WO2006029677A1

WO2006029677A1 - Laser markable and laser weldable polymer materials

Info

Publication number: WO2006029677A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/008677
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silvia Rosenberger; Manfred Kieser; Reinhold Rueger
Original assignee: Merck Patent Gmbh
Priority date: 2004-09-16
Filing date: 2005-08-10
Publication date: 2006-03-23
Also published as: DE102004045305A1

Abstract

The invention relates to laser markable and laser weldable polymer materials which are characterized by comprising at least one boride compound as the absorber.

Description

Laser-markable and laser-weldable polymeric materials

The present invention relates to laser-markable and laser-weldable polymeric materials, which are characterized in that they contain at least one boride compound as an absorber.

The labeling of production goods is becoming increasingly important in almost all branches of industry. So z. For example, production data, batch numbers, expiry dates, barcodes, company logos, serial numbers, etc., can be applied to plastics or plastic films. Currently, these markings are predominantly carried out by conventional techniques such as printing, embossing, stamping and labeling. Growing importance, however, wins the contactless, very fast and flexible marking with lasers, especially in plastics. With this technique it is possible to use graphic labels, such as e.g.

Barcodes can also be applied to a non-planar surface at high speed. Since the inscription is located in the plastic body itself, it is permanently resistant to abrasion.

The marking of plastics by laser marking as well as the welding of plastic parts by means of laser energy is known per se. Both are effected by absorption of the laser energy in the plastic material either directly by interaction with the polymer or indirectly by means of a plastic material added laser-sensitive agent.

The laser-sensitive agent may be an organic dye or a pigment which causes absorption of the laser energy. When laser marking this causes a local visible discoloration of the plastic or the compound is converted when irradiated with laser light from an invisible, colorless in a visible form. In laser welding, the plastic material is so strongly heated by absorption of the laser energy in the joining area that the plastic melts and weld both parts together.

Many plastics, such as polyolefins and polystyrenes, show too low a laser light absorption and can be difficult or impossible do not mark or weld with the laser at all. A CO ₂ laser that emits light in the infrared range at 10.6 microns, causes in polyolefins and polystyrenes even at very high power only a weak, barely legible marking. In the case of the elastomers polyurethane and Polyetherestem occurs with Nd-YAG lasers (neodymium-doped

Yttrium aluminum garnet laser) no interaction, in CO ₂ lasers, however, an engraving on. The plastic must not completely reflect or let through the laser light, because then there is no interaction. But it must not come to a strong absorption, since in this case the plastic evaporates and only one engraving remains. The absorption of the laser beams and thus the interaction with the matter depends on the chemical structure of the plastic and the wavelength of the laser used. It is often necessary for plastics to be laser-inscribable or weldable, to add appropriate additives, for example absorbers.

In addition to CO ₂ lasers, Nd: YAG lasers are increasingly being used for the laser marking of plastics. The commonly used YAG lasers emit a pulsed energy beam with a characteristic wavelength of 1064 nm or 532 nm. The absorber material must show a pronounced absorption in this special NIR range in order to show a sufficient response in the fast labeling processes.

However, most of the absorbers known from the prior art all have the disadvantage that they permanently color the plastic to be inscribed and consequently the laser inscription, which is usually a dark writing on a light background, is then no longer sufficiently rich in contrast. In addition, they must be added in comparatively high concentrations and are often not toxicologically harmless.

The object of the present invention was therefore to find laser-markable or laser-weldable polymeric materials which, when exposed to laser light, produce a mark with high contrast or a good contrast

Enable welding. The absorber or the successful one Absorbent should therefore hardly change the polymer properties and at the same time only have to be used in very small amounts.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the laser marking of polymeric materials, in particular the contrast of the label, as well as the laser welding can be improved if one uses a boride compound in low concentrations as an absorber. The boride compound shows such low intrinsic coloration in the visible spectral range (light wavelength 400-750 nm) in low concentrations that it is particularly suitable for crystal-clear polymers. Under the action of laser light, the doped polymer shows a mark with high contrast and pronounced edge sharpness. Particularly when using CW Nd: YAG lasers, even transparent plastics can be welded very well.

