Marking Composition Using Inorganic Pigments for High-Contrast Laser Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking compositions lack sufficient concealing properties, heat resistance, and discrimination capability, particularly when used for high-temperature applications and reading with reflective-type laser readers.

Innovation Solution

A marking composition using inorganic pigments with specific particle diameters, a heat-resistant titanium-containing ceramic resin, and auxiliary additives like mica, talc, or silica, which enhances concealing properties, heat resistance, and high-definition marking with high contrast, suitable for use with CO2 lasers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pigment with transparency and strong reflection is used in the marking composition, then the marking can be formed on the surface, but the marking discrimination capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking discrimination capabilityVSAvoidpigment transparency and reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes principle by using inorganic pigments with specific light absorption characteristics that change the optical properties of the marking. The pigment absorbs light in specific wavelengths and reflects others, creating high contrast markings that are easily distinguishable while maintaining appropriate visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining inorganic pigments with specific refractive indices with resin components to create a marking composition with optimized optical properties. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of good concealing properties, heat resistance, and high discrimination capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If a resin with large heating loss is used in the marking composition, then the marking can be formed, but the heat resistance of the marking is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidheating loss of resin
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and controlling the heating loss characteristics of the resin component. The resin is chosen to have specific thermal properties that minimize heating loss while maintaining marking formability, achieving optimal balance between processing ease and heat resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by formulating a marking composition that combines heat-resistant inorganic pigments with resin having controlled heating loss characteristics. This composite structure provides both the necessary thermal stability and the marking formation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the concealing properties of the marking composition are improved, then the marking becomes more visible, but the discrimination capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealing propertiesVSAvoidmarking discrimination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality principle by optimizing the refractive index matching between pigment and resin in specific regions of the marking composition. This creates localized optical properties that enhance concealing properties in the base coating while maintaining high discrimination capability in the marked areas through controlled light interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials with specifically selected inorganic pigments having refractive indices of 1.5-2.5 combined with appropriate resin to achieve both excellent concealing properties and high discrimination capability simultaneously through optimized light absorption and scattering characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves excellent concealing properties, heat resistance, and high-definition markings with improved discrimination capability, maintaining readability even at high temperatures and reducing microcracks, thus ensuring stable and readable information display.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating predetermined parts of the coating layer with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam to blacken the irradiated parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP1967380B1Marking composition and information display method
Publication Date: 2014.02.12 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP1967380B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1967380B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP1967380B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A marking composition comprises an inorganic pigment having an average diameter of o.1 to 5 µm and a titanium-containing ceramic resin. The composition exhibits excellent concealing properties and heat resistance and produces a high definition marking with high contrast and excellent discrimination capability when applied to the surface of an article.