ZA200504580B - Laser marking process - Google Patents
Laser marking process Download PDFInfo
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- ZA200504580B ZA200504580B ZA200504580A ZA200504580A ZA200504580B ZA 200504580 B ZA200504580 B ZA 200504580B ZA 200504580 A ZA200504580 A ZA 200504580A ZA 200504580 A ZA200504580 A ZA 200504580A ZA 200504580 B ZA200504580 B ZA 200504580B
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- South Africa
- Prior art keywords
- laser
- ink
- sensitive material
- laser sensitive
- process according
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 238000010330 laser marking Methods 0.000 title abstract description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 92
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 8
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010445 mica Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052618 mica group Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005995 Aluminium silicate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000012211 aluminium silicate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- NLYAJNPCOHFWQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N kaolin Chemical compound O.O.O=[Al]O[Si](=O)O[Si](=O)O[Al]=O NLYAJNPCOHFWQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008774 maternal effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 206010063562 Radiation skin injury Diseases 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 112
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- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 8
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 229920008347 Cellulose acetate propionate Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000005026 oriented polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920002037 poly(vinyl butyral) polymer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002966 varnish Substances 0.000 description 4
- XEKOWRVHYACXOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl acetate Chemical compound CCOC(C)=O XEKOWRVHYACXOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001800 Shellac Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isopropanol Chemical compound CC(C)O KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IMNFDUFMRHMDMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Heptane Chemical compound CCCCCCC IMNFDUFMRHMDMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052779 Neodymium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 2
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 101001082804 Synechocystis sp. (strain PCC 6803 / Kazusa) Phycobilisome 32.1 kDa linker polypeptide, phycocyanin-associated, rod 2 Proteins 0.000 description 2
- AVMNFQHJOOYCAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetic acid;propanoic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O.CCC(O)=O AVMNFQHJOOYCAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002877 acrylic styrene acrylonitrile Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- HKQOBOMRSSHSTC-UHFFFAOYSA-N cellulose acetate Chemical compound OC1C(O)C(O)C(CO)OC1OC1C(CO)OC(O)C(O)C1O.CC(=O)OCC1OC(OC(C)=O)C(OC(C)=O)C(OC(C)=O)C1OC1C(OC(C)=O)C(OC(C)=O)C(OC(C)=O)C(COC(C)=O)O1.CCC(=O)OCC1OC(OC(=O)CC)C(OC(=O)CC)C(OC(=O)CC)C1OC1C(OC(=O)CC)C(OC(=O)CC)C(OC(=O)CC)C(COC(=O)CC)O1 HKQOBOMRSSHSTC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920006217 cellulose acetate butyrate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002611 lead compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002432 poly(vinyl methyl ether) polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001707 polybutylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005033 polyvinylidene chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940113147 shellac Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000004208 shellac Substances 0.000 description 2
- ZLGIYFNHBLSMPS-ATJNOEHPSA-N shellac Chemical compound OCCCCCC(O)C(O)CCCCCCCC(O)=O.C1C23[C@H](C(O)=O)CCC2[C@](C)(CO)[C@@H]1C(C(O)=O)=C[C@@H]3O ZLGIYFNHBLSMPS-ATJNOEHPSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000013874 shellac Nutrition 0.000 description 2
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- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- FERIUCNNQQJTOY-UHFFFAOYSA-M Butyrate Chemical compound CCCC([O-])=O FERIUCNNQQJTOY-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
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- 229920000298 Cellophane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001328 Polyvinylidene chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011358 absorbing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001241 acetals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920006243 acrylic copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002318 adhesion promoter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013530 defoamer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002019 doping agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940093499 ethyl acetate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000019439 ethyl acetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013611 frozen food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002223 garnet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N neodymium atom Chemical compound [Nd] QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052754 neon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N neon atom Chemical compound [Ne] GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- YWAKXRMUMFPDSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentene Chemical compound CCCC=C YWAKXRMUMFPDSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001643 poly(ether ketone) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000570 polyether Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006380 polyphenylene oxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002620 polyvinyl fluoride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000001174 sulfone group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910019655 synthetic inorganic crystalline material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920005613 synthetic organic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007738 vacuum evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052727 yttrium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VWQVUPCCIRVNHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N yttrium atom Chemical compound [Y] VWQVUPCCIRVNHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
- B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
- B41M5/46—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography characterised by the light-to-heat converting means; characterised by the heat or radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers
- B41M5/465—Infrared radiation-absorbing materials, e.g. dyes, metals, silicates, C black
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/24—Ablative recording, e.g. by burning marks; Spark recording
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
- B41M5/267—Marking of plastic artifacts, e.g. with laser
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Thermal Transfer Or Thermal Recording In General (AREA)
- Dot-Matrix Printers And Others (AREA)
- Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
- Inks, Pencil-Leads, Or Crayons (AREA)
Abstract
Thin, flexible plastic films, of the type used for the packaging of foodstuffs, may be printed using a laser marking technique by printing a layer or layers comprising a laser sensitive material and an ink so that heating of the laser sensitive material by absorption of laser radiation burns the ink selectively, so causing markings to appear. A further process for marking a flexible plastic material using a laser is disclosed, whereby to a surface of a substrate comprising said flexible plastic material a laser sensitive material which is or is associated with a material that generates gas on heating is applied, this is coated with a gas impermeable layer, then exposed to laser radiation such that raised markings appear on the exposed portions.
