Product category:
Packaging, Conveyors and Materials Transfer
News Release from: DataLase | Subject: DataLase Masterbatch
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 June 2004
DataLase Masterbatch will laser-mark
plastics
Colour change specialist Sherwood Technology Limited announces the breakthrough development in achieving the satisfactory marking of plastics using low power CO2 lasers
Colour change specialist, Sherwood Technology Limited, announces the breakthrough development in achieving the satisfactory marking of plastics using low power CO2 lasers The company has successfully applied DataLase Masterbatch; a new generation coding, marking and printing additive, directly to the polymer
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 22 Jun 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Prior to Sherwood's breakthrough, the successful laser marking of plastics with low powered CO2 lasers was an area of difficulty.
Manufacturers had abandoned the use of these CO2 lasers in preference for higher powered versions and YAG lasers particularly for Polyolefins such as Polypropylene and Polyethylene.
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Other additives have been used, but these tend to require higher activation energy and cause a localised change and charring to the surrounding plastic.
Sherwood Technology has solved these problems by developing the patent-pending DataLase Masterbatch which can be added directly to the polymer to be extruded or injection moulded.
DataLase Masterbatch is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly additive that produces a positive image when marked by a low power CO2 laser.
The additive undergoes a simple chemical colour change and creates an image that is stable and has high contrast.
The laser imaging process does not require any ink or ribbons and is virtually maintenance free.
In sharp contrast to traditional methods, DataLase Masterbatch provides the ability to mark an expanding range of polymers using CO2 lasers, and is thermally resistant at normal injection/blow moulding and extrusion temperatures up to around 250C.
There are a number of immediate benefits that can be enjoyed by implementing a DataLase Masterbatch solution: Environmental - no production line consumables and low emissions; Productivity gains - due to higher reliability and lower maintenance of laser coders; Applicability - compatibility with most common plastics and forming processes; Durability - mark is embedded in the plastic surface giving good abrasion and chemical resistance; Contact free imaging; Low addition levels (legible text as low as 1% additive).
Steve Kelly, managing director, Sherwood Technology, comments: "DataLase Masterbatch is set to redefine the process of marking on plastics.
With a strong commitment to research and development, Sherwood has begun to revolutionise coding and marking techniques.
Our ultimate objective is to build lasting and strategic cross-industry partnerships.".
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