Service creates laser marking masterbatches.
Press Release Summary:
Encompassing full marking process from formulation to testing and production, LaserMark Solutions(TM) helps companies with laser marking on film and blow/injection molded packaging. Application-specific masterbatch is selected or created based on nature of mark, base resin, regulatory issues, and laser properties. Formulations are then tested by laser etching samples. Assistance is offered during production to ensure mark quality and consistency.
Original Press Release:
Ampacet Introduces Laser Marking Service to Aid Packagers
Tarrytown, NY, April 19, 2006 - Ampacet Corporation has introduced LaserMark Solutions(TM), a service to help packaging companies create clear, consistent laser marks on film, blow molded, and injection molded packaging. The service responds to the increasing call for more secure food and beverage, personal care, cosmetic, medical and pharmaceutical packaging. Laser etching can be used to create indelible expiration dates, serial numbers, bar codes and other marks that can help avert product liability and counterfeiting issues.
LaserMark Solutions encompasses the entire marking process from formulation to testing to production. To begin, Ampacet selects the best laser mark masterbatch for an application and often creates the masterbatch containing the other additives and pigments needed. This step factors in all variables ranging from the properties of the laser, such as its type, speed and power, to the nature of the mark, the base resin and regulatory issues. The service then tests various formulations to find the best one by laser etching samples. As production starts, Ampacet works with the manufacturer to ensure mark quality and consistency.
"Converters and packagers who want to use laser etching to make their packaging more secure often need guidance in how to make it work," says Tom Mickey, who heads the new service. "We created LaserMark Solutions to help them in this process. Our overall goal is to enable end users to add laser marking additives to the plastics they use without compromising the physical or aesthetic integrity of their packaging.
"In doing this, we define what our customer wants to achieve and formulate to get the optimum bar code, alpha-numeric code or graphic. We often tailor a masterbatch that brings a mica-based laser-marking additive together with the other components called for in a resin system. This new service rests on our longstanding experience in laser etching, strong knowledge of how pigments and additives should be combined, and our understanding of the packaging industry."
In addition to more secure and tamperproof marks, manufacturers, packagers and converters turn to laser marking because of the many benefits it offers compared to traditional ink jet and pad printing. For instance, laser marking greatly reduces environmental concerns and energy use by eliminating solvents and drying. It also forms consistent and repeatable marks having greater resolution, which means it can provide more data in less space than other forms of printing. In addition, it allows marks to be changed easily because it is computer controlled.
About Ampacet
Ampacet Corporation is a global masterbatch leader and offers the broadest range of custom color, special effect, black, white and specialty additive masterbatches for extrusion, molding and a multitude of other processes and applications. Founded in1937, it now employs more than 1,400 people and has revenues exceeding $650 million. Headquartered in Tarrytown, N.Y., Ampacet Corporation operates technical and color development centers and manufacturing sites throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe.
For more information on Ampacet's LaserMark Solutions, contact: Eileen Ferguson, Ampacet, 660 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591. Tel: (914)631-6600. E-mail: eferguson@ampacet.com. Or visit: www.ampacet.com
