtures can also be used. Fabrics can be woven, non-woven, knitted, or made by other methods. Specific fabrics and fibers include, without limitation, denim, cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon, wool, natural and artificial silk, acetate, linen, polyamide, lavsan, half wool, gabardine fabric, woven and non-woven fabrics, and mixtures thereof . A particularly preferred fabric is denim, a cotton fabric that differs from other cotton fabrics by the manufacturing method. Other preferred fabrics and fibers are cotton, polyester, lycra, non-woven polyester treated with elastomer, dyed denim, velor, organza, nylon, rayon, acetate, and mixtures thereof. Many types of fabrics can be produced from cotton fibers, including without limitation clothes, sheets, jackets, sweaters and fabrics. The invention also provides unique laser graphics on any types of skins or vinyls. Preferred skins include, without limitation, kid skin, sheep skin, pig skin, suede skin, calf skin, suede and artificial skin. Vinyl is another preferred material. Any types of graphics can be formed on the materials according to this invention. Using the technology of this invention, any graphic can be achieved, particularly with the assistance of the computer. The graphics can be formed using a moving or stationary laser and / or moving or stationary mirrors, or a moving or stationary material, and by many other means. Complex graphics can be formed using mirrors, lenses, shutters, or combinations thereof. The graph can be continuous or discontinuous, straight or curved, and simple or intricate. Thick or thin lines of the graph can be formed. The graphic can be of a single color or of multiple colors, of total or partial penetration, in relief or flat, and their combinations. This invention allows the creation of standard graphics typically provided by the most expensive media, as well as the creation of graphics typically provided by more expensive means, as well as the creation of totally new graphics that are not possible to be achieved by any other means, thereby providing new products for expanded opportunities in the market. For example, intricate laser graphics imparted on skins and vinyls are unique because alternating processes to impart such graphics on these materials are rare and totally inefficient from a cost point of view. This invention can then be used to impart meaningful graphics on automotive interiors of leather, boots, jackets, belts, bags and purses, which are typically only differentiated by color. The graphs are formed by contact of the laser beam with the surface of the material. The laser beam selectively changes the chemistry of the surface and / or the physical surface properties of the material. Usually, the laser beam selectively destroys and / or selectively changes a small portion of the material and / or pigment. The ratio of material destroyed or changed to the destroyed or changed pigment is a function of the composition of the pigment, the amount and level of fixation, and the composition and construction of the material, such as the type and the cross-linking of the fiber. The laser beam can form a graphic on the material by destruction, melting, shrinking, wrinkling, wrinkling, bending, wetting or engargolamiento of the material. The materials with graphics formed in accordance with this invention can be used to make clothing, footwear, bags and purses, uniforms, household articles, vehicle interiors, furniture covers and wall coverings. This invention can offer unique graphics of material for, without limitation, the fashion industry, the footwear market, the furniture business, the home decoration market, the military industry, the automotive industry, and the boat industries. and the airlines. The laser method of this invention can be implemented in a retail setting for the sale of clothing, footwear, leather goods, furniture, caps, or the like. The laser method can also be implemented in a warehouse that stores items for multiple retail outlets. In addition, the laser method can be implemented in a manufacturing operation or textile plant, or in a laundry operation. Moreover, the laser method of this invention can also be implemented in a shopping center, amusement center, or a photographic store. The graphics can be formed on a specific portion of a product, such as the bag, neck, sleeve or cuff of a garment, or the seat of a piece of furniture or a vehicle. In this way, the laser method can be used in unit applications where a graph is formed on a piece of material to make a specific portion of a product, as well as linear applications where a graph is formed on a roll of material that is subsequently cut into shapes. The laser method can be used to impart new graphics on leather, vinyl and interior fabric components of automobiles and other vehicles in a unit application. Therefore, an automotive agency may have a laser system on site to produce custom-made graphics for customers in a variety of components for vehicle interiors such as viceras, roof linings, head rests, arm rests, consoles, rugs, carpets, boards, speed lever boots, and the like. A surprising benefit of this invention is that cloth, leather and vinyl materials with graphics produced by this invention have superior mechanical properties and chemical stability to materials with graphics produced by means of chemical pigmentation processes. Table 9 further illustrates this improvement in the chemical stability of the graphic materials formed by the laser method of this invention. The samples of material were subjected to washing and rubbing treatments and then judged as to the amount of color retained, the uniformity of color, and the depth of color. The ratings in the table use 5 as the highest rating, essentially equivalent to untreated material. In all cases, the qualification of the laser-designed material was equal to or higher than the qualification of the chemically pigmented material after washing with high temperature soap, washing at room temperature, and dry and wet friction test. As noted above, the quality of the material ultimately depends on the wishes of the customer, and the present invention is not limited to any particular rating system.