By adding a boride compound, in particular in concentrations of from 0.001 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.001 to 7% by weight, and in particular from 0.0015 to 3% by weight, based on the polymer, is used in the laser marking of polymers significantly higher contrast achieved than with the commercially available absorbers at comparable concentrations Konzen¬. In laser welding, the boride compound is preferably used in concentrations of from 0.001 to 10% by weight, in particular from 0.001 to 7% by weight and very particularly preferably from 0.01 to 3% by weight.

The invention thus relates to a laser-markable or laser-weldable polymeric material, characterized in that the polymer contains at least one boride compound as absorber.

The concentration of the absorber in the polymer, preferably thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, however, depends on the polymer material used. The low proportion of absorber changes the polymer system insignificantly and does not affect its processability.

Boride compounds are, in particular, aluminum boride, magnesium boride, molybdenum boride, chromium boride, niobium boride, silicon hexaboride, - A -

Lanthanum boride, yttrium boride, europium boride, zirconium boride, vanadium boride, calcium boride or titanium boride or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is the lanthanum hexaboride.

The boride compounds have particle sizes in the range of 50 nm -

100 μm, preferably from 0.05 to 50 μm and in particular from 0.05 to 10 μm. Very particular preference is given to particle sizes of 0.1-5 μm.

The commercially available boride compounds usually have particle sizes significantly> 50 microns, so they are before use as

Absorber with a suitable grinding device, e.g. a bead mill or ball mill, must be milled to the appropriate particle sizes. The fine grinding is preferably carried out in suspension in water, organic solvents or solvent mixtures, if appropriate in the presence of dispersants. Preferred dispersing aids are those which simultaneously facilitate the incorporation of the finely divided inorganic borides into the plastics compositions, e.g. by hydrophobization of the particle surfaces.

Because of the low use concentrations of finely ground borides in the plastic preparations, it is advantageous for the meterability to first prepare a highly diluted preparation of the borides. The borides are preferably stretched with an inert substance that has no intrinsic color and is compatible with the plastics. Suitable diluents are e.g. precipitated silicas or pyrogens

Silicic acids or inorganic fillers, e.g. Kaolin or mica. The fabrics can be added before or after fine grinding.

In another advantageous embodiment, a first

Made masterbatch of the plastic with a higher concentration of boride and then added as granules in a small amount of the bulk of the plastic in the plastics processing.

Good marking and welding results are also obtained by adding one or more boride compounds in admixture with others suitable laser light absorbing substances used. The laser light absorbing substances suitable for the marking are preferably based on anthracene, pentaerythritol, copper phosphates, copper hydroxide phosphates, eg libethenite, molybdenum disulfide, molybdenum oxide, antimony (III) oxide and bismuth oxychloride, platelet-shaped, in particular transparent or semitransparent, substrates of e.g. B. Schicht¬ silicates, such as synthetic or natural mica, talc, kaolin, glass flakes, SiO ₂ platelets or synthetic carrier-free platelets. Furthermore, platelet-shaped metal oxides such. Example, platelet-shaped iron oxide, alumina, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, LCP's (liquid crystal polymers), holographic pigments, conductive pigments or coated or uncoated graphite platelets into consideration.

As platelet-shaped pigments it is also possible to use metal flakes which may be uncoated or else covered with one or more metal oxide layers; preferred are z. B. Al, Cr, Fe, Au, Ag and steel platelets. Should corrosion-prone metal flakes, such. As AI, Fe or steel plates are used uncoated, they are preferably coated with a protective polymer layer.

Particularly preferred substances are uncoated or coated with one or more metal oxides mica flakes. Both colorless high-index metal oxides, in particular titanium dioxide, antimony (III) oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide and / or zirconium dioxide are used as metal oxides, as well as colored metal oxides, such. For example, chromium oxide, nickel oxide, copper oxide, copper hydroxide phosphate, molybdenum oxide, cobalt oxide and iron oxide in particular (Fe ₂ O ₃ , Fe ₃ O ₄ ). Particularly preferred is as a laser light absorbing substance

Antimony (III) oxide, antimony tin oxide or combinations of tin oxide with antimony (III) oxide used.