Description
LASER MARKING PROCESS
’ [001] The present invention relates to a laser marking process for use on thin flexible plastic . films of the type commonly used for the packaging of various types of foodstuffs, and especially to such a process using an ink which contains or is associated with a laser sensitive material.
[002] Many types of foodstuffs, for example snacks, confectionery, dry and frozen food, etc., are packaged in wrappings composed of thin flexible films of plastic materials. Although most of the printing on such wrappers can be done well in advance of use of the packaging, some, such as “use by” or “best before” dates, of necessity, must be printed soon after or soon before the foodstuff is packaged. There are, of course, many printing methods known, but none is completely satisfactory for this purpose. Desirably, the printing should be of the some quality as that of the rest of the printing on the wrapper. It should also be economical and be capable of being printed at the site where the food is packaged, as well as at the site where the rest of the wrapper is printed. Moreover, because the date will change every day, and it may also be necessary to accommodate other changes, for example to deal with products of varying shelf lives, it should be easy to change the content of what is printed, preferably via software in a computer-controlled printing operation. Where the contents of the packaging are fragile, if the printing has to be done afterpackaging, it is also essential‘ that the printing should not involve any impact or any other form of applied pressure. Finally, and of great importance, the printing should be indelible under normal conditions of use. Most printing - methods currently used for the application of such markings as “use by” or “best before” dates fail to achieve several of these desiderata. Similar requirements also apply to bar codes, which often have to be printed as a separate exercise from the main printing of the packaging.
[003] We have now discovered that a laser marking technique can achieve all of these desired aims most effectively.
[004] Laser marking of plastics materials is now well known [see, for example, “Laser
Marking” by Paul D. Hartung, Chapter 17 of “Plastics Finishing and Decoration” edited by Donatas : Satas, published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, 1986]. It is a valuable method of marking which has found many applications. Its advantages include: the laser does not directly ) 35 contact the item to be marked, and so there is no mechanical wear, neither is there any impact on the contents of the packaging;
it allows extremely small characters or symbols to be drawn; accurately and legibly, markings can be made at extremely high speeds; lasers are extremely reliable and require minimal maintenance, and other moving parts on the marking system are limited. . [005] In the past, most proposals for the use of laser marking have involved using the laser to remove material thermally or carbonise the polymer from a solid object composed of a resin, . polymer or other laser sensitive material and so form a mark or impression on the object. Examples of such processes are described in US patents No. 5,928,780; 5,977,514; and 6,214,917, and in manufacturers’ literature such as that issued by Merck KgaA (“Iriodin®LS for the laser marking of plastics”, June 1997). Such processes have the disadvantage that the plastic materials chosen for this use have to be restricted to those susceptible to thermal removal in this way. This can restrict the choice of materials and so may not be useable for some purposes. Moreover, this technique may result in localised thinning and weakening of the plastic substrate, which would be undesirable or unacceptable in wrappers for foodstuffs and many other materials.
[006] Another laser marking technique comprises using a laser to remove thermally a covering layer, thereby exposing a lower layer of a different colour from that of the covering layer, so providing visible markings. An example of such a process, for the marking of optical fibres or electric cables, is described in US Patent No. 5,111,523.
[007] A further laser marking method employs the heat generated by laser radiation striking a substrate to cause a change in the colour of a thermosensitive material, as described, for example, in
US Patent No. 5,608, 429.
[008] There has also been a proposal for using the ability of a laser to change the colour of an ink containing a non-black inorganic lead compound to black, thereby forming a black mark on an object such as a printed circuit board, as described in US Patent No. 5,035,983. However, the use of a lead compound in these inks would not be acceptable for food use, as is envisaged by the present invention.