Table 9: Chemical Stability of Materials with Laser Design vs. Materials with Chemical Design Key design: SHT = washing with soap at high temperature, simulated; RTW = wash at room temperature; DFT = dry friction test; WFT = wet friction test.

Table 10 below illustrates the mechanical properties of laser-designed materials versus conventional designed materials, particularly for laser design of heavy wool.

Table 10: Mechanical Properties of Materials with Laser Design vs. Materials with Chemical Design Key design: Virgin = Without design; Chemical = Chemical design Figures 30 and 31 are additional drawings of laser designs formed on a cloth and a skin according to this invention. They show that a variety of different graphs can be formed in a variety of different materials without complete carbonization, cross-burn and / or fusion. Figure 30 illustrates a novel and attractive laser graphic 92 formed on denim 93. This graphic includes thick and thin lines, continuous and discontinuous, and straight and curved. It is hoped that this new fashion concept will be popular with consumers who buy jeans. A graph 94 formed on pig skin 95 is illustrated in Figure 31. Such laser graphics formed on skins and vinyls are unique in and of themselves since alternating processes for imparting graphics on these materials are rare and totally inefficient from the point of view. of view of costs. This invention can thus be used to form graphics on leather interiors of vehicles, jackets, boots, purses and bags, which are typically only differentiated by color. Figures 32 and 33 were considered unsuccessful attempts to plot graphics on denim samples. In these attempts, EDPUT was not adequately controlled during laser tracing. The graph 96 shown in Figure 32 has areas 97 in which the laser beam caused complete carbonization, cross-burn and / or melting of the denim 98, resulting in full penetration and hole formation in the denim. Similarly, the graph 99 shown in FIG. 33 has relatively large areas 100 of complete carbonization and cross-burn of the denim 101. Other Experiments Previous experiments have determined determined operating speeds for a variety of different fabric, skin and vinyl materials . The preferred operating speed is a function of the type of material, the thickness of the material, the construction of the material, the type of graph formed on the surface of the material, as well as the other laser operation parameters discussed above. For a fixed set of other laser operating parameters, the preferred operating speed is maintained at a level above a threshold velocity where the laser beam fully penetrates the material and results in complete carbonization, cross-burn and / or melting. However, the preferred speed of operation is maintained at a level below the maximum speed where a visible graph is not formed on the material. Table 11 below shows the preferred operating speed for a variety of different materials, together with the type of laser graphics that can be formed on these materials. The variation in the preferred operating speed is due to the aforementioned factors.

Table 11: Preferred Operating Speed for Graphs to Layer on Different Materials Table 12 shows the preferred operating speed for laser graphics on certain specific materials.