Pigments based on transparent or semitransparent platelet-shaped substrates are e.g. As described in German patents and patent applications 14 67 468, 19 59 998, 20 09 566, 22 14 454, 22 15 191, 22 44 298, 23 13 331, 25 22 572, 31 37 808, 31 37 809, 31 51 343, 31 51 354, 31 51 355, 32 11 602, 32 35 017, 38 42 330, 44 41 223, 196 18 569, 196 38 708, 197 07 806 and 198 03 550.

These substrates are known and mostly commercially available, for. B. under the brand Lazerflair ^® Fa. Merck KGaA, and / or can be prepared by standard methods known in the art.

Coated SiO ₂ platelets are z. B. known from WO 93/08237 (wet-chemical coating) and DE-OS 196 14 637 (CVD method).

Multilayered pigments based on phyllosilicates are known, for example, from German published patent applications DE 196 18 569, DE 196 38 708, DE 197 07 806 and DE 198 03 550. Particularly suitable are multilayer pigments which have the following structure:

Mica + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + TiO ₂

Mica + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + TiO ₂ / Fe ₂ O ₃ mica + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + (Sn, Sb) O ₂

Mica + SiO ₂ + (Sn, Sb) ₂ O

Al ₂ O ₃ platelets + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + (Sn, Sb) O ₂

SiO ₂ platelets + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + TiO ₂

SiO ₂ flakes + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + (Sn, Sb) O ₂ glass flakes + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + (Sn, Sb) O ₂

Glass flakes + SiO ₂ + TiO ₂ + SiO ₂ + (Sn, Sb) O ₂

Particularly preferred laser light absorbing substances are natural or synthetic mica, coated with TiO ₂ mica platelets, conductive pigments, such as with (Sn, Sb) O ₂ coated platelet-shaped substrates, antimony and antimony (III) oxide, anthracene, pentaerythritol, copper (hydroxide) phosphates , Molybdenum disulfide, molybdenum oxide, undoped or antimony-doped tin oxide and bismuth oxychloride, and mixtures of said substances. The mixing ratio boride compound with a further laser-light-sensitive substance is preferably 1:10 to 10: 1, in particular 1:10. Preferred absorber mixtures are

Boride compound / layered silicate

Boride compound / TiO ₂ coated mica pigment

Boride compound / a (Sn, Sb) O ₂ -coated mica pigment

Boride compound / copper phosphate

Boride compound / molybdenum oxide.

Particularly preferred mixtures contain lathanhexaboride.

The total concentration of the mixture absorber / light-sensitive substance should not exceed 10% by weight, based on the polymer, in the case of laser marking. For laser welding, the concentration should be <10% by weight in the joining area.

In certain compositions of the absorber, the addition of small amounts of a metal halide, preferably calcium chloride, <5% by weight is advantageous for the laser marking contrast of the polymer.

Furthermore, colorants can be added to the polymers which allow color variations of any kind and at the same time ensure retention of the laser marking or of the laser welding. Suitable colorants are in particular colored metal oxide pigments and organic pigments and dyes.

As polymeric materials for laser marking or for laser welding, in particular all known plastics, in particular thermoplastics, furthermore thermosetting plastics and elastomers, are suitable, as described, for example, in Ulimann, Vol. 15, p. 457 ff., Verlag VCH. Suitable polymers are, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyesters, polyester esters, polyether esters, polyphenylene ethers, polyacetal, polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetal, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene Acrylic ester (ASA), polycarbonate, polyether sulfones and polyether ketones and their copolymers, mixtures, and / or polymer blends, such as PC / ABS, MABS.

The incorporation of the drilling compound (s) and optionally another laser-sensitive substance, e.g. an effect pigment, molybdenum oxide,

Kupferphoshats, an antimony compound and / or phyllosilicate, in the polymer, preferably a thermoplastic, takes place by the polymer granules are mixed with the absorber and then deformed under Wärme¬ effect. The addition of the absorber or absorber mixture to the polymer can take place simultaneously or successively. In the course of the incorporation of the absorber, adhesives, organic polymer-compatible solvents, stabilizers and / or surfactants which are stable under the working conditions may be added to the polymer, preferably a plastic granulate. The preparation of the doped plastic granules is usually carried out so that presented in a suitable mixer, the plastic granules, wetted with any additives and then the absorber is added and mixed. The pigmentation of the polymer is generally carried out via a color concentrate (masterbatch) or compound. The mixture thus obtained can then be processed directly in an extruder or an injection molding machine. The shaped bodies formed during processing show a very homogeneous distribution of the absorber. Subsequently, the laser marking takes place with a suitable laser.

