Thermark/Cermark FAQs
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: I would like to try LMM14 and/or LMM6000. Should I use aerosol or liquid ink?
A: For new users, we recommend starting with aerosol for testing purposes. Aerosol cans take the variable of dilution out of the equation and are easier to use – you only need to focus on getting the correct coating thickness and laser settings.
We recommend switching to air brush application of liquid laser marking ink once you have some experience with our products and begin doing a larger volume of marking. This will add the additional variable of dilution to the equation, but since you are already familiar with the proper coating thickness it should be an easy switch. The economies of scale involved in switching to liquid ink are substantial: a square inch of LMM14 aerosol costs roughly $.06, while a square inch of LMM14 liquid purchased in a 1,000 gram container costs below $.02.
Q: Is TherMark / CerMark laser marking material dangerous or toxic?
A: In terms of worker safety, we recommend that workers wear safety glasses or goggles and protective gloves when handling/applying our products and do so in a well-ventilated area as is customary whenever handling chemicals.
Q: How should I dispose of excess TherMark / CerMark laser marking material?
A: Unused aerosol cans that are still pressurized should be de-pressurized in a well-ventilated area (the propellants should be completely expelled from the can) and then can be disposed of in your regular trash and solid waste area.
Q: Is TherMark / CerMark laser marking material FDA approved?
A: TherMark materials are not approved in themselves by the FDA as the FDA’s role is to approve final products rather than component materials. The FDA has, however, approved numerous of our customer’s completed products such as surgical tools and implants which have been marked using TherMark materials.
Q: I have seen laser marked ceramic tiles with four color pictures. Can I use TherMark / CerMark products to do four color marking?
A: There are processes for four color marking on ceramic tiles based on the TherMark laser bonding technology, however we do not sell and support this process.
Q: Why can’t some TherMark / CerMark products be shipped via air freight without additional charges?
A: Aerosol cans (LMM14 and LMM6000) and alcohol-based chemicals (LMM6000, LMM6038, LMM6046) are considered a safety risk on airplanes due to being pressurized and flammable. These products require special packaging, labeling, and paperwork in order to go on airplanes, and those people doing the packing and paperwork must be properly trained on the shipping of dangerous goods. TherMark employees are trained and certified to ship dangerous goods via air both domestically (under DOT 49 CFR) and internationally (under IATA).
While TherMark does not charge extra for this service, freight companies impose additional charges due to the added regulatory complications of these products, and we are forced to pass these along to the customer.