[009] Another type of laser marking process uses thin aluminium layers which are deposited by vacuum evaporation. Because these absorb in the range of the Nd:YAG-radiation, such aluminium layers can be removed by laser radiation. This can be used to remove coloured ink layers, printed on the aluminium layer or to make contrast forming layers visible, as described in US Patent
No. 6,066,437. For this kind of laser marking, aluminium-coated films are necessary, which are . expensive and the deposition of the aluminium requires specialised equipment, which means that it often cannot be done or cannot be done economically at the site where the packages are printed. : [010] It is also known to mark paper and cardboard by using the heat generated by a laser for the selective thermal removal of some of the ink applied to the surface thereof.
[011] Laser ablative imaging methods are also known in which a donor sheet containing a material which absorbs at the wavelength of the laser and a dye (rather than the pigment necessary in the present invention) is irradiated with a laser. The absorbing material converts the laser energy to . heat, which is transferred to the immediately proximate dye. The dye vaporises and is transferred to the receptor, which is the material to be printed. Methods ofthis type are disclosed in GB 2083726. : [012] In European Patent application No. 0 756 942A1 (and corresponding US Patent No. 5,633,118) laser ablative imaging methods are disclosed in which layers including water-soluble infra-red (IR) absorbing dyes-are ablated in selected areas to expose an underlying hydrophilic dye- receiving layer; this underlying layer is then treated with aqueous ink to provide a colour contrast with unexposed areas. These methods are suitable for the production of optical masks, monochrome transparencies, and the like.
[013] Other disclosures relating to the use of IR absorbing dyes in laser ablative imaging include US Patent No. 5,330,876, which discloses a dye layer comprising an image dye and an IR absorbing dye dispersed in a high molecular weight binder; and US Patent No. 5,576,268, which discloses a similar dye ablative recording element in which the support is a microvoided composite film.
[014] However, none of these prior proposals has addressed the question of applying a marking by means of a laser to a thin flexible film of a plastic material, such as is commonly used for the wrapping of foodstuffs.
[015] In its broadest aspect, the present invention consists in a process for marking a flexible plastic material using a laser, which process comprises the steps: applying to a surface of a substrate comprising said flexible plastic material in one or more layers an ink in association with a laser sensitive material; drying the ink; exposing portions of the ink to laser radiation at a wavelength to which said laser sensitive material is sensitive so that laser radiation absorbed by the laser sensitive material heats and removes thermally the ink or causes the ink to change colour, so as to cause markings to appear on the exposed portions. ; DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[016] The expression “in association with” is here defined to mean that the ink and the laser ’ sensitive material are in sufficiently close physical proximity that the heat induced in the laser sensitive material by the laser radiation is sufficient to cause the thermal removal of the ink. The laser sensitive material and the ink may be applied in separate layers or together in one composition.
[017] In a further embodiment, the present invention consists in a process for marking a . flexible plastic material using a laser, which process comprises the steps: applying to a surface of a substrate comprising said flexible plastic material a laser sensitive material : which is or is associated with a material hat generates gas on heating; coating the laser sensitive material with a gas-impermeable layer; exposing portions of the laser sensitive material to laser radiation at a wavelength to which said laser sensitive material is sensitive so that laser radiation absorbed by the laser sensitive material heats and causes gas to be generated, so as to form raised markings to appear on the exposed portions. .
[018] If desired, other layers, such as inks, non-pigmented coatings or varnishes, similar to the above-mentioned layers, or of other materials, as described in more detail below, may be applied to the coated substrate obtained as described above, either before or after exposure to the laser radiation.
[019] The layer of ink or layers of ink and laser sensitive material referred to above may cover the entire surface of the substrate, if desired. However, it is a benefit of the present invention that they need not do so. Thus, the layers may, if desired, cover only that portion or those portions of the substrate on which markings are subsequently to be printed, and they may be applied by conventional printing processes with considerable accuracy. For example, if the markings to be printed are “use by” or “best before” information, a single patch of the coating layers may be applied to the substrate in the position where this information is to be inserted. Alternatively, the invention is equally applicable to the printing of statutory information, which may vary from country to country and/or which may need to be in different languages for different countries. In this case, several patches of ink/varnish and laser sensitive material may need to be applied. Similarly, bar codes can be marked on areas that have been selectively coated with laser sensitive material.
[020] When the laser sensitive material is exposed to the laser radiation, it absorbs the energy of the radiation, becomes hot and generally removes the layer containing it and any other layers above it by thermal action. It therefore follows that the ink or non-pigmented coating should burn, degrade, evaporate or otherwise be thermally removable at a temperature to which the laser heats the laser sensitive material. The majority of inks and coatings currently available will do so, and so the ’ selection of an appropriate ink or coating is not a difficult task.
