Sherwood Technology Lasers For High Speed Printing

Sherwood Technology Limited has launched Datalase, a new coding, marking and printing technique.

Sherwood Technology Limited has launched Datalase, a new coding, marking and printing technique.

Combining chemistry, substrate conversion and laser energy, Datalase uses very low power laser light for the high speed printing of images.

It is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ink, coating, or substrate additive that produces a positive image when marked by a low power CO2 laser.

The ink, coating or additive undergoes a simple chemical colour change and creates an image that is stable and has high contrast.

Compared to more traditional coding and marking processes, it is claimed to also have a higher fidelity.

Imaging can also be formed through polypropylene and polyethylene films, allowing the image to be permanently imbedded or sandwiched in laminates.

The technique can be used for applications ranging from the coding and dating of products to the printing of graphics, and even security markings.

Sherwood said Datalase is equally suitable for metal decoration, flexible packaging, paper, board and plastics.

Research is also underway into the marking of glass and confectionery or pharmaceutical tablets.

The technology's versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial, packaging and printing applications, said the company.

The material to be marked can be treated either by direct doping of the additive into the substrate or its existing surface coating, or by a separate coating or printing operation.

The subsequent laser imaging process does not require any ink or ribbons and is virtually maintenance free.

The company believes that in sharp contrast to traditional methods, Datalase offers promising possibilities for future developments in the imaging field, including multicolour printing and proofing, virtual labelling, high-speed coding and marking of foodstuffs.

It said there are a number of immediate benefits that can be enjoyed by Datalase's implementation.

For instance, there are no production line consumables and low emissions and faster line speeds can be achieved.

It provides compatibility with most substrates and conversion processes with better image resolution and marking.

Sherwood is making Datalase available through a series of application licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.

Steve Kelly, managing director of Sherwood Technology commented: "Datalase is set to revolutionise the printing of codes and markings in areas where traditional techniques have remained stagnant and offer very limited future development opportunities.

With a strong commitment to research and development, our ultimate objective is to evolve the technology into a non-contact, full-colour digital printing method.

Building lasting and strategic cross-industry partnerships will be key to our continuing success.".

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