This week in adhesives news around the web, recently developed polymer additives have optimized the laser marking of plastics.
FDA-approved polymer additives blended in during primary processing have recently advanced laser marking of plastics. The novel chemical additives can produce jet-black, light-colored, and custom color contrast, using both "on-the-fly" and secondary operations. Designed for affordable ytterbium fiber lasers, in-line inkless laser marking now replaces traditional rotary gravure and pad printing. Clear, semi-transparent, and opaque colored polymers, including nylons, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonates, polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrenics, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPUs) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPEs) reportedly can now be formulated using non-heavy metal, FDA/European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)-approved additives to achieve high-contrast marking quality. Polymer clarity, spectral transmission, and base physical properties are not affected. The result is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, superior aesthetic appeal in the application. This non-contact digital laser marking could replace expensive adhesive labels and ink-chemical printing processes.
Other stories from around the web:
1) Russian Production of Polymers Down 5% in 2015
2) Nanomaterial Additives Improve Performance of Cosmetic Packaging
3) Polymers from Natural Sources as Protective Coatings for Stone Surfaces
Are you interested in news stories on a particular topic? Send your suggestions to Morgan Laidlaw at laidlawm@bnpmedia.com.