[021] Several laser systems are commercially available, including excimer, Nd:YAG, frequency doubled Nd:YAG, frequency tripled Nd:YAG, helium, neon and CO, systems. In practice, the most readily available systems, and those preferred for use in the present invention, are the CO, and Nd:YAG [neodymium (dopant): yttrium, aluminium, garnet] laser systems. The construction and use of such laser systems is well known.
[022] In general terms, the laser sensitive material is a material which can convert the energy : of the laser radiation to thermal energy. The nature of the laser sensitive material used in the present invention will depend on the laser system chosen, as is well known in the field of laser making . For ) example, if the laser is of the CO, type, which operates at a wavelength of 10600 nm, the laser sensitive material is preferably: mica or metal oxide-coated mica particles, such as those sold by
Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany under the trade names Iriodin LS 800, Iriodin LS 805, Iriodin LS 810, Iriodin LS 830, Iriodin LS 835 or Iriodin LS 850, or those sold by EMI (EMI Industries, Inc.
Hawthome, New York, USA) under the trade names Laser Flair LS 800, Laser Flair LS 805, Laser
Flair LS 810, Laser Flair LS 830, Laser Flair LS 835 or Laser Flair LS 850; aluminium powders, such as that sold by Silberline (Silberline Ltd., Leven, Scotland) under the trade names Silvet LR10,
Silvet LR20, Silvet LR30, Silvet ET917, or Silvet ET1630, that sold by Eckart (Eckart GmbH & Co.
KG, Firth, Germany) under the trade name Ultrastar GX 2550, that sold by Wolstenholme (Wolstenholme International Ltd., Darwen, Blackburn, England) under the trade name Metasheen 1015 or that sold by Eckart under the trade name Rotosafe 751 or Rotosafe 700; carbon black, such as that sold by Degussa (Degussa AG, Frankfurt, Germany) under the trade name Printex XE2,
Printex 3 or Printex L or that sold by Avecia (Avecia, Manchester, England) under the trade name
Pro-Jet 900 NP Bx2005; kaolin and other silicates; titanium dioxide; and calcium carbonate.
[023] On the other hand, if the laser is of the Nd:YAG type, which operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm, the laser sensitive material is preferably: mica or metal oxide-coated mica particles, such as Iriodin LS 820, Iriodin LS 825, Iriodin LS 830, Iriodin LS 835 or Iriodin LS 850 (all ex Merck), or Laser Flair LS 820, Laser Flair LS 825, Laser Flair LS 830, Laser Flair LS 835 or Laser Flair LS 850 (all ex EMI); aluminium powders, such as Silvet LR10, Silvet LR20, Silvet LR30, Silvet ET917, or Silvet ET1630 (all ex Silberline), Ultrastar GX 2550 (ex Eckart), Metasheen 1015 (ex
Wolstenholme) or Rotosafe 751 or Rotosafe 700 (both ex Eckart); carbon black, such as Printex
XE2, Printex 3 or Printex L (all ex Degussa) or Pro-Jet 900 NP Bx2005 (ex Avecia); titanium dioxide; and calcium carbonate.
[024] It is also possible to use a combination of laser sensitive materials such that any one of several laser types would be effective in marking accordingto the process of the present invention.
[025] Other laser systems may be able to use some of the above laser sensitive materials or } may use others. However, these materials are well known to those skilled in the art.
[026] There is no particular restriction on the nature of the ink used in the present invention, and any ink known for use in the printing of flexible plastic films may be used, subject only to the
S restriction, as explained above, that it should be capable of being removed by the heat generated in the laser sensitive material by the laser radiation. Preferred examples of such inks include those comprising: nitrocellulose (NC) based inks, polyvinyl butyrate (PVB) based inks, polyurethane . (PUR) based inks, cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) based inks, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based inks, polyamide (PA) based inks, water based inks. . [027] The composition of such inks is described in more detail in “The Printing Ink Manual”, 5" edition, edited by R.H. Leach et al, published by Chapman & Hall in 1993, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated that inks, by their very nature, necessarily include at least one pigment.
[028] The laser sensitive material may also be applied as part of an essentially transparent pigment-free coating. The formulation of these coatings is essentially similar to that of the inks, but with the coloured pigment absent.
[029] Whether the laser sensitive material is incorporated into an ink or into a non-pigmented coating, it is preferably present in an amount from 1 to 40%, more preferably from 5 to 20%, and most preferably from 10 to 15% by weight of the whole composition.
