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          CerMark Laser Marking materials combined with the power and speed of lasers provide high contrast, permanent marks on a variety of substrates. Our products are lead and cadmium-free, water-based materials which means they are environmentally preferred and easy to clean up.

High contrast, permanent marks on:
Glass
Metal
Ceramics
Plastic

Application

Mark quality depends on a variety of factors including the substrate used, marking speed, laser beam dot size, overlap, materials thickness and laser parameters. Materials may be applied by various methods including a brush on technique, spraying, pad printing, screen printing, roll coating, tape and others.

LMM 6000 is our flagship product. It comes in two different formats, Spray Can and Liquid (Paste),  and can be applied as  follows:


Aerosol Can: Hold aerosol can approximately 8 - 12 inched from substrate to spray. Depress value fully during spray. Apply a thin coat of CerMark LMM 14-a to the metal, try to apply an even covering.

  Preval Aerosol Spray Gun: To use the Preval Spray Gun you will want to reduce or thin with ethanol. Thinning ratio is approximately 1 part marking material to 1 part ethanol by volume. Spray two coats, let dry completely, this should take a couple of minutes. This will take some practice, Keep power unit upright when spraying; do not tip more than 45 degrees. For best results, keep power unit in continual motion while spraying. After use, jars may be used as a storage container with the  cap securely attached. Be sure to clean the spray unit in warm water.

  Hand Brush: Take care to apply an even coat, avoiding brush marks.

Air Brush: Thin the CerMark paste with ethanol @2:1 mixture. Try to cover the area to be marked with a light spray, using two passes.


 

NASA's International Space Station has aluminum squares, laser engraved with CerMark's LMM-6000 for over 3  years, and is still up there.

LMM-6000/LMM14-a Black
Metal Marking Material
 

LMC-6001/LMC28 BRONZE
Glass / Ceramic Marking Material

 

LMC-6044/LMC14 Black
Glass / Ceramic Marking Material
 

LMC-6038/ Bright
Metal Marking Material

 

LMC-6013/LMC48 BLUE
Glass / Ceramic Marking Material
LMC-34 RED, LMC-64 GREEN            LMC-74 YELLOW

Glass/Ceramic Marking Material
For best results with Red, a 60 watt CO2 or greater is recommended

 

 


LMM Aerosol Can

LMM-6000/LMM14-a: Aerosol Can Instructions

LMM-6000/LMM14-a is our laser marking material for metals. LMM-6000/LMM14-a is ethanol based which allows for a faster drying time. It can be used on a variety of bare metal substrates including stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, tin, copper, nickel and many more. If the metal has a lacquered coating, the LMM-6000 /LMM14-a marking material will not work.

Using LMM-6000/LMM14-a: LMM-6000/LMM14-a is ready to use in aerosol can form. Shake can well before using. Allow the agitator ball to rattle for at least 2 minutes. For best results, use when can is between 70 and 90 degrees F.

Applying: Clean the surface of the metal so it is free of any type of lubricants or oils. Hold can approximately 8-12 inches from substrate to be sprayed. Depress valve fully during spray. Apply a thin coat of LMM-6000/LMM14-a to the metal, try to apply an even covering. Try to cover the area to be marked with a light spray, using two passes. If the material is applied too thick, it will require more power to make the mark. It is important that LMM-6000/LMM14-a is applied with an even and thin coat. Applying LMM-6000/LMM14-a may require a little practice to get the right coverage. After use, the can nozzle should be cleaned by inverting the can and spraying until mist becomes clear. Any excess material on the nozzle should be cleaned off with water.

Drying: It is important that the LMM-6000/LMM14-a is allowed to dry thoroughly. It can air dry in
about 2 minutes. This process can be sped up by using a drying oven, hair dryer or a heat
lamp.

Marking On Stainless Steel: This step may require some trial and error to optimize your laser
with a particular substrate. Keep in mind that all lasers react differently depending on the
substrate, the type of laser, the lasers' power, dot size and other factors :

  25 Watt 35 Watt 50 Watt
Power 100% 100% 100%
Speed 10% 15% 20-30%
DPI/PPI 500/500 500/500 500/500

If you are using a YAG laser, you will need to use about 10 -20 Watts and a writing speed
between 10-20 inches/second. Again, you may need to run several tests to optimize the settings
for your particular laser.

Marking On Aluminum & Brass: Softer Metals require more power or slower speeds to
obtain a permanent mark. We recommend at least a 50 Watt C02 lasers for such metals.

  Brass   Aluminum
  25 Watt 35 Watt 50 Watt   25 Watt 35 Watt 50 Watt
Power 100% 100% 100%   100% 100% 100%
Speed              
DPI/PPI 500/500 500/500 500/500   500/500 500/500 500/500

Clean up: Wash with water or a wet towel. After use, the can nozzle should be cleaned by inverting the can and spraying until mist becomes clear. Any excess material on the nozzle should cleaned off with water. Nozzle can be removed and soaked in warm water if spraying difficulty is encountered.

LMM-6000
 

LMM-6000/LMM14: Paste Usage Instructions

LMM-6000/LMM14 is our laser marking material for metals. LMM-6000/LMM14 is ethanol based which allows for a faster drying time. It can be used on a variety of bare metal substrates including stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, tin, copper, nickel and many more. If the metal has a lacquered coating, the LMM-6000/LMM14 marking material will not work.

Applying: Clean the surface of the metal so it is free of any type of lubricants or oils.
Apply a thin coat of LMM-6000/LMM14 to the metal, try to apply an even covering. LMM-6000/LMM14
can be applied by a spray gun, air brush, paint brush, bird applicator, draw down bar or a
foam brush. If the material is applied too thin, the mark won't be as dark. If the material is
applied too thick, it will require more power to make the mark. It is important that LMM-
6000
is applied with an even and thin coat. Applying LMM-6000/LMM14 may require a little
practice to get the right coverage.

