Sherwood Technology launches DataLase Masterbatch which provides the revolutionary ability to laser-mark plastics

Citation

(2004), "Sherwood Technology launches DataLase Masterbatch which provides the revolutionary ability to laser-mark plastics", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 33 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2004.12933eab.004

Sherwood Technology launches DataLase Masterbatch which provides the revolutionary ability to laser-mark plastics

Sherwood Technology launches DataLase Masterbatch which provides the revolutionary ability to laser-mark plastics

Keywords: Plastics, Colours technology, 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. 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 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. 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 250°C.

There are a number of immediate benefits that can be enjoyed by implementing a DataLase™ Masterbatch solution:

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  environmental – no production line consumables and low emissions;

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  productivity gains – due to higher reliability and lower maintenance of laser coders;

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  applicability – compatibility with most common plastics and forming processes;

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  durability – mark is embedded in the plastic surface giving good abrasion and chemical resistance;

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  contact free imaging; and

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  low addition levels (legible text as low as 1 per cent additive).

Steve Kelly, Managing Director, Sherwood Technology, comments that: “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”.

For further information please contact: DataLase™ Masterbatch. E-mail: info@sherwoodtech.com; Web site: www.sherwoodtech.com