[030] Examples of compositions which may be used in the present invention are given in the following Table 1 (inks) and Table 2(pigment-free coatings), in which the laser sensitive material referred to may be any of the laser sensitive materials mentioned above.
Table 1 INCiased ink NC based ink 2]PVB based ink [CAP based ink | PVC based ind
TE ET ET EE EE EE
Poyinylbuyral | [al
Povinyimetnylether | | | s
Poyvinyidene chioride ______| | | [1 12
Cellulose acetate propionate __ |__| | [do poyamide 1 | | — 1 7 0]
Tr RE EE EE EE holst | | | 1 of
AEE I EE EE EE pAeyic Emusion | | | (1
Styrene Acrylic-CopolymerEmuision befoamer | | | — 1
Ceveling agent | | | 1
Adhesion promoter ________ |__| [
Monomeric Plasticiser | 8 __§ | 1 shelec | | —— |r pigment | 20 20 200 200 20
Etnylaceme | 215 208 | 118 44
Ethanol | 215 208 45] 345 sopropanol | | — © 1] hHeptane | | | 1 1
EE RS EE EE EE
Table 1 (cont.)
TPAbasedink [ater based ink 1 [Water based ink 2 [Water based ink 3
Nr rr rr : Poyvinyioutyral | | | —
Polyvinyl methylether | | | ©
Poyvinyidene chloride | | [~~
Cellulose acetate propionate |__| | ~~ ©
Poyamce | 3
Urethane | | — 1 00] hoylate | | rr
Acyiic Soon | | |] hAonicEmulsion [| os [
Styrene-Acrylic-Copolymer-Emuision | | | 80
Defoamer | | os of
Levelingagent | | 3 3
Dispersngagent | a of a 2 hdhesion promoter [| | 1
Monomeric Plasticiser shellac | | [1 20 pigment | eo is 18] 15
Ethylacetate | | | [0
Eero | Tr ° ] lsopropanol | _a728 |p hHeptane | sys | [
Water | des] 148 sf lasersensitveAdditve | 2s 10] 1s] 10
Table 2
A ES i ld cl coating 1 [coating 2 [coating 3 [coating coating
CE RE I EE EE
Popvnyibuyral | | |]
Poyvinylmethyleher | | | 8
Poyvinyidenechiorige || |} |]
Collose acetate propionate |__| | | | 4
Poyamide | | [1 1
Urethane § | 1 hoyle | | so [8
AcioSoluon | | [ poylicEmuision | | 1 1
Styrene-Acrylic- Copolymer Emulsion |__| | | 1
Defamer | | [1 1
Levelingagent [| | [
Dispersingagent | |" [ pdhesionpromoter | 1 | 1
Monomeric Plasticiser | | | | 1
Shelac | [T+ 1 pgment | | ——— 1 1
Etyiacette | 36s 25 17] | 18
Ethanol | 38s 50 51 77} 6 sopropanol | | | — | [ heptane | |} 1 water | | _—— 1 1
Lasersensitve Additive | 10 12 7 8 10
Tom | oo too tool 100] 100
Table 2 (cont.)
PVC based |PAbased [Water based [Water based [Water based coating coating [coating 1 coating 2 coating 3 : Ne © Tr rr rr rr
Polyvinyl butyral I I A I EE
Polyvinyl methyl ether rr : Polyvinylidene chloride IY: I EE
Gellulose acetate propionate I DE A EE EE
ES NN HN I EN I
Urethene [ hoyiate | —1 poylicSowtion | | [sof so porylicEmuson | | [| 228
Styrene-AcnylicCopolymerEmuision | | | | 228 befoamer |" [08 08 04
Levelling agent I DE bispersingagent [| I} pdhesionpromoter
MonomericPlasticser | | | [~~ [
Shellac I EE A A ET
Pigment | + © 1
Ethy! acetate I: EE
Er A A EE EE A
Isopropanol I EF: I EE hHeptane | | qa7s [0
Water | 1s 8 55
LasersensitveAddiive | 8 1s] of of 19 otal 1 tof 100] too] 100] 10g
[031] There is no particular restriction on the nature of the plastic film used as the substrate in the process of the present invention, and any plastic materials commonly used in the industry, especially for food wrapping, may be used. Examples of such materials include synthetic and semi synthetic organic polymers, such as cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellophane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamides, polyesters, polyphenylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymethyl methacrylate, poly(methy!l pentene (TPX), polyvinyl acetal, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyether sulphone, polyether ketones, polyimides, and copolymers and/or mixtures thereof. If desired, films made from any of these polymers may be coated with coating materials well known in the art, and/or may be laminated to a film or films made of the same or different polymers. Further examples of such plastic materials may be found in standard reference texts, such as “Plastic Films”, 3rd Edition, by J. H. Briston, published by Longman Group in 1989.
