Glass marking

How is Glass Marked?

Glass marking and printing on glass are techniques used to apply permanent or temporary markings to glass. The surface of the glass is specifically treated to create a visible change. This process can be mechanical, chemical, or physical, depending on the desired appearance and durability of the marking or engraving.

Typical Marking Methods?

✔ Mechanical Processing

✔ Thermal Processing

✔ Chemical Processing

✔ Printing and Foil Methods

Common Glass Types and Challenges in Engraving/Marking

 

Float Glass

  • Smooth surface → Suitable for laser engraving
  • Laser light reflection may cause uneven engraving
  • Risk of breakage with mechanical engraving or excessive energy input
  • Transparency can make engraving difficult to see

 

ESG (Tempered Safety Glass)

  • Post-processing with mechanical engraving or sandblasting can destroy the glass (due to internal stresses)
  • Engraving must occur before heat treatment
  • Only laser engraving or ceramic screen printing is possible after tempering
  • High heat sensitivity during direct laser engraving

 

VSG (Laminated Safety Glass)

  • Consists of multiple glass layers with a plastic film → Challenging to process
  • Mechanical engraving can damage the structure
  • Laser engraving may cause bubbles in the interlayer
  • Marking is usually applied to the edge or one of the outer layers

 

Quartz Glass

  • Extremely high temperature resistance → High energy required for engraving
  • Very hard surface makes mechanical engraving difficult
  • High light transmission → Contrast issues in engravings
  • Brittleness can lead to microcracks if processed incorrectly

 

Borosilicate Glass

  • High heat resistance → Requires a high-power laser
  • Chemical resistance can make depth engraving difficult
  • Mechanical engraving or sandblasting is possible but complex
  • Smooth surface makes contrast creation in engraving difficult

 

Opal Glass / Frosted Glass

  • Mattified surface can make engraving less visible
  • Low contrast between engraving and glass → Deep engraving necessary
  • No reflective properties, making laser engraving feasible
  • Mechanical engraving may cause edge chipping

 

Acrylic Glass (PMMA, Often Used as a Glass Substitute)

  • Deformation or scorch marks with incorrect laser energy
  • Mechanical engraving can create sharp edges
  • Very sensitive to scratches
  • Requires specific wavelengths for clear and precise engravings

 

Mirror Glass

  • Reflection can make laser marking difficult
  • Engraving is often applied to the back (silver coating) for better visibility
  • Mechanical engraving can damage the reflective coating
  • Sandblasting is suitable but labor-intensive

 

Fire-Resistant Glass (e.g., Glass Ceramic, Pyrex, Schott Glass)

  • High temperature resistance → Laser energy must be adjusted
  • Mechanical engraving can cause microcracks
  • Often highly reflective → Requires special laser parameters
  • Contrast issues with clear structures

Versatile Engraving and Marking Techniques for the Highest Standards

Laser Engraving

Advantages

  • High precision
  • Permanent engraving
  • Contactless processing
Continuous Inkjet Systems

Continuous Inkjet

  • CIJ – Used to print expiry dates or batch codes on glass bottles and containers
Continuous Inkjet Solution

Print and Apply

  • Print & Apply – Applies labels with product or tracking information to flat glass surfaces
Print and Apply Solution

Examples:

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