Table 12: Preferred Operating Speed for Graphics to Layer on Specific Materials Alternate Embodiments of the Laser Method Figures 34 to 43 illustrate alternate embodiments of the laser method of forming graphics on materials in accordance with this invention. Figure 34 illustrates a first alternate embodiment of the method using the apparatus generally indicated at 110. The apparatus 110 includes a laser 111 that generates a laser beam 112. The laser 111 is positioned so that it can move in vertical directions and horizontal. Such movement results in a corresponding movement of the laser beam 112. A traction mechanism in the form of a laser traction 113 is connected to the laser 111. The laser traction 113 is adapted to cause movement of the laser 111 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Alternatively, the laser drive 113 may cause the laser 111 to rotate vertically and horizontally on a stationary pivot. An electronic controller, such as a computer 114, is connected to the laser drive 113. The computer 114 is adapted to provide laser traction signals 113 to control the movement of the laser 111. The computer 114 is programmed by particular software (not shown) developed to control such movement. The laser 111 is positioned to generate a laser beam 112 in the direction of a material 115. The material 115 includes a surface 116. In operation, the laser 111 is activated and generates the laser beam 112. The laser beam 112 makes contact with the surface 116 of the material 115. The computer 114 provides laser traction signals 113. In response to the signals, the traction of the laser 113 causes movement of the laser 111 and the laser beam 112. The movement of the laser beam 112 in contact with the surface 116 of the material 115 causes that a graph 117 is formed on the surface 116. The EDPUT is controlled within a predetermined range.

Figure 35 illustrates a second alternate embodiment of the method using the apparatus indicated generally at 120. A laser 121 generates a laser beam 122 against the surface 126 of a material 123. A product pull 124 causes movement of the material 123 in the vertical and horizontal directions. A computer 125 provides signals to the product traction 124 to control such movement. Movement of the surface 126 of the material 123 in contact with the laser beam 122 causes a graph 127 to be formed on the surface 126. The EDPUT is controlled within a predetermined range. When the thickness of the material 123 varies non-uniformly, a thickness sensor 128 can continuously detect the thickness before contact with the laser beam 122. The thickness sensor 128 provides signals to the computer 125 and the computer 125 in turn provides product traction signals 124 to adjust the speed in view of the detected thickness. Such thickness sensors are common in the papermaking industry. Figure 36 illustrates a third alternate embodiment of the method using the apparatus indicated generally at 130. The third embodiment is a continuous method and as a result is more economical than the first and second embodiments. A laser 131 generates a laser beam 132 against the surface 138 of a material 135. A laser pull 133 causes the movement of the laser 131 and the laser beam 132 in the vertical direction. A computer 134 provides signals to the laser traction 133 to control such movement. The material 135 is placed on a moving roll 136. A product pull 137 causes rotation of the moving roll 136 and thus continuous movement of the material 135 in the horizontal direction. The movement of the laser beam 132 in contact with the moving surface 138 of the material 135 causes a graph 139 to be formed on the surface 138. A thickness sensor 140 can be used with non-uniform materials. The movement and timing of the laser 131 and the moving roll 136 are coordinated to form the specific wanted graphic 139 and to control the EDPUT within a predetermined range. Referring now to Figure 37, a fourth alternative embodiment of the method using the apparatus indicated generally at 150 is illustrated. A laser 151 generates a laser beam 152 in the direction of a mirror 153. A mirror pull 154 causes the movement of the mirror 153 in the vertical and horizontal directions. A computer 155 provides signals to the mirror drive 154 to control such movement. The mirror 153 deflects the laser beam 152 against the surface 157 of a material 156. The movement of the laser beam 152 in contact with the surface 157 of the material 156 causes a pattern 158 to be formed on the surface 157. The movement and the temporization of the mirror 153 are controlled to form the specific desired graphic 158 and to control the EDPUT within a predetermined range. Two mirrors are preferred so that the movement can be controlled simultaneously along both the x-axis and the y-axis. Figure 38 illustrates a fifth alternative embodiment of the method using the apparatus indicated generally at 160. The fifth alternate embodiment combines the methods of the alternate third and fourth embodiments and is thus an even more economical method. A laser 161 generates a laser beam 162 in the direction of a mirror 163. A mirror pull 164 causes the movement of the mirror 163 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Alternatively, two mirrors can be used, one moved vertically and one moved horizontally. A computer 165 provides signals to the mirror traction 164 to control such movement. The mirror 163 deflects the laser beam 162 against the surface 169 of a material 166. The material 166 is placed on a moving roll 167. A product pull 168 causes the rotation of the moving roll 167 and thus continuous movement of the roll 167. material 166 in the horizontal direction. The movement