Design and Implementation of Laser Marking with OCR/OCV Vision Inspection System

Abstract

The laser marking process is aimed to create a permanent identification and/or descriptive information on the surface of metallic spinal implants to provide full traceability for the products being manufactured at Medtronic Spinal Humacao. The process, as its name implies, utilize a laser equipment to produce the required reference marks. Products are marked with their respective size, lot number and part number. Identification tags are also laser marked for product identification. In addition, products are 100% inspected during routine manufacturing activities to guarantee that marking information, location and legibility are met per print specifications. The DMAIC methodology was used as part of this research project to improve and optimize the Laser Marking and Inspection manufacturing process. DMAIC is a methodology used for process improvements using Six Sigma. DMAIC is an acronym that stands for the five phases of this process: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. Key Words – DMAIC, Inspection, Laser, Metallic Spinal Implants, Surface, Traceability.