Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM January/February 2005

Technology News

An additive from DSM eliminates colour correction and image resolution issues that often mar laser markings on plastics.

Laser marking plastic products typically requires the use of an additive or pigment. The additive absorbs the laser light, converting it into heat that carbonizes the polymer. This has several drawbacks including colouration issues and poor contrast and image definition. Depending on the type of polymer that is being marked, the laser system also generally requires fine-tuning. Materials supplier DSM (Heerlen, Netherlands) has developed a technology that eliminates these problems, according to business manager Valerie Reid.

Micabs is an additive that can be combined with a wide range of polymers to yield photo-quality dark images on light backgrounds. “The laser-active particles can be dispersed in a range of polymer matrices,” explains Reid. “Micabs’ principal form is a masterbatch granulate suitable for compounding or dry-blending in an injection moulding machine,” she adds.

When activated by a laser, the particles absorb the energy and turn from light to dark. The technique’s dispersion and particle-size control yields a definition and greyscale response beyond the reach of traditional technologies, adds Reid. The marking of miniature parts and medical tubing are among applications that have benefited.

Because Micabs does not rely on carbonization of the polymer to mark plastics, it is matrix independent. Engineering plastics, polyolefins, and silicone are among the materials that can be easily marked. The additive eliminates the need for colour correction, and has little to no effect on material properties.

Manufacturers currently using laser marking systems will not incur system costs by switching to Micabs, notes Reid. And customers converting from traditional printing methods will see a clear return on investment, she adds.

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