of the laser beam 162 in contact with the moving surface 169 of the material 166 causes a pattern 170 to be formed on the surface 169. "A thickness sensor 171 can be used with non-uniform materials. The mirror 163 and the moving scroll 167 are coordinated to form the specific desired graphic 170 and control the EDPUT within a predetermined range Figure 39 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment of the method using the apparatus indicated generally at 180. A laser 181 generates a laser beam 182 in the direction of a primary mirror 183. A primary mirror drive 184 causes movement of the primary mirror 183 in the horizontal direction A computer 185 provides signals to the primary mirror pull 184 to control such movement. The primary mirror 183 deflects the laser beam 182 in the direction of a plurality of secondary mirrors 186. A traction d The secondary mirror 187 causes the movement of the secondary mirrors 186 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Each secondary mirror 186 deflects the laser beam 182 against the surface 189 of a different portion of a material 188. The movement of the laser beam 182 in contact with each portion of the surface 189 of the material 188 causes a plurality of graphics to be formed. 190 on the surface 189. The motions and timing of the secondary mirrors 186 are controlled to form the specific desired graphics 190 and to control the EDPUT within a predetermined range. Referring now to Figure 40, a seventh alternate embodiment of the method is illustrated, utilizing the apparatus generally indicated at 200. A laser 201 generates a laser beam 202 in the direction of a primary mirror 203. A mirror pull primary 204 causes movement of the primary mirror 203 in the horizontal direction. A computer 205 provides signals to the primary mirror drive 204 to control such movement. The primary mirror 203 deflects the laser beam 202 in the direction of a plurality of secondary mirrors 206. A secondary mirror drive 207 causes movement of the secondary mirrors 206 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Each secondary mirror 206 deflects the laser beam 202 against the surface 211 of a different portion of a material 208. The material 208 is placed on a moving roll 209. A product pull 210 causes rotation of the moving roll 209 and of this way continuous movement of material 208 in the horizontal direction. The movement of the laser beam 202 in contact with each portion of the surface 211 of the moving material 208 causes a plurality of graphics 212 to be formed on the surface 211. A thickness sensor 213 can be used with non-uniform materials. The movements and timing of the secondary mirrors 206 and the moving scroll 209 are coordinated to form the desired specific graphics 212 and to control the EDPUT within a predetermined range. This embodiment employing a moving roll in combination with a plurality of lenses for scattering the laser beam on the material is particularly economical.

Figure 41 illustrates an eighth alternative embodiment of the method, which uses the apparatus generally indicated at 220. A laser 221 generates a laser beam 222 in the direction of a shutter 223. The shutter 223 periodically interrupts the laser beam 222 oscillating round trip perpendicular to the direction of the laser beam. A plug drive 224 causes the plug 223 to oscillate back and forth. Alternatively, the shutter can be constructed and operated in a manner similar to the shutter of a camera that periodically opens and closes. A computer 225 provides shutter tension signals 224 for controlling the movement of shutter 223. Laser beam 222 is directed beyond shutter 223 against surface 229 of a material 226. Product pull 227 causes movement of material 226 in the vertical and horizontal directions. A computer 228 provides signals to the product tension 227 to control such movement. The movement of the surface 229 of the material 226 in contact with the laser beam 222, in combination with the periodic interruption of the laser beam 222 by the obturator 223, causes a discontinuous graph 230 to be formed on the surface 229. FIG. 42 illustrates a ninth alternate embodiment of the method, which uses the apparatus generally indicated at 240. A laser 241 generates a laser beam 242 through a lens 243. The slow 243 serves to redirect the laser beam 242 from a so as to result in a more complex curved graphic. The lens 243 can also be rotated for different re-directions of the laser beam 242. The lens 243 can also move laterally or rotate about its vertical axis for different purposes, such as creating thick or thin lines. A lens pull 244 causes rotation of the lens 243. The computer 245 provides lens pull signals 244 to control the rotation of the lens 243. The laser beam 242 is then directed toward a shutter 246. The shutter 246 periodically interrupts the laser beam 242 oscillating back and forth perpendicular to the direction of the laser beam. A plug drive 247 causes the plug 247 to oscillate back and forth. A computer 248 provides shutter traction signals 247 to control such movement. The laser beam 242 is directed through the lens 243, beyond the obturator 246, against the surface 252 of a material 249. A product pull 250 causes movement of the material 249 in the vertical and horizontal directions. A computer 251 provides signals to the product traction 250 to control such movement. The movement of the surface 252 of the material 249 in contact with the laser beam 242, in combination with the rotation of the lens 243 and the periodic interruption of the laser beam 242 by the shutter 246, causes a graph 253 to be formed on the surface 252. Graph 253 includes complex continuous and discontinuous portions.

