CerMark or MetalMark laser marking materials combined with the power and speed of lasers provide high contrast, permanent marks on a variety of substrates. Our products are lead and cadmium-free, water-based materials which means they are environmentally preferred and easy to clean up.

Our marking materials are capable of making high contrast, permanent marks on various metals with CO2, YAG and diode pumped lasers. To date marks have been made on: stainless steel, aluminum, tin, copper, brass, chromed steel, titanium, tungsten carbide and lead-coated steel. The material is also expected to work on niobium, tantalum, silver, gold, palladium, platinum and pewter.

The nature of the marks depends on a variety of variables relating to our material and the interaction of the laser with the substrate. Laser parameters, such as; dot size, power and writing speed need to be varied depending on the substrate to be marked. Usually the best marks are made with the laser operating in the CW mode.

Our material can be applied to the substrate by tape or label, spray, pad-print, roll-coat, screen-print, or brush. Once applied and dried the laser makes the mark, any excess material is removed by brushing or washing with water leaving behind a permanent, high contrast mark. Marks on metal have withstood military lubricants, salt water spray, high heat and abrasion tests.

Marks on stainless steel survived the following tests:

• Abrasion (scratch resistance)
• Salt water spray
• Lubricants
• Blow torch

Application

Mark quality depends on a variety of factors including the substrate used, marking speed, dot size, overlap, materials thickness and laser parameters. Materials may be applied by various methods including a brush on technique, spraying, pad printing, screen printing, roll coating, tape and others.