[032] If desired, the substrate may be coated with a colouring layer impervious to the laser radiation, so as to provide a layer of a contrasting colour to that of the ink subsequently applied.
When the ink is removed by thermal action in accordance with the process of the invention, the : lower, laser-impervious, layer will be seen as a contrasting colour and will form the printed markings generated by the laser. Alternatively, the coating layer of ink which is selectively removed may be : coloured, so that, when it is removed, the native colour of the substrate is seen as a contrast.
[033] Once the ink has been applied to the substrate comprising the flexible plastic film, it is cured or dried to form a coherent layer on the substrate. If desired, one or more further films of plastic material may be laminated to the coated substrate. This may be any of the polymers listed above, but should be transparent to the radiation of the laser employed. If another film is laminated on top of the ink, and the ink emits gases or otherwise undergoes an increase in volume on being heated by the heat resulting from absorption of the laser energy by the laser sensitive material, the portion of the laminated film above the markings will be raised, thus giving an embossed effect which otherwise would be difficult to achieve and which can be very desirable.
[034] The present invention can thus provide thin flexible plastic films which may be coated in many ways. Examples of these include: 1. The film may be coated with a single layer of an ink containing the laser sensitive material; 2. The film may be coated with a layer of laser sensitive material, which, in turn, is coated with a layer of ink; 3. The film may be coated with a layer of ink, which, in turn, is coated with a single layer of an ink containing the laser sensitive material, 4. The film may be coated with a layer of ink, which, in turn, is coated with a layer of laser sensitive material, that being coated with a layer of ink.
[035] In general terms, we prefer that either the laser sensitive material is mixed with the ink or that the ink and the laser sensitive material are in separate, but associated, layers, the layer of ink to be removed by the process of the present invention being on the side of the layer of laser sensitive material remote from the substrate.
[036] Any of the above may be coated with further layers of material, for example, varnish, provided that any such further layers are transparent or essentially transparent, to the laser radiation. : Moreover, if desired, the film may be coated with one or more other layers of materials, such as inks, varnishes and the like, prior to being coated with the first layer in accordance with the present ’ invention.
[037] In the embodiment of the present invention where a laser sensitive material is or is associated with a material which evolves gas when heated, it may be the laser sensitive material which evolves gas. Alternatively, the laser sensitive material may be associated with, e.g. mixed : with, another material which evolves gas. The material is then coated with a gasimpermeable layer, which can be any such known material. As a result, when exposed to laser radiation, the exposed : portions emit a gas. However, this is trapped by the coating layer, and, as a result, forms minute bubbles under the coating layer. These can be perceived both by the eye and by touch and give a desirable embossed appearance, suitable for Braille or Moon script.
[038] The present invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples.
Example 1
[039] A laser sensitive solvent based coating was printed on transparent oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, and then overprinted with a nitrocellulose based cyan ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
The cyan ink was Europa cyan ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the cyan ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 2
[040] A laser sensitive solvent based coating was printed on transparent OPP film, and then overprinted with a nitrocellulose based cyan ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
The cyan ink was Europa cyan ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a CO: laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the cyan ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 3
[041] A laser sensitive solvent based coating was printed on transparent OPP film, and then overprinted with a nitrocellulose based cyan ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight): rt So Se Te [60
The cyan ink was Europa cyan ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a CO, laser, marks were visible ] as a result of removal of the cyan ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 4
[042] A laser sensitive solvent based coating was printed on transparent OPP film, and then . overprinted with a nitrocellulose based cyan ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
The cyan ink was Europa cyan ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the cyan ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 5
[043] A laser sensitive water based coating was printed on transparent OPP film, and then overprinted with a nitrocellulose based cyan ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
The cyan ink was Europa cyan ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the cyan ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
E xample 6
[044] A laser sensitive solvent based coating was printed on transparent OPP film, and then . overprinted with a nitrocellulose based yellow ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
The cyan ink was Europa yellow ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a Nd:YAG or CO; laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the cyan ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 7
[045] A nitrocellulose based white ink was printed on transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and was overprinted with a solvent based laser sensitive magenta ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive magenta ink was (parts by weight): ris i, SGA Si To eS
The white ink was Europa white ex Sun Chemical. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the magenta ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam, while the white ink film had not been removed by the laser.