Figure 43 illustrates a tenth alternative embodiment of the method, which uses the apparatus generally indicated at 260. A laser 261 generates a laser beam 262 against the surface 263 of a material 264. The laser 261 is maintained by the arm 265 of a robot 266. The movement of the robot arm 275 causes a corresponding movement of the laser 261 and the laser beam 262. A computer 267 provides signals to the robot 266 to control such movement. The material 264 is placed on a moving roll 268. Alternatively, the material may be stationary. A roll pull 269 causes rotation of the moving roll 268 and thus continuous movement of the material 264. The movement of the laser beam 262 in contact with the moving surface 263 of the material 264 causes a graph 270 to be formed on the surface 263. The movements and timing of the robot arm 265 and the moving scroll 268 are coordinated to form the desired specific graph 270 and to control the EDPUT within a predetermined range. This system will be particularly useful for plotting graphics on materials in hard-to-reach locations or on high-speed lines. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it should be understood that this invention can be put into practice in a manner other than that specifically explained and illustrated, without departing from its spirit or its scope.

Claims (65)

1. CLAIMS 1. A laser method of forming a graph on a material, which involves tracing the material with a laser beam and controlling an energy density per unit of time during the plot, where the energy density per unit of time is defined as: energy density per unit time = (continuous energy (watts-sec / mm3) (watts) / area of points (mm2)) (1 / speed (mm / sec)) where the continuous power is a power output continuous of the laser during tracing, the spot area is an area of a point formed by the laser beam on the material when the laser beam is stationary relative to the material, and the velocity is a speed of the laser beam in relation to the material during the tracing.
2. 2. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein a range of energy density per unit time is determined to plot a desired graph on a given material, and the energy density per unit time is controlled to remain within the rank.
3. 3. The laser method defined in claim 2, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of fabrics, skins and vinyls.
4. 4. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein the energy density per unit time is controlled to substantially prevent complete carbonization, melting and cross-burn of the material while forming a visible graph.
5. The laser method defined in claim 4, wherein the energy density per unit time is controlled to remain within a range of about 0.04 to about 15.81 watts-sec / mm3.
6. 6. The laser method defined in claim 4, wherein the energy density per unit time is controlled to remain within a range of about 0.11 to about 6.52 watts-sec / mm3.
7. 7. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the laser beam is oscillated during tracing.
8. 8. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the laser beam is out of focus during tracing.
9. The laser method defined in claim 8, wherein the laser beam is directed against the material through a focusing lens, and wherein the material is positioned at a distance from the focusing lens at which the beam of Laser is out of focus.
10. 10. The laser method defined in claim 8, wherein a washed stone appearance is formed on the material by drawing a solid pattern with the laser beam out of focus.
11. 11. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the laser beam is oscillated and is out of focus.
12. 12. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the energy density per unit time is continuously changed during plotting.
13. 13. The laser method defined in claim 12, wherein an appearance to sandblasting is formed on the material by continuously changing the energy density per unit time during plotting.
14. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the laser beam is directed against the material through a focusing lens, and where a distance of the material from the focusing lens is continuously changed during the tracing.
15. 15. The laser method defined in claim 14, wherein an appearance to sandblasting is formed on the material by continuously changing the distance of the material to the focusing lens during tracing.
16. 16. The laser method defined in claim 14, wherein the distance of the material from the focusing lens is continuously changed during tracing by wrapping the material in a shape.
17. 17. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein a mirror controls the movement of the laser beam during tracing.
18. 18. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the laser beam is pulsed during tracing.
