Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: DataLase | Subject: DataLase Masterbatch
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 30 June 2004
Plastics additive allows low-power CO2
marking
Sherwood Technology is claiming a breakthrough development in achieving the satisfactory marking of plastics using low power CO2 lasers.
Sherwood Technology is claiming a 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 Engineeringtalk on 21 Oct 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Novel polymer cuts parts marking costs
JCM Technologies, the Spanish manufacturer of electronic products for access control applications, has adopted DataLase Masterbatch to apply traceability codes onto its proximity tags.
Colour-change solution on show in Chicago
Colour-change specialist Sherwood Technology will be making its debut at Pack Expo 2004, McCormick Place, Chicago.
Combining chemistry, substrate conversion and laser energy, this groundbreaking technology uses low power laser light for the high speed printing of images.
Prior to Sherwood's breakthrough, the successful laser marking of plastics with low power 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.
Further reading
Additive is clear solution for laser marking
Following the successful launch of DataLase earlier this year, colour-change specialist, Sherwood Technology has released its innovative new product, DataLase Clear.
Virtual labelling solves a sticky problem
DataLase technology enables a revolutionary virtual labelling technique that eradicates the need to use adhesive labels on packaging.
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.
These are: 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; and 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".
• DataLase: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
