Marking Images Directly Into Transparent Materials

Following the launch of Datalase earlier this year, colour-change specialist, Sherwood Technology has introduced Datalase Clear.

Following the launch of Datalase earlier this year, colour-change specialist, Sherwood Technology has introduced Datalase Clear.

As an additive that can be dissolved into solvent based coatings, the new development is said to provide technology that allows images to be marked directly into transparent materials.

By combining chemistry, substrate conversion and laser energy, it is claimed to be a high-speed alternative for coding, marking and printing.

It is said offer many possibilities for a wide range of packaging, printing and manufacturing applications, said Sherwood.

Datalase Clear enables images to be transferred into transparent media via a laser without interfering with the translucency of the substrate.

As well as printing high contrast images rapidly whilst using a low power supply, it offers higher fidelity imaging compared to traditional coding and marking processes, such as thermal transfer and inkjet, believes Sherwood.

Because the process does not require the use of inkjet fluid or transfer ribbons, there is very little maintenance involved.

Sherwood said that the additive would be especially useful for the laser coding of transparent films and plastics on packaging, as well as appealing to cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food and beverage companies.

The ability to form images directly between the layers of a clear laminate film, or self-adhesive label whilst retaining the integrity of the uppermost layer is important.

Absolute image permanence and resistance to abrasion are guaranteed - a significant advantage over more traditional surface printing methods claimed the company.

The embedding of the laser responsive Datalase Clear coating within a laminate construction can also provide overt and covert security features as valuable brand protection devices.

The process is carried out either by doping the additive directly into an existing coating or by a separate coating operation.

That creates a transparent layer within the product that can be imaged by laser.

When the coated material comes into contact with the output from a low power CO2 laser, it changes from clear to black, producing a high contrast indelible image.

The additive is non-hazardous and the low power laser output prevents burning of the substrate.

Datalase Clear is said to be compatible with a wide range of binder systems and ketonic, aromatic, and ester solvents.

Sherwood claimed that its new product requires no production line consumables and produces low emissions, whilst providing faster line speeds.

Steve Kelly, managing director of Sherwood Technology said: "We are extremely excited by the huge potential offered by this new additive.

In the past, manufacturers of transparent products have had few viable options when it comes to the marking and coding of their materials.

Datalase Clear has revolutionised this process." Datalase Clear will be available through a series of application licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.

Back to top