19. The laser method defined in claim 18, wherein a stitched appearance is formed on the material by pulsing the laser beam at a frequency within a range of about 200 to about 2., 000 Hz.
20. 20. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein a frequency of the laser beam is continuously changed during plotting.
21. 21. The laser method defined in claim 20, wherein a Moire appearance is formed on the material by continuously changing the frequency of the laser beam during tracing.
22. 22. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the material is drawn with the laser beam at an angle from the perpendicular.
23. 23. The laser method defined in claim 22, wherein an appearance of tufts is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of skins and vinyls, tracing the material with the laser beam at an angle from the perpendicular within a range from around 5 to around 45 °.
24. 24. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the graphic is formed with shades of gray by the steps of: capturing the graphic on a computer, converting the graphic into a black and white image by a process selected from the group that it consists of diffusion of errors, halftones, pattern deviation, threshold and diffusion deviation, convert the graphic to a numerical control program language, and trace the graphic on a material under the control of the computer.
25. 25. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the graph is formed with shades of gray by plotting different portions of the graph at different energy density levels per unit of time to form different shades.
26. 26. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the graph is formed with shades of gray by repeating the plotting on portions of the graph, with different portions of the graph drawn a number of times to form different tonalities.
27. 27. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein an appearance to sandblasting is formed on a material by drawing a series of spacing lines that are always reduced and thickness that always increases.
28. 28. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein an appearance to sandblasting is formed on a material by tracing through a plurality of generally annular stencils having different internal diameters.
29. 29. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein a raised appearance is formed on the material by partially melting a portion of the surface of the material.
30. 30. The laser method defined in claim 1, wherein the graphic is formed in a unitary application on a portion of an article.
31. 31. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein the graph is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of unbleached fabrics and bleached fabrics, and the graph is formed by first drawing the material and then dyeing the material.
32. 32. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a frayed appearance is formed on the material by repeatedly tracing generally parallel lines to cause carbonization and cross-burn of the material.
33. 33. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein an appearance that is seen through the material is formed by cutting lines through the material.
34. 34. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a delayed appearance is formed on the material by moving the material relative to the laser beam in a generally random manner while drawing a solid pattern on the material.
35. 35. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graphic image is formed on denim by tracing an energy density per unit time within a range of about 0.03 to about 9.37 watts-sec / mm3.
36. 36. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein an appearance to sandblasting is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of denim and khaki, plotting at an energy density per unit time within a range of about from 0.09 to around 8.07 watts-sec / mm3.
37. 37. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a stone washed appearance is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of denim and khaki, plotting at an energy density per unit time within a range of around from 0.15 to around 6.45 watts-sec / mm3.
38. 38. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graph selected from the group consisting of logos and identifications is formed on denim by tracing an energy density per unit time within a range of about 0.03 to about 9.37. watts-sec / mm3.
39. 39. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graphic image is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of skins and vinyls tracing at an energy density per unit time within a range of about 0.46. at around 9.37 watts-sec / mm3.
40. 40. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graph selected from the group consisting of logos and identifications is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of skins and vinyls, plotting at an energy density per unit time within from a range of around 0.21 to 9.38 watts-sec / mm3.
41. 41. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graphic image is formed on a material selected from the group consisting of organza, nylon, polyester, rayon, acetate, cotton sheet, and mixtures thereof, plotting at a density of energy per unit time within a range of about 0.12 to 4.04 watts-sec / mm3.
42. 42. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graphic image is formed on lycra by plotting at an energy density per unit time within a range of about 0.44 to about 3.22 watts-sec / mm3.
43. 43. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein a graphic image is formed on polyester knit fabric by tracing at an energy density per unit time within a range of about 0.22 to about 8.06 watts-sec / mm3.
44. 44. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein the material is a fabric selected from the group consisting of denim, cotton sheet, polyester, lycra, corduroy, velor, organza, rayon, nylon, acetate, wool, natural silk and artificial, acetate, linen, polyamide, lavsan, half wool, gabardine fabric, polyester - not woven treated with elastomer, woven and non-woven fabrics, and their mixtures.
45. 45. The laser method defined in claim 44, wherein the fabric is denim.
