Polyolefin Composition for High-Contrast Laser Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing techniques are inadequate for marking polyolefin compositions, especially on non-planar surfaces and small outer surfaces of micro cables, as they lack sufficient contrast and require additional manufacturing steps, making laser printing with laser-induced additives necessary but inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A polyolefin composition comprising an ethylene or propylene homo- or copolymer, carbon black in the range of 0.25 to 1.0 wt %, and an optical brightener in the range of 0.001 to 0.1 wt %, along with a UV agent, which enhances laser mark contrast without requiring additional manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing techniques (ink jet, embossing) are used to mark molded articles, then marking information can be provided, but the techniques are not suitable for non-planar surfaces and small outer surfaces, and do not provide sufficient contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical printing techniques (ink jet, embossing) with laser-induced marking. The laser beam directly marks the molded article surface without physical contact, enabling marking on non-planar surfaces and small outer surfaces while providing high contrast through the interaction of laser energy with the polyolefin material and carbon black pigment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the carbon black pigment concentration (0.2-2.0 wt%) and particle size (5-50 nm) to achieve optimal laser marking contrast. By controlling these parameters, the material absorbs laser energy efficiently, creating high-contrast marks on the surface while maintaining adaptability to various surface geometries including non-planar and micro cable surfaces.
2Productivity
If laser printing is used to mark dark carbon black filled molded articles, then marking can be performed on non-planar surfaces and at higher line speed, but the contrast between the dark background and light marking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the carbon black pigment concentration (0.2-2.0 wt%) and particle size (5-50 nm) to achieve optimal laser marking contrast. By controlling these parameters, the material absorbs laser energy efficiently, creating high-contrast marks on the surface while maintaining adaptability to various surface geometries including non-planar and micro cable surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining polyolefin resin with specifically sized and concentrated carbon black pigment. This composite structure enables the material to interact optimally with laser energy, producing high-contrast marks while maintaining the base material's processing advantages for high-speed production.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser printing additives (LPA) are added to improve laser marking contrast, then marking contrast improves, but an additional manufacturing step (in-line mixing) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the carbon black pigment into a single master batch that serves both as the base colorant for the polyolefin composition and as the laser-induced marking agent. This integration eliminates the need for separate laser printing additive (LPA) mixing steps, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high marking contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon black pigment in the polyolefin composition serves multiple functions: it provides the base black color of the molded article, enables laser energy absorption for high-contrast marking, and eliminates the need for separate LPA additives. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving superior marking results.
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 polyolefin composition provides improved contrast and efficiency in laser printing, ensuring clear and distinct prints on molded articles without the need for additional print enhancers, thus simplifying the production process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
carbon black in an amount of 0.25 to 1.0 wt % based on the weight of the polyolefin composition
Implementation Method 2
an optical brightener in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 wt % based on the weight of the polyolefin composition
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a polyolefin composition which provides improved contrast of laser marks. It is suitable for many applications where precise marking of a molded article made of a polyolefin composition is required, e.g. as outer layer of a wire or cable or in automotive applications. The polyolefin composition of the present invention comprises a polyolefin, carbon black in an amount of 0.25 to 1.0 wt % and an optical brightener in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 wt %. The present invention is further directed to a molded article comprising the polyolefin composition of the present invention. Further on, the present invention is directed to the use of the polyolefin composition of the present invention as an outer layer of a cable. Finally, the present invention is directed to a method of inducing print on a molded article by laser printing.