TECHNOLOGY | LASER MARKING AND WELDING
Above: Laser marking appeals to performance cable makers for its ability to easily mark substrates such as silicone
1001088-E is designed for complex projects requiring different colour shades. It can produce dark or clear markings depending on the colour of the plastic item and the parameters of the laser.
Right: Domo has introduced a laser transparent black Technyl PA66 suitable for welding applications
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Cable applications Interest in using lasers as a marking technology for high-speed production applications such as cables, where it is in direct competition to marking technologies such as ink-jet technology and printing/embossing wheels, is growing, according to Germany-based Merck KGaA (which operates as EMD Electronics in the US and Canada). It offers a range of laser marking additives within its Iriotec laser pigment family. They are available in powder or granule form. A Merck KGaA spokesperson says the biggest advantage that it hears back from users of its laser marking pigments is the permanence and visibility of the mark. This is the case for containers, elec- tronic parts, seals, as well as for cables. Users appreciate the durability, chemical resistance, weatherability, and high contrast that is achieved even on flexible surfaces such as elastomers or silicone, as well as the lack of adhesion problems. This is particularly relevant with silicone, which is used in high temperature resistant cables as well as high voltage and data cables. The company says the polymer itself becomes the mark. For cable applications, which typically require fast marking speeds, the company says the optimium combination is to use a high-powered fibre laser and high speed Iriotec laser pigment. Without the use of high speed Iriotec laser pigments, marking may only be achievable in very specific cable formulations or at speeds generally too slow for in-line marking or at low contrast even when using a high power laser, it says. A further benefit to users of laser marking is the reliability of the marking process. There are no external consumables
COMPOUNDING WORLD | July 2021
used up during the marking process and no cleaning or downtime, which means less scrap and higher productivity. In addition, lasers have become more powerful and reliable and are now offer long life times with almost no maintenance. According to Merck KGaA, it works together with many masterbatch and compounding compa- nies to incorporate laser pigments into their products and it claims that many laser marking grades make use of its Iriotec laser pigments. The company also collaborates with laser producers to get the best results for the final application and to ensure reliable and reproducible results. Laser marking is now very much a preferred option in many industries, according to Domo Chemicals. “This technology has been used for many years by major electrical and electronic OEMs and has proven to be efficient and of high quality. With an increasing need for traceability in almost all areas of current life, demand will continue to grow, and this technology will become standard,” says Vincent de Givry, Marketing Manager at the company.
Laser welding gains De Givry sees a similar trend emerging with laser welding. “With the miniaturisation of objects and the growing importance of electronics, dust-free laser welding is becoming increasingly important. This is highly cost effective through fast and precise melting of the polymer. We are now seeing this technology expand from small-to medium-sized parts as customers optimise their machinery and manufacturing,” he says.
Domo says laser welding is becoming one of the top cost-effective technologies to deep weld polymer materials together in many industries, but adds that it is particularly widely used in the development of small complex plastic parts for the automotive market, electronic circuits, Internet of Things applications and consumer goods. The benefits of the technology include its speed, flexibility, precision and superior appearance. The fact that it is a low dust technology is also appeal- ing for electric and electronic applications. Typical uses for the
IMAGE: DOMO CHEMICALS company’s laser weldable
products include displays, sensor housings, light sensors in the electronics sector and automotive parts such as filter housings, air intake manifolds and tail lamps.
Domo Chemicals says one of its main
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: MERCK KGAA
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