UV Laser Marking Additives for Polymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for permanent direct marking on medical devices and plastics face challenges with ink-based markings fading and wearing off due to repeated cleaning and sterilization, and require techniques and materials resistant to tampering and environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polymers and ultraviolet absorbing laser marking additives, such as 2-(4,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl-5-hexyloxy)phenol and 2-(2h-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, which are FDA and EFSA approved, enabling durable UV laser markings on transparent and translucent materials like polycarbonate and polyolefins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ink-based marking is used on medical devices, then the marking can be applied to various surfaces, but the marking fades and wears away from repeated cleaning and sterilization operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking applicability to various surfacesVSAvoidmarking durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ink-based chemical marking with laser-based physical marking. The laser marking system uses a laser beam to directly mark the medical device surface through photothermal effects, eliminating the need for ink application, drying, and curing processes. This substitution provides permanent, tamper-resistant markings that withstand repeated cleaning and sterilization operations without fading or wearing away.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting laser processing parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration, scanning speed) to optimize marking performance on different medical device materials. By varying these parameters, the system achieves durable markings on diverse surfaces including metals, plastics, and ceramics while maintaining resistance to cleaning and sterilization processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If surface preparation techniques are used to improve ink wettability, then ink adherence improves, but the process complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink adherenceVSAvoidsurface preparation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the entire ink application system and replaces it with direct laser marking. This substitution removes the need for surface preparation techniques such as plasma treatment, corona discharge, or chemical etching that were previously required to improve ink wettability and adherence. The laser marking process works directly on the as-received surface, significantly simplifying the overall marking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the ink-based marking components from the process, including inkjet printers, ink formulations, and associated surface preparation steps. By taking out the ink application system entirely and replacing it with direct laser marking, the process complexity is reduced while maintaining or improving marking durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple layers with UV protective layer are used for laser marking, then UV protection is provided, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV light degradation protectionVSAvoidmultiple layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by selecting laser wavelengths and adjusting processing parameters to achieve effective marking without requiring additional UV protective layers. By optimizing laser parameters, the system achieves durable markings that are inherently resistant to UV degradation, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer structures with separate UV protective coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 long-lasting, tamper-resistant UV laser markings that maintain visibility and integrity even after exposure to cleaning and sterilization, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards for medical devices and food contact materials.

Implementation Method 1

polymer compositions including the UV absorbing laser marking additive has increased UV absorption, as compared to the polymer itself

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3887455B1Compositions including a laser marking additive and systems and methods of laser marking the compositions

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SHPP GLOBAL TECH BV

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Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

This disclosure describes a composition that includes a polymer and a laser marking additive, and systems and method of formation and use thereof. The laser marking additive includes 2-(4,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl- 5-hexyloxy)phenol, 2-(2h-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, 2-(2 hydroxy - 3,5 dicumyl)benzotriazole, or any combination thereof. The laser marking additive is configured to enable generation of laser markings in a polymer by a laser, such as in a transparent and/or translucent polymer by an ultraviolet laser.