The invention also provides a process for the preparation of the doped polymeric materials according to the invention, characterized in that a polymeric material is mixed with the absorber and then deformed under the action of heat.

The inscription with the laser takes place in such a way that the specimen is brought into the beam path of a pulsed laser, preferably an Nd: YAG laser. Furthermore, a lettering with an excimer laser, for example via a mask technique, possible. However, the desired results are also to be achieved with other conventional laser types which have a wavelength in a range of high absorption of the pigment used. The label obtained is replaced by the time (or pulse rate in pulse lasers) and irradiation power of the laser and the plastic system used. The power of the laser used depends on the particular application and can be determined in individual cases by the skilled person readily.

The laser used generally has a wavelength in the range of 157 nm to 10.6 μm, preferably in the range of 532 nm to 10.6 μm. For example, mention may be made here of CO ₂ lasers (10.6 μm) and Nd: YAG lasers (1064 or 532 nm) or pulsed UV lasers. The excimer lasers have the following wavelengths: F ₂ excimer laser (157 nm), ArF excimer laser (193 nm), KrCl excimer laser (222 nm), KrF excimer laser (248 nm), XeCl excimer laser (308 nm), XeF excimer laser (351 nm), frequency-multiplied Nd: YAG lasers with wavelengths of 355 nm (frequency tripled) or 265 nm (frequency-quadrupled). Particular preference is given to using Nd: YAG lasers (1064 or 532 nm) and CO ₂ lasers. The energy densities of the lasers used are generally in the range of 0.3 mJ / cm ² to 50 J / cm ² , preferably 0.3 mJ / cm ² to 10 J / cm ² . When using pulsed lasers, the pulse frequency is generally in the range of 1 to 30 kHz. Corresponding lasers which can be used in the process according to the invention are commercially available.

The laser welding is carried out in such a way that a laser-transparent material is welded to a laser-absorbing material. As the laser absorbing material, the boride compound may be added in a concentration of 0.001 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.001 to 7% by weight, and more preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight, based on the polymer. For laser welding, CW diode lasers or Nd: YAG lasers are preferably suitable at wavelengths of 800-1100 nm, preferably 808-1080 nm. The energy densities of the lasers used are generally in the range from 0.3 mJ / cm ² to 200 J. / cm ² , preferably 0.5 J / cm ² to 150 J / cm ² .

The use of the inventively doped polymer can be done in all areas where hitherto customary welding processes or Druckver¬ used for labeling or for joining plastics become. For example, molding compounds, semi-finished products and finished parts of the polymer according to the invention can be used in the electrical, electronics and motor vehicle industries. The marking and labeling of eg cables, wires, trim strips or functional parts in the heating, ventilation and cooling area or switches, plugs, levers and handles, which consist of the inventively doped polymers can be marked even in hard to reach places with the help of laser light become. Furthermore, the polymer system according to the invention can be used in packaging in the food sector or in the toy sector. The markings on the packaging are characterized by the fact that they are wipe and scratch resistant, stable in subsequent sterilization processes, and hygienically pure in the marking process can be applied. Complete label images can be permanently applied to the packaging for a reusable system. Furthermore, the polymer system according to the invention finds application in medical technology, for example in the labeling of petri dishes, microtiter plates, disposable syringes, ampoules, sample containers, supply hoses and medical collection bags or storage bags.

Another important field of application for laser marking are plastic brands for the individual marking of animals, so-called cattle tags or ear tags. A barcode system stores the information that is specific to the animal. These can be recalled when needed with the help of a scanner. The label must be very durable, because the mark sometimes remain on the animals for several years.

