Q: What is the difference between TherMark and CerMark?
A: Ferro Corporation Acquired TherMark in February 2015
TherMark Holdings’ laser marking technology has been integrated into Ferro’s Laser Marking Materials portfolio. TherMark’s patented laser marking technology expands Ferro’s position in the high-value glass and color markets, with its unique ability to quickly, precisely and permanently fuse marking materials to ceramics, plastics, metals, glass, and other hard surfaces. LEARN MORE.
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: Can I mark color on metal? Plastic?
A: Not at this time, but we are working on it.
Q: Is TherMark / CerMark laser marking material dangerous or toxic?
A: We recommend that workers wear safety glasses or goggles and protective gloves when applying our products and do so in a well-ventilated area as is customary whenever handling chemicals. click here to read our statement on worker safety.
Q: How should I dispose of excess TherMark / CerMark laser marking material?
A: Please click here to read more information on disposal.
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 many of our customer’s finished products such as surgical tools and implants which have been marked using TherMark materials. For more information, please click here to read our Application Note on Marking for Medical Devices.
Q: My marks wash off after laser marking, what am I doing wrong?
A: Please visit our Troubleshooting section for help.
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 , LMM6000 and New Ultra ) and alcohol-based chemicals (LMM6000, LMM6038, LMM6046 ) are considered a safety risk on airplanes due to being pressurized and flammable. CerMark employees are trained and certified to ship dangerous goods via air both domestically (under DOT 49 CFR) and internationally (under IATA). While CerMark 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.
Q: I have never purchased from your web store before, but it says I already have an account. What is going on?
A: If we have previously met you or someone from your company (at a trade show, for example) we have you in our database. Since our database is connected to our web store, our web store may recognize your company name or email address even though you have not previously set up a web store account. Please give us a quick call on the customer service line (336)-288-1613 and we will set you up with a password and web store access.
Q: Your web store does not take international orders. I am not in the United States but would like to purchase TherMark / CerMark products. What should I do?
A: The reason is aerosol cans and alcohol based chemicals are 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.
Contact us directly by phone (336) 288-16-13 or email: sales @ jorlink.com / cs2@jorlink.com . You can also communicate through our chat and we will be happy to assist you!
Q: I am interested in distributing TherMark / CerMark products. Are you taking on new distributors?
A: Please contact us to discuss becoming a CerMark Authorized Distributor.