Laser Transfer of Colored Markings onto Plastic Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for laser-based colored marking or labeling on plastic surfaces are limited by the need for direct contact between the labeling medium and the plastic surface, which restricts the application to flat, smooth surfaces and slows down the labeling process, especially for concave or rough surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer transfer medium with a carrier layer, a sublimable metal layer, and a labeling medium containing color components, where the metal layer sublimates upon laser exposure, detaching the labeling medium and allowing it to be transferred adherently to the plastic surface without direct contact, enabling high-speed marking on various surface geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct contact between labeling medium and plastic surface is used, then adherent marking is achieved, but labeling speed decreases and application is limited to flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer medium with a release layer is introduced as an intermediary carrier. The labeling medium is applied to this release layer, which temporarily holds it during handling and transfer, then releases it onto the plastic surface during laser marking. This allows contact-free positioning before transfer while ensuring adherent marking after transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical contact and pressure-based adhesion system is replaced with a laser-based energy system. The laser beam provides the energy to both heat the plastic surface for adhesion and simultaneously break down the release layer for transfer, eliminating the need for mechanical contact during the marking process.
2Reliability
If direct contact between labeling medium and plastic surface is used, then adherent marking is achieved, but the process is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam performs multiple functions simultaneously in a continuous process: heating the plastic surface to prepare for adhesion, breaking down the release layer to enable transfer, and curing the labeling medium for adherent bonding. This eliminates sequential steps and achieves adherent marking without time-consuming contact phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser parameters (power, pulse duration, wavelength) are optimized to achieve rapid heating and material transformation. By controlling the energy input parameters, the process achieves both adherent marking quality and high speed, transforming the plastic surface and release layer properties in real-time during the marking process.
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
This method allows for high-speed, contact-free, and adherent colored marking on plastic surfaces of any geometry, with the labeling medium being permanently bonded and free from residues, achieving efficient and flexible labeling.
Implementation Method 1
contactless heating by means of a laser beam of the plastic surface (10) and/or of the plastic body (1) and/or of the labeling medium (3*)
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam (5) is coupled into the carrier layer (1) and heats up the metal layer (2) in a locally selective manner
Implementation Method 3
The metal of the metal layer (2) completely sublimates in a locally selective manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transferring colored markings or labels onto plastic surfaces by means of a laser beam, to a transfer medium for carrying out said method and to articles, the plastic surfaces of which are laser-marked or laser-labeled by way of such a method.