Laser engraving of micro-patterns on roll surfaces

A pattern engraving method was developed with argon ion laser combined with an electro-optic (E-O) modulator and its control units. Image data was first encoded, processed and transferred to the laser modulator after which the patterns were printed on a photosensitive polymer coated on the cold mill roll surface. Once the pattern printing was complete, the roll was put through an etching process for final pattern engraving. Experimental results provide validation that the proposed technology and its performance are quite promising. This developed technology is fairly general and multiple patterns can be imprinted on any target body with the resolution of the mum unit.