10 December 1998: The US coatings and pigments operation Cerdec Corporation has launched a new laser marking business called “CerMark(TM)”, which uses laser marking technology to permanently mark glas…
10 December 1998: The US coatings and pigments operation Cerdec Corporation has launched a new laser marking business called “CerMark(TM)”, which uses laser marking technology to permanently mark glass, ceramics, stone, plastics, brass, and other metals with bar-codes, logos, serial numbers and so on. “There is a lot of potential for laser marking materials technology in many different industries, especially those looking for ways to permanently mark items with bar-coding, serial numbers or other information,” explained Dave Smith, Manager of New Business Development. The glass and ceramics industry are primary markets for the new advanced technology which can be used for permanent marks on containers, auto and architectural glass, TV screens, computer monitors, tumblers, dinnerware, sanitary ware, tile, and other ceramic products. Cerdec explains that laser marking with CerMark materials is unlike chemical etching, sandblasting, or other technologies, which etch the surface of an object, because it fuses an indelible mark into the surface of the object. Compared to other technologies, claims Cerdec, laser marking produces better quality marks with more contrast. Another feature of CerMark, adds Cerdec, is that it does not cause as much stress to the surface compared to some competitive marking methods. This is especially important for structural products like auto and architectural glass and tiles. The initial use for CerMark has been focused on the glass and ceramics industry where the new technology can be used to mark bar-coding on glass bottles, to serialize automotive windshields and tiles, or to mark various substrates for quality control purposes. CerMark marking materials for glass surfaces are currently available in black, blue, green, yellow, and bronze. A special glass marking material which fires clear has also been developed and successfully used on glass bottles and containers. The CerMark development team is also reportedly working on more colourful marks including red and metallic colours.