The laser marking of molding compounds, semi-finished products and finished parts, which consist of the polymer according to the invention, is thus possible.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention without, however, limiting it. The percentages given are percent by weight. Examples

example 1

99.79% PP granules (PP-HD, Stamylen PPH 10 from DSM) is passed through

Addition of 0.01% Lanthanhexaborid the particle size 50 microns (H. C. Starck) and 0.2% Colortek OT-0005-BON (product of Colortek, adhesives based on fatty acid and fatty acid esters) processed by injection molding. After labeling with a 12 W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90%

Lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering with high contrast.

Example 2

99.79% PP granules (PP-HD, Stamylen PPH 10 from DSM) is prepared by adding 0.01% magnesium boride of particle size 50 μm (from HC Starck) and 0.2% Colortek OT-0005-BON processed by injection molding. After labeling with a 12 W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering high contrast.

Example 3

99.79% PVC (Decelith 87700 crystal clear from Eilenburger Compound Werk GmbH) is injection molded by addition of 0.01% lanthanum hexaboride of particle size 50 μm (from HC Starck) and 0.02% Colortek OT-0005-BON , After labeling with a 12 W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering high contrast. Example 4

99.79% PC (Makrolon 2807 from Bayer AG) is injection-molded by addition of 0.01% lanthanum hexaboride of particle size 50 μm (H.C. Starck Co.) and 0.02% Colortek OT-0005-BON. After

Labeling with a 12W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp power and a frequency of 5-15kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant high contrast labeling.

Example 5

Lanthanum hexaboride (HC Starck) is ground with a bead mill to a particle size of about 50 nm and incorporated as a paste preparation in PMMA ₁ plexiglass Plexiglas 7N granules (Röhm, Darmstadt). The preparation contains about 0.01% LaB ₆ . In injection molding, 1, 5 mm thick plates are produced. After labeling with a 12W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates already show a light gray at the lowest lamp energy , almost white abrasion-resistant lettering with good edge definition on clear transparent background. Reference plates without LaB ₆ additive show only a weak fuzzy mark at the highest lamp energy.

Example 6

99.79% PP granules (PP-HD, Stamylen PPH 10 from DSM) is made by adding 0.01% Lanthanhexaborid the particle size of 50 microns

(Fa. HC Starck) and 0.2% Colortek OT-0005-BON (product of Colortek, adhesive based on fatty acid and fatty acid esters) by injection molding. After labeling with a CO ₂ mask laser (Alltec, 29 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering with high contrast. Example 7

The lanthanum hexaboride (H. C. Starck) is ground with a bead mill to a particle size of about 50 nm and incorporated as a paste preparation in PC. A PC (Makrolon 2807 Fa. Bayer AG) is by

Addition of 0.01% lanthanum hexaboride particle size 50 nm processed by injection molding. After labeling with a 12W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering with high Contrast.

Example 8

PP granules (Metocene X50081, Basell) are mixed with 0.1% titanium diboride particle size 2-6 microns (ABCR, Karlsruhe) and 0.2% Colortek OT 0005-BON (product of Colortek, adhesives based on of fatty acid and fatty acid esters) and processed by injection molding. It will receive a transparent approximately 1, 5 mm thick plate with a slight gray haze. After labeling with a 12W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering with high Contrast.

Example 9

Lanthanum hexaboride (ABCR company, particle size about 5 microns) is finely ground in a bead mill with zirconium beads in a slightly acidic aqueous suspension (pH = 2). The average particle size is 0.07 μm. 100 ml of the approximately 20% suspension are mixed with 15 g of polymeric protective colloid (random lauryl methacrylate / hydroxymethyl methacrylate copolymer, molecular weight about 5000). The mixture is emulsified by means of ultrasound or a high-pressure homogenizer. The solvents are removed in vacuo. A pasty residue obtained from finely divided lanthanum hexaboride and protective colloid consists. 1 g of this preparation is mixed with 5 kg of PP granules (Metocene X50081, Basell). Samples of the mixture are injection-molded into 1, 5 mm thick plates. The plastic plates appear colorless and visually completely clear, with an eightfold magnifying glass no particles are recognizable. After labeling with a 12W Nd: YAG

Laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz) show the plates a dark and abrasion-resistant high contrast labeling.

