Due to the vast number of different metal alloys, the above list is not exhaustive. If you are interested in marking a metal not on our list, please contact us.

Creating permanent marks on plastics can be a challenging process: printing methods are susceptible to removal using solvents and direct laser marks typically “burn” the surface creating a contrast rather than a true black mark. Some plastics even have to be molded with an expensive additive to facilitate a direct mark. In some situations, TherMark products can offer a cost-effective alternative marking method which can produce black marks on a range of thermo-plastics. Some common applications are below.

The process works in a similar way to regular laser bonding, however, due to the lower melting points of plastics, the pigment in the material is typically embedded just below the surface of the plastic rather than on top. The mark will be visible but also protected from damage and removal, giving the required permanence.

Compatible substrates
Due to the extremely wide variety in plastic materials, marking plastic with TherMark laser marking materials can be a hit or miss proposition. We have not tested on an exhaustive list of plastics, but, as a general rule, we have better success on thermo-plastics than on thermo-sets. Below are some plastics on which we have had success.

Because of the wide variety of plastics available and the importance of using the correct process settings, we highly recommend talking to a TherMark representative before purchasing materials or trying to mark your product. Also, for plastics not listed, please contact us to discuss if marking will be possible.

TherMark offers several products specially engineered for optimal laser marking of glass and ceramics. These products are scientifically formulated to create a permanent chemical bond to glass or ceramic surfaces.

Marking glass or ceramic with traditional methods is a significant challenge. Current marking methods tend to produce low-contrast gray marks. Chemical etching processes can be time consuming and involve using highly toxic materials. Direct marks with a CO2 laser are made by creating "micro-fractures" which frost the glass but can compromise the strength of the substrate.

TherMark’s patented laser marking materials create extremely high quality marks while protecting the glass or ceramic surface from damaging laser energy. The contrast, resolution, and durability of these marks make TherMark materials ideal for these common applications:

The visible colour of the resulting mark may vary with the material being marked.

Some experimentation and adjustment may be appropriate to obtain the highest colour quality for the marking situation.

Compatible substrates
The process window for creating high quality marks may vary depending on substrate composition and/or thickness, application method, and laser type.

Product recommendations
All LMC products come in a liquid form which can either be applied with a foam brush or sprayed through an airbrush. Airbrush is the preferred method as it creates an even coating over the substrate. These products are ideal for generating high contrast colour marks on a variety of glass or ceramic substrates. They work especially well with solid state laser sources.