Consumables
Innovative, laser-markable protective varnishes for rigid and flexible metal packaging
Tuesday 29. April 2008 - Laser induced markings have evolved into a common feature in our daily environment – just have a look at characters of computer keyboards, technical information on electronic parts, displays in cars or sealants for screw caps.However, all current applications are characterized by a relatively high thickness of the marked surface. Moreover a certain loss of […]
Laser induced markings have evolved into a common feature in our daily environment – just have a look at characters of computer keyboards, technical information on electronic parts, displays in cars or sealants for screw caps.
However, all current applications are characterized by a relatively high thickness of the marked surface. Moreover a certain loss of material upon treatment has to be accepted.
ACTEGA Rhenania has successfully overcome these limitations by presenting a required varnish film thickness of less than 10 microns. At the same time the surface remains undamaged. Other quality-related properties of the coating, particularly the protective influence towards the substrate are by no means negatively affected.
Requirement profiles for stove-enamels extend from high flexibility (deformation upon baking) with concurrent high resistance against wear, mar and the filling goods towards stability against sterilization and food compatibility.
ACTEGA Rhenanias innovative approach towards novel, laser-markable varnishes adds yet another outstanding feature:
Logos, directions for use, bar codes and expiration dates are usually applied by
printing inks onto an usually white base layer. In contrast it is now possible to
proceed via contact-free transfer by a laser beam. Due to the fact that the imprint
occurs within the layer of the coating, this marking cannot be subsequently
manipulated or removed.
Commercial laser units can be flexibly integrated into a filling line. Additional
information can be added by metal finishers, closure and cap manufacturers or by
retailers basically in the same way.
Over and above a laser-induced treatment of the outer side, ACTEGA Rhenanias
laser-markable protective and adhesive varnishes allow for the marking of the
packagings interior surface. E. g., feasible applications could stretch to
promotional campaigns or protection against counterfeiting.
Based on the ongoing accumulation of specific experience and know-how a lot of
other potential applications for this technology are already being tackled.
Current developments comprise applications for lug-caps, 3 piece cans,
pharmaceutical packaging. Last but not least a focus has been turned on watersoluble
systems.