Example 8 - [046] A cellulose acetate propionate based orange ink was printed on transparent polypropylene (PP), and then overprinted with a solvent based laser sensitive coating, which,in turn, was overprinted with cellulose acetate propionate based green ink. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight): :
The orange ink was Europa orange ex Sun Chemical. The green ink was Europa green ex Sun
Chemical. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible since the orange ink was not removed by the laser and gave contrast to the green ink which had been removed.
Example 9
[047] A polyvinyl butyral based laser sensitive coating was printed on PET and overprinted with a polyvinyl butyral based red ink. This film was laminated with a two-pack adhesive onto polyethylene (PE). The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
The red ink was Optiprint red ex Sun Chemical. The adhesive was Mor-Free 402A/Mor-Free C79 ex
Rohm &Haas. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal (or change in colour) of the red ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 10 : [048] A nitrocellulose based white ink printed on PET was overprinted with a nitrocellulose based laser sensitive coating and a polyvinyl butyral based yellow ink. This film was laminated with a two-pack solvent free adhesive onto PP. The formulation of the laser sensitive coating was (parts by weight):
Urelhans, Sukopsk SEFexSNPE___ | 60
The white ink was Europa white ex Sun Chemical. The yellow ink was Optiprint yellow ex Sun
Chemical. The solvent based adhesive was Herberts EPS71-72 / KS65 ex Herberts. After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the yellow ink fromthe regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 11
[049] A nitrocellulose based laser sensitive green was printed on polyamide (PA). The formulation of the laser sensitive green ink was (parts by weight): lL
After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the green ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam. . Example 12
[050] A nitrocellulose based laser sensitive blue ink was printed on PA. The formulation of : the laser sensitive blue ink was (parts by weight):
After exposure to a CO, laser, marks were visble as a result of removal of the blue ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 13
[051] A polyvinyl butyral based laser sensitive blue ink was printed on PA. The formulation of the laser sensitive blue ink was (parts by weight): ‘ After exposure to a CO; laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the blue ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 14
[052] A water based laser sensitive blue ink was printed on PA. The formulation of the . laser sensitive blue ink was (parts by weight): or
Ei A
After exposure to a Nd:YAG laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the blue ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Example 15
[053] A nitrocellulose based laser sensitive yellow ink was printed on PA. The formulation of the laser sensitive yellow ink was (parts by weight): [ a La ) 15 After exposure to a Nd:YAG or CO; laser, marks were visible as a result of removal of the blue ink from the regions exposed to the laser beam.
Claims (9)
1. A process for marking a flexible plastic material using a laser, which process comprises the steps: applying to a surface of a substrate comprising said flexible phstic material in one or more
. layers an ink in association with a laser sensitive material; drying the ink; exposing portions of the ink to laser radiation at a wavelength to which said laser sensitive material is sensitive so that laser
. radiation absorbed by the laser sensitive material heats and removes thermally the ink or causes the ink to change colour, so as to cause markings to appear on the exposed portions.
2. A process according to Claim 1, in which said laser sensitive material is applied to the substrate and then a layer of said ink is applied over the laser sensitive maternal.
3. A process according to Claim 1, in which said ink contains said laser sensitive material.
4. A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which heating removes the ink.
5. A process for marking a flexible plastic material using a laser, which process comprises the steps: applying to a surface of a substrate comprising said flexible plastic material a laser sensitive material which is or is associated with a material that generates gas on heating; coating the laser sensitive material with a gas-impermeable layer; exposing portions of the laser sensitive material to laser radiation at a wavelength to which said laser sensitive material is sensitive so that laser radiation absorbed by the laser sensitive material heats and causes gas to be generated, so as to form raised markings to appear on the exposed portions.
6. A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which said laser is a CO, laser.
7. A process according to Claim 6, in which said laser sensitive material is mica, metal oxide-coated mica particles, aluminium powder, carbon black, kaolin or another silicate, titanium dioxide or calcium carbonate.