46. 46. The laser method defined in claim 3, wherein the material is a skin or a vinyl selected from the group consisting of kid skin, sheep skin, pig skin, suede skin, calf skin, suede, artificial skin , and vinyl.
47. 47. A laser method of forming a graph on a material, which comprises tracing the material with a laser beam and controlling an energy density per unit of time during plotting, where the energy density per unit time is a function of the continuous energy output of the laser during tracing, the area of a point formed by the laser beam on the material when the laser beam is stationary relative to the material, and the speed of the laser beam relative to the material during the layout
48. 48. The laser method defined in the claim 47, where a range of energy density per unit time is determined to plot a desired graph on a given material, and the energy density per unit time is controlled to remain within the range.
49. 49. The laser method defined in the claim 48, where the energy density per unit of time is controlled to substantially prevent complete carbonization, fusion and cross-burn of the material while forming a visible graph.
50. 50. The laser method defined in claim 48, wherein the material is a fabric selected from the group consisting of denim, cotton sheet, polyester, lycra, corduroy, velor, organza, rayon, nylon, acetate, wool, natural silk and artificial, acetate, linen, polyamide, lavsan, half wool, gabardine fabric, non-woven polyester treated with elastomer, woven and non-woven fabrics, and mixtures thereof.
51. 51. The laser method defined in claim 50, wherein the fabric is denim.
52. 52. The laser method defined in claim 48, wherein the material is a skin or a vinyl selected from the group consisting of kid skin, sheepskin, pig skin, suede skin, calf skin, suede, artificial skin , and vinyl.
53. 53. A laser method of forming a color chart on a material, comprising: placing a colored substrate between the material and the laser, and tracing the material with a laser beam directed through the colored substrate to transfer color From the substrate color to the material and form the color chart.
54. 54. The laser method defined in claim 53, wherein the color substrate is selected from the group consisting of colored fabrics, colored threads, colored plastics, and colored sheets.
55. 55. The laser method defined in claim 53, wherein an energy density per unit time is controlled during plotting, where the energy density per unit time is defined as: energy density per unit time = (energy continuous (watts-sec / mm3) (watts) / dot area (mm2)) (1 / speed (mm / sec)) where the continuous power is a continuous energy output of the laser during the tracing, the area of 'point it is an area of a point formed by the laser beam on the material when the laser beam is stationary relative to the material, and the velocity is a speed of the laser beam relative to the material during the tracing.
56. 56. A laser method of forming a color chart on a material, comprising: placing a colored gaseous pigment between the material and the laser, and tracing the material with a laser beam directed through the colored gaseous pigment to transfer color of colored gaseous pigment to the material and form the color chart.
57. 57. The laser method defined in claim 56, wherein an energy density per unit time is controlled during plotting, where the energy density per unit time is defined as: energy density per unit time = (energy continuous (watts-sec / mm3) (watts) / dot area (mm2)) (1 / speed (mm / sec)) where the continuous power is a continuous energy output of the laser during plotting, the dot area is an area of a point formed by the laser beam on the material when the laser beam is stationary relative to the material, and the velocity is a speed of the laser beam relative to the material during tracing.
58. 58. A material having a graph formed by the method of claim 3.
59. 59. The material defined in claim 58, wherein the graphic is a graphic image.
60. 60. The material defined in claim 58, wherein the graphic is an appearance to sandblasting.
61. 61. The material defined in claim 58, wherein the graphic is an appearance to wash with stones.
62. 62. The material defined in claim 58, wherein the graphic is a logo.
63. 63. A material having a graph formed by the method of claim 53.
64. 64. A material having a graph formed by the method of claim 56.
65. 65. A system that operates to draw a desired pattern on a material, which comprises: a controllable laser, including means for ordering the movement of an output of said laser to different places on a material to be drawn; and controlling means, which operate to produce outputs indicative of the desired pattern to be traced, said outputs controlling said controllable laser to control their marking positions, said controlling means producing said outputs such that an energy density per unit of time that is transferred from said Laser to said material is controlled to remain within a desired range of energy density per unit time for said material.