DataLase gains European patent for laser marking packaging

DataLase, originator of the DataLase process, has announced that its recent European patent application has now proceeded to grant. The patent covers its pigment that forms the basis of its laser marking products for primary and secondary packaging, DataLase Packmark and DataLase Casemark Flexo and Tape.

The DataLase process features the patented pigment, which undergoes a color change reaction from white to black to form a positive image once exposed to a computer controlled low power CO2 laser. The process requires no inks, ribbons or other costly consumables, making it ‘much simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional printing techniques’, according to a statment. ‘The laser-based print engine is highly efficient with almost 100% production uptime. The lifetime of the laser is over 30,000 hours and compared to thermal printers it requires little maintenance and no replacing of print heads due to wear and tear. Unlike printing inks or inkjet fluids, the DataLase laser-marked image is not prone to “bleeding” on absorbent substrates.’

The newly patented pigment is used in the product DataLase Packmark. Designed for applying high speed, on-demand variable information to primary packaging, DataLase Packmark is mainly suitable for laser marking date and bar codes as well as ensuring efficient tracking and tracing of products for maximum brand protection. The pigment is applied to the substrate by the converter and then supplied to the packer/manufacturer. On the final production line, the low-powered laser is used to produce the required image in the DataLase pigment.

Also featuring the pigment is the DataLase Casemark product range. DataLase Casemark is ‘the only label replacement solution for secondary packaging capable of delivering a consistently verifiable bar code on-line and direct-to-corrugated packaging’ the statement continued.

For DataLase Casemark Flexo, the packaging is flexo printed with a DataLase ink by the converter and then the packer creates the image on the final production line. In contrast, DataLase Casemark Tape enables the packer/manufacturer to apply the tape and ‘print’ the information all on the production line. The DataLase pigment is integrated in the tape material making it possible to laser through its polypropylene surface without affecting it, encasing the image within the tape. This image cannot be removed; not even with chemicals or solvents. In addition, if the tape is removed, the image is permanently transferred to the box.

Steve Kelly, CEO of DataLase, commented: ‘The significance of the DataLase process has been recognized with this patent. We will continue to expand on our extensive patent application program with the aim to further establish our unique approach in applying color change know-how to solve practical manufacturing problems.’