Reaction-Based Laser Marking Composition for High-Contrast Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking technologies face challenges in achieving durable and high-contrast marks on substrates, particularly with the use of pigments that require specific wavelength absorption and color change reactions, which can be costly and inefficient for high-volume packaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising metal oxides and oxidizing/reducing agents, combined with a binder, that absorbs IR or Near-IR laser wavelengths, allowing for permanent or semi-permanent bonding to substrates, enabling high-contrast color changes and efficient laser marking using low to high-powered lasers, particularly diode lasers, for applications like plastic and cardboard packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pigments are used for laser marking, then specific wavelength absorption and color change reactions can be achieved, but the cost increases and efficiency decreases for high-volume packaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the marking material from conventional organic pigments to inorganic metal oxide compounds (Fe2O3, CuO, Cr2O3, etc.) that naturally absorb laser energy and undergo color changes. This parameter change enables the use of simpler, more cost-effective materials while maintaining high-contrast marking performance and improving processing efficiency for high-volume packaging applications
2Measurement precision
If conventional pigments are used for laser marking, then color change reactions can be achieved, but the cost increases for high-volume packaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional laser marking pigments with inexpensive inorganic metal oxide compounds that are readily available and cost-effective. These metal oxide-based marking compositions provide the necessary laser absorption and color change properties at a fraction of the cost of conventional organic pigments, making them economically viable for high-volume packaging applications where cost sensitivity is critical
3Reliability
If metal oxide and oxidizing/reducing agent composition is used, then durable and permanent marks can be achieved, but the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite marking material by combining inorganic metal oxide compounds (Fe2O3, CuO, Cr2O3, etc.) with oxidizing or reducing agents in specific compositions. This composite structure enables durable, permanent marks through laser-induced chemical reactions while the systematic formulation approach manages the complexity of the multi-component system. The binder system further integrates these components into a cohesive marking composition that can be applied as coatings, inks, or paints
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 provides durable, high-contrast laser marks with substantial cost savings in high-volume packaging, utilizing a range of substrates and lasers, achieving effective bonding and color changes across various materials.
Implementation Method 1
A composition comprising a metal oxide and an oxidizing/reducing agent which absorbs IR or Near-IR laser wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
When compositions or formulations described herein are heated (using any variety of methods and in particular laser light)
Implementation Method 3
Reaction-based laser marking compositions, systems and methods... laser marking by oxidation/reduction reactions
Implementation Method 4
Upon irradiation in a wavelength range of between about 700 nm and 14000 nm the laser marking composition bonds to a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An ink formulation comprises a binder and at least one marking component, which comprises at least one metal oxide or oxyanion and at least one oxidizing/reducing agent, which absorbs laser irradiation between wavelengths of 780-10,600 nm, thereby causes the formulation to change color.