PhotoScribe/TeoSysPhotoScribe Technologies, TeoSys Engineering

and Galil Ensure Your Diamond

microns in diameter and may be engraved from 10 to 30microns/second.

Galil’s DMC-1822 PCI bus motion controller providescoordinated motion on two axes using stepper motors. The X-axis moves the diamond forward and backward and the Y-axismoves it up and down. The laser stays fixed as it makes a seriesof points on the diamond that look like a solid line whenfocused using a manual Z stage. The final engraving is lessthan the width of a human hair.

In this process, precise, coordinated motion is a must,particularly in the moves that involve vector positioning. The

exact motion must also be accu-rate enough to be repeatable.The user, for example, maychoose to repeat the program inorder to make the engravingdarker, so the controller mustmove the diamond in the pre-cise tracks of the first engrav-ing. With the combination ofthe DMC-1822 and the customdesigned stages, accuracy isrepeatable to 1.5 microns.

PhotoScribe/TeoSysdesigners found Galil’s I/O anduniquely dependable multitask-ing ability crucial. I/O wasneeded to intersperse the com-mands to communicate withthe rest of the system.Multitasking was essential tomove the diamond while syn-chronizing with the laser pulse.

The low cost of the DMC-1822 was also a critical factor.

Comparable diamond marking Excimer laser systems sell for more than $300,000. With the Galil controller,PhotoScribe/TeoSys was able to reduce the system cost bymore than one third with only a minor reduction in through-put. This reduction in cost is essential to expanding a marketthat has generally been limited to the large, world-class gemo-logical laboratories. ■

TeoSys EngineeringCrofton, MDwww.teo-sys.com

A new, user-friendly and safe laser system can now inscribe onthe hard surface of a diamond to engrave a certification num-ber or a personal message. Microscopic inscription on thesevaluable gems is made possible by custom software that matesjoint PhotoScribe/TeoSys laser technology with precise Galilmotion control.

With its design, PhotoScribe/ TeoSys has turned a com-plex laser system requiring weeks of training into an easy-to-use system—an Excimer laser, custom software and a GalilDMC-1822 motion controller do all the work. Even userswho barely know Windows© find it easy to operate.

Engraving on diamonds isused not only to commemorate awedding or other special event,but also for logos, brand names,photographs and most impor-tantly, serial numbers. A serialnumber corresponds to a certifi-cate that may be used for securi-ty, identification and traceability.Many diamonds are “conflict”diamonds, coming from coun-tries that feed money to a largeblack market. Some profits go tocriminal gangs, others to brutalruling regimes, and some even toterrorists.

Galil’s flexibility, whichenabled the motion control codeto interface with both graphicsand live video, was key in design-ing the laser marking system. Theuser simply types the desiredname or serial number into a textbox. The PhotoScribe/TeoSyssoftware converts the text into a DXF CAD file so that theimage is placed nondestructively on top of the live videoshowing the diamond. The CAD file is then converted toGalil’s proprietary motion control language and is then sent tothe Galil controller for execution.

The PhotoScribe/TeoSys laser marker typically engraveson the girdle of the diamond. The girdle is the part of the dia-mond hidden by the setting. However, the system is capable of marking all shapes and sizes of diamonds, either mountedor loose. Laser marks are user set anywhere from 7 to 15

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The PhotoScribe/TeoSys laser system engraves precisely on a diamond.

PhotoScribe/TeoSys designers found Galil’s

I/O and unique multitasking ability crucial.