THERMARK/CERMARK VS. OTHER MARKING

Stamping and engraving processes offer great permanence because they involve the physical engraving or indentation of the substrate. However, stamped and engraved marks lack contrast and resolution, leaving them difficult to view from a distance and making them inappropriate for bar codes or data matrices which need to be machine-read. Variable data such as serialization can be a challenge, as well. Stamping and engraving are also not appropriate for any sensitive application in which substrate damage is prohibited (common with medical devices, chrome plated bathroom fittings, cutlery, aerospace, automotive, etc). CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over stamping and engraving in permanence, contrast/resolution, ease of creating variable data, and substrate protection.

The dot peening or pin stamping process offers a cost effective way of creating a permanent mark, even creating variable data such as 2D codes and serial numbers. The process however, lacks contrast and resolution and damages the substrate. These techniques are also ineffective on glass and ceramics. CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over dot peen and pin stamping in contrast/resolution and substrate protection.

Direct laser marking is a common technique for marking metals and plastics, especially in industrial applications. It is fast, accurate and can facilitate variable data. The spot size of these lasers is quite small, allowing high resolution. However, direct marking has significant limitations on which metals can be marked: many raw metals, plated metals, and anodized aluminum are not appropriate. Additionally, direct marks on metal have poor viewing angles and only medium quality contrast, fade with extended UV exposure, and rely on carbon migration or annealing to create a mark. This alters the substrate, frequently creating corrosion sites that render direct marking inappropriate for sensitive applications. Finally, solid state lasers used in direct marking are substantially more expensive than lower cost CO2 lasers. CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over direct laser marks in permanence (no fading with UV exposure), contrast (improved human and machine readability), the number of metals appropriate for marking, and substrate protection. If you are already using direct laser marking and wish to upgrade to CerMark laser bonded marks, your existing laser will work; all you need to do is add the laser marking material. Otherwise, you can achieve all the benefits of CerMark laser bonded marks with a lower cost CO2 laser rather than a more expensive direct marking laser.

Filling an engraved mark solves the problems of contrast associated with a normal engraved mark. On the downside, it is a lengthy process and the inks can still be removed using solvents and other cleaners. CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over engrave and fill processes in permanence, speed, ease of creating variable data, and substrate protection.

Ink jet printing has many uses for serialization in high speed processes such as marking bottles and cans during production. The level of resolution and contrast achievable with ink jet printing is quite high and the ink does not normally affect the integrity of the substrate. The marks made will not be permanent, however, being easily destroyed using solvents. Ink jet marks are some of the least durable marks. CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over ink jet marks in permanence.

Labels have long been the staple method for identifying and serializing products. The labeling process is not truly a direct part marking solution and most labels are not viable in harsh environments where there is exposure to temperature changes, moisture or chemicals. The risk is that the label can be damage or removed, leaving no trace of the data. While some labels are designed to survive more extreme conditions, these labels tend to be rather expensive. CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over labels in permanence and cost.

Chemical etching is used to mark glass and some metals. While offering a permanent solution, the marks lack contrast. It is also challenging to mark variable data and the chemicals used create environmental headaches for manufacturers. CerMark laser bonded marks are an improvement over chemical etching in contrast/resolution, ease of creating variable data, substrate protection, speed, and environmental friendliness.

Laser marking quality test between Cermark, LaserBond 100, Enduramark and CRC Dry Moly Lube. 

This video will help you to understand how well each product works and how well they work on different surfaces.