|
Metals that can be marked include tool steel, stainless steel, most aluminum, brass, copper, tin, pewter, most silver, chrome, titanium, tungsten carbide and lead-coated steel.
Metals can generally be marked with only black and dark grey. The exceptions are anodized and porcelainized metals that can be marked with a range of colors.
Metal applications normally require the selection and use of TherMark’s laser marking material LMM14 Black which is water based and marks in black. For a faster drying marking material, most metals need ethanol-based LMM6000 Black. Both the LMM14 and LMM6000 inks are available as either a paintable liquid, paste or aerosol spray. For marking on smooth, shiny, hard metals, users should consider LMM6038 Black, another ethanol-based paste. For further convenience, TherMark also offers a paper transfer tape product, LMM6018 Black. For more details on product selection for metals, see the TherMark Metal Marking Selection Guide.
Most aluminum is suitable for marking, expect for shiny, high-polish alloys. Silver from South American sources usually marks well. However, silver from Asian sources often does not. Anodized, chromed and plated metals generally mark well. But, coated materials, such as brass which has a lacquer finish to prevent tarnishing, do not mark well.
Anodized metals generally mark as if they were ceramic because the anodized coating behaves similar to that particular surface. And, porcelainized metals, such as porcelainized steel, mark as if they were porcelain since, of course, the porcelain top coat is the exposed surface.
|
|
Glass and ceramics require selection and use of TherMark’s laser marking materials, available in a range of colors. For marking in black, use LMC12; for red, use LMC34; for blue, use LMC48; for green, use LMC62; for yellow, use LMC74; for bronze, use LMC28; for bright white, use LMC98; and for imitation etch white, use LMC94. All of these marking materials are water based and available as paintable liquids. LMC12 Black is also available in a convenient aerosol spray. For further convenience, TherMark also offers a paper transfer tape product, LMM6018 Black.
TherMark Glass/Ceramic Selection Chart
|