8. A process according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which said laser is an Nd:YAG laser.
9. A process according to Claim 8, in which said laser sensitive material is mica, metal oxide-coated mica particles, aluminium powder, carbon black, titanium dioxide or calcium carbonate.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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GBGB0226597.3A GB0226597D0 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Laser marking process |
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ZA200504580B true ZA200504580B (en) | 2006-06-28 |
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ZA200504580A ZA200504580B (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2005-06-03 | Laser marking process |
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EP (1) | EP1560715B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE411906T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003290814A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0307991A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2506979A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60324311D1 (en) |
EC (1) | ECSP055842A (en) |
ES (1) | ES2311747T5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB0226597D0 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05006190A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004045857A2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200504580B (en) |
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US20050072335A1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2005-04-07 | Zhang Yue S. | Primer composition for bonding polymer composites with urethane adhesives and sealants |
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DE102005000953A1 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-12-29 | Eberhard Wiedenmann | Process for labeling smoked foods |
GB0611325D0 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-07-19 | Datalase Ltd | Laser marking |
ATE447476T1 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2009-11-15 | Eckart Gmbh | USE OF A MIXTURE WITH SPHERICAL METAL PARTICLES AND METAL FLAKES AS A LASER MARKING OR LASER WELDABLE AGENTS AND LASER MARKABLE AND/OR LASER WELDABLE PLASTIC |
DE102008046461A1 (en) | 2008-09-09 | 2010-03-11 | Tesa Se | Process for producing a multicolor laser-inscribable film |
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EP2632978B1 (en) | 2010-10-25 | 2021-02-24 | SABIC Innovative Plastics B.V. | Improved electroless plating performance of laser direct structuring materials |
ITMO20110225A1 (en) * | 2011-09-01 | 2013-03-02 | Swisslog Italia Spa | PACKAGING AND PACKAGING MATERIAL |
DE102013218752B4 (en) | 2013-09-18 | 2021-01-28 | Bundesdruckerei Gmbh | Activatable value or security product, method for activating and method for producing the value or security product |
WO2015122894A2 (en) * | 2014-02-13 | 2015-08-20 | Spectra Systems Corporation | Gas activated changes to light absorption and emission characteristics for security articles |
EP2946938B1 (en) * | 2014-05-23 | 2017-04-12 | Merck Patent GmbH | Method for the laser treatment of coatings |
US10256009B2 (en) | 2014-06-19 | 2019-04-09 | Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation | Laser-markable insulation material for wire or cable assemblies |
US9881714B2 (en) | 2014-06-19 | 2018-01-30 | Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation | Laser-markable insulation material for wire or cable assemblies |
US10470511B2 (en) | 2016-08-19 | 2019-11-12 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Using laser to create finishing pattern on apparel |
CN107437369A (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2017-12-05 | 信码互通(北京)科技有限公司 | Plastic sheet and its manufacture method with gray scale mark |
WO2019032429A1 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2019-02-14 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Enhanced method for product marking |
MX2020003228A (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2020-09-22 | Printpack Illinois Inc | Packaging material with indicium in metallic layer. |
CN111565880B (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2022-09-23 | 利惠商业有限公司 | Laser finish machining design tool |
US11250312B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2022-02-15 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Garments with finishing patterns created by laser and neural network |
US10820650B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2020-11-03 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Surface projection for apparel in an apparel design system |
EP3758883A4 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2021-11-17 | Levi Strauss & Co. | On-demand manufacturing of laser-finished apparel |
EP3833571A4 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2022-06-29 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Outdoor retail space structure |
EP3887593A4 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2022-10-05 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Shadow neutral 3-d garment rendering |
WO2021016497A1 (en) | 2019-07-23 | 2021-01-28 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Three-dimensional rendering preview of laser-finished garments |
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-
2002
- 2002-11-14 GB GBGB0226597.3A patent/GB0226597D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2003
- 2003-11-12 ES ES03783398.5T patent/ES2311747T5/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-12 MX MXPA05006190A patent/MXPA05006190A/en unknown
- 2003-11-12 BR BR0307991-0A patent/BR0307991A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-11-12 AU AU2003290814A patent/AU2003290814A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-11-12 WO PCT/US2003/036222 patent/WO2004045857A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-11-12 AT AT03783398T patent/ATE411906T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-11-12 EP EP03783398.5A patent/EP1560715B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-12 DE DE60324311T patent/DE60324311D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-12 CA CA002506979A patent/CA2506979A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2005
- 2005-06-03 ZA ZA200504580A patent/ZA200504580B/en unknown
- 2005-06-08 EC EC2005005842A patent/ECSP055842A/en unknown
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MXPA05006190A (en) | 2005-09-21 |
ATE411906T1 (en) | 2008-11-15 |
ES2311747T3 (en) | 2009-02-16 |
AU2003290814A1 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
WO2004045857A3 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
ES2311747T5 (en) | 2014-12-03 |
BR0307991A (en) | 2004-12-21 |
AU2003290814A8 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
EP1560715A2 (en) | 2005-08-10 |
DE60324311D1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
EP1560715B1 (en) | 2008-10-22 |
WO2004045857A2 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
GB0226597D0 (en) | 2002-12-24 |
EP1560715B2 (en) | 2014-08-20 |
CA2506979A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
ECSP055842A (en) | 2005-09-20 |
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