Example 10

Lanthanum hexaboride (ABCR company, particle size about 5 microns) is finely ground in a bead mill with zirconium beads in a slightly acidic aqueous suspension (pH = 2). The average particle size is 0.07 μm. 100 ml of the 20% suspension are mixed with 20 g of polymeric protective colloid of a random lauryl methacrylate / hydroxymethyl methacrylate copolymer, molecular weight about 5000) and homogenized with ultrasound. The water is removed in vacuo, the remaining residue is taken up in 1 l of toluene and filtered. 174 g of silanized pyrogenic silica (Cab-O-Sil TS610, Cabot Co.) are stirred into the suspension. The suspension is then drawn dry in vacuo. This gives a finely powdered residue which consists of finely divided SiO ₂ , the protective colloid and finely divided lanthanum hexaboride. From this preparation, 5 g are mixed with 5 kg of PP granules (Metocene X50081, Basell). Samples of the mixture are injection-molded into 1, 5 mm thick plates. The plastic plates contain about 0.01% LaB ₆ and appear colorless and highly transparent, with an eightfold magnifying glass no particles are recognizable. After labeling with a 12W Nd: YAG laser (SHT at 300 mm / s and 0.03 mm beam width, 40-90% lamp energy and a frequency of 5-15 kHz), the plates show a dark and abrasion-resistant lettering with high Contrast. Example 11 - Laser Welding

99.79% PP granules (PP-HD, Stamylen PPH 10 from DSM) is prepared by adding 0.01% lanthanum hexaboride of particle size 50 μm (from HC Starck) and 0.2% Colortek OT-0005-BON (Product of the company Colortek,

Adhesives based on fatty acid and fatty acid esters) are processed by injection molding. The platelets are welded with PP platelets in the transmission process. With a 100W Nd: YAG laser (Rofin-Sinar), one obtains a load-bearing weld seam with a high welding depth (1500 μm) at line energies of approx. 85 J / cm.

Claims

claims

1. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers, characterized in that they contain as absorber at least one boride compound.

2. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to claim 1, characterized in that the boride compound is aluminum boride, magnesium boride, molybdenum boride, chromium boride, niobium boride, silicon hexaboride, lanthanum boride, yttrium boride,

Europiumborid, zirconium boride, calcium boride and / or titanium boride.

3. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lanthanum compound is lanthanum hexaboride.

4. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polymer additionally contains one or more laser-light-sensitive substances as absorber in addition to the boride compound.

5. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to claim

4, characterized in that the laser light-sensitive substances are selected from the group of anthracene, pentaerythritol, copper phosphate, copper hydroxide phosphate, molybdenum disulfide,

Molybdenum oxide, antimony (III) oxide, bismuth oxychloride, effect pigment, coated or uncoated phyllosilicates, coated or uncoated, transparent or semi-transparent metal, metal oxide or glass flakes, LCP's (liquid crystal polymers), holographic pigments, conductive pigments.

6. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to claim

5, characterized in that the layered silicate is a natural or synthetic glitter plate.

7. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the pearlescent pigment is based on natural or synthetic mica.

8. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to claim

7, characterized in that the pearlescent pigment is a coated with TiO ₂ and / or antimony-tin oxide mica pigment.

9. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the absorber in

Concentrations of 0.001 to 10 wt.% Based on the polymer is used.

10. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the

Boride compound has particle sizes of 50 nm - 50 microns.

11. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the polymer is a thermoplastic, thermoset or elastomer.

12. Laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the polymer additionally contains color pigments.

13. A process for the preparation of laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that one adds to the polymer the absorber or the absorber mixture simultaneously or sequentially and optionally further auxiliaries and then the polymer under

Heat effect deformed.

14. Use of the laser-markable and / or laser-weldable polymers according to one of claims 1 to 12 as a material for the production of molding compositions, semi-finished products and finished parts, with

Help by laser radiation can be marked or welded.

15. Molding compounds, semi-finished products and finished parts consisting of the laser-markable and laser-weldable polymer according to one of claims 1 to 12.