Polymer Laser Marking Composition Without Light Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking technologies for polymeric surfaces require light-absorbing additives, which increase costs and reduce the visibility and contrast of markings due to the dispersion of pigments within a polymer component.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a solvent, particulate coloring agents, and a surfactant or dispersant, applied to a polymeric surface without a polymeric carrier or light absorber, where laser irradiation heats the polymer to encapsulate the pigment, enhancing contrast and durability of the marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light-absorbing additives are used in laser marking compositions, then the laser marking process can be enabled, but the cost increases and the visibility/contrast of markings decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes light-absorbing additives and polymeric carriers from the composition, extracting only the essential coloring agent in particulate form. This extraction eliminates the harmful effects of additives on contrast while retaining the core marking functionality through direct pigment embedding into the polymer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies coloring agents in particulate form that are selectively embedded only in the laser-irradiated regions of the polymer surface. This localized application ensures high contrast markings are formed precisely where needed, without the dilution effect of polymeric carriers that would reduce visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If pigment is dispersed within a polymeric carrier, then the composition can be applied to the surface, but the resulting marking contrast is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the polymeric carrier from the composition entirely, using only solvent, coloring agent, and surfactant/dispersant. This removal of the polymeric carrier prevents the dilution of pigment concentration, thereby maximizing marking contrast while maintaining ease of application through the solvent-based formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation combining solvent, particulate coloring agent, and surfactant/dispersant without polymeric carrier. This composite approach allows the pigment particles to be effectively dispersed and applied while maintaining their high concentration and contrast properties upon embedding into the polymer surface.
3Reliability
If light absorbers and pigments are required for laser marking, then the marking process can function, but the composition cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates light-absorbing additives from the composition, retaining only the essential coloring agent. This extraction reduces the quantity of substances required, thereby lowering composition cost while maintaining laser marking functionality through the direct laser heating and embedding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coloring agent in particulate form serves multiple functions: it provides the desired color, absorbs laser energy for heating, and embeds into the polymer surface to form the marking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light absorbers and pigments, reducing composition cost while maintaining functionality.
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 solution achieves high contrast and durable laser marks by eliminating the need for light absorbers and polymeric carriers, allowing pigments to be embedded within the polymer surface, thereby preventing bleeding and enhancing environmental resistance.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating with laser light such that regions of the polymeric surface underlying the coating increase in temperature
Implementation Method 2
the polymeric surface underlying the coating increase in temperature and at least partially encapsulate and retain the organic coloring agent
Implementation Method 3
The composition comprises solvent, at least one coloring agent in particulate form; and at one agent selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a dispersant, and combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous marking composition is described which upon application to a polymeric surface and laser irradiation, produces one or more marks or other indicia having high contrast in the polymeric surface.