Drying: It is important that the LMM-6000/LMM14 is allowed to dry thoroughly. It can air dry in
about 2 minutes. This process can be sped up by using a drying oven, hair dryer or a heat
lamp.

Marking On Stainless Steel: This step may require some trial and error to optimize your laser
with a particular substrate. Keep in mind that all lasers react differently depending on the
substrate, the type of laser, the lasers' power, dot size and other factors :

  25 Watt 35 Watt 50 Watt
Power 100% 100% 100%
Speed 10% 15% 20-30%
DPI/PPI 500/500 500/500 500/500

If you are using a YAG laser, you will need to use about 10 - 20 Watts and a writing speed
between 10-20 inches/second. Again, you may need to run several tests to optimize the settings
for your particular laser.

Marking On Aluminum & Brass: Softer Metals require more power or slower speeds to
obtain a permanent mark. We recommend at least a 50 Watt C02 lasers for such metals.

  Brass   Aluminum
  25 Watt 35 Watt 50 Watt   25 Watt 35 Watt 50 Watt
Power 100% 100% 100%   100% 100% 100%
Speed              
DPI/PPI 500/500 500/500 500/500   500/500 500/500 500/500

Clean up: Wash with water or a wet towel.

Thinning: We formulated LMM-6000/LMM14 to be thick to prevent settling. It may be necessary
to thin the paste before using. We recommend thinning with ethanol, denatured alcohol or
grain alcohol
. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol should be avoided. The application method which is
selected, will determine how much you need to thin LMM-6000/LMM14. If you were to brush the material
on, we recommend a 4:1 mix of LMM-6000/LMM14 to thinning agent. If the material is to be sprayed, a
2:1 mixture may be needed. Keep in mind that the more the material is thinned, the less active
ingredients are being applied. If LMM-6000/LMM14 is thinned too much, the mark may appear to be
lighter in color than what the un-thinned LMM-6000/LMM14 could produce.

LMC-6044 BLACK
 

Laser Marking on Glass

The laser can be used to "fire" or fuse our material to the surface of the glass. We call this a "positive" or "additive" mark. Positive marks on glass can be made in a variety of colors. Currently 6 different color marks can be achieved: black, bronze, blue, gray, yellow and green. A glass marking material which fires out clear is also available.

Our materials can be formulated to be applied by spraying, pad-printing, roll coating, screen printing or brushing. The material is applied to the substrate, dried and marked with the laser. After marking the excess material is removed by brushing or washing the surface. Lab tests have demonstrated that the marks are chemically resistant to several acids and bases and have survived a variety of abrasive tests.

With the use of a Preval Spray Gun, test spray the laser marking material at full concentration to determine how it sprays through the Preval Spray Gun. Marking material should neither be so thin it is runny or so thick it sputters out of the spray head.

If need, laser marking material may be diluted with denatured alcohol. Pour marking material into the jar for spraying. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of denatured alcohol to thin per ounce, shake to mix, and then do another test spray. Continue diluting as needed. Some laser marking material may need more thinning than others.

Marking material should be applied in a smooth even coating.  Spray only enough to cover the surface. Once covered do not keep coating the surface.

Hold the Preval sprayer about 10"-12" from the surface to be sprayed. Start spraying off on the side of the surface and continue past the opposite edge, this will reduce build up of  marking material in one area.

Spray moving the marking material over the surface in a slow even manner. Constantly moving the Preval Sprayer over the surface will avoid clumping and running of the CerMark Marking Material. If the surface is not evenly coated in one pass, continue ,making passes over the surface until none of the surface can be seen through the CerMark Marking Material. Usually only two spray passes are need for total covering with the Preval Spray Gun.

LMC-6044/LMC12: Black Glass/Ceramic Marking Material

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

LASER MARKING PRODUCT

1.0 Product description

LMC-6044/LMC12 is a laser marking materials for glass, ceramic, ceramic like and porcelain substrates.  LMC-6044/LMC12 is water based, which allows for a fast drying time and easy clean up.  It can be used on a variety of glasses and porcelains including automotive glass, spandrel, container glass, ceramics, tile, and sanitary ware.

2.0 Product characteristics

2.1 Physical Properties

 

Appearance

Dark black paste, with water like consistency.

Density

13.4-13.6 pounds/gallon

Flash Point

NA

Drying Rate

Fast

2.2 Strengths of Product

 

Raises the contrast of laser marks on glass and ceramic substrates; allows Nd:YAG, diode pumped Nd:YVO4 and CO2 lasers to mark substrates such as glass and porcelain with a bronze, black and blue color; produces marks resistant to abrasion and heat; fast drying; water based, organic free for environmentally preferred clean-up.

2.3 Recommended Application Parameters

Application Methods

Spray gun, airbrush, paintbrush, Bird applicator, draw down bar or foam brush.

Application

Clean surface of glass so that it is free of any lubricants or oils.  LMC-6044 must be applied with an even and thin coat to ensure a consistent mark.

Wet Film Thickness

3.0 – 5.0 wet mils. 

Thinner

Thin with water as needed.

Recommended reduction

For spray or brushing applications, use as supplied.

Suggested Cleaning Solvents

Wash up with water or a wet towel.

2.4 Curing/Drying of Product

 

Drying Method

Air dry, radiant heat, hair dryer or convection oven.

Drying Parameters

Typically air dries in about 2 minutes, can be sped up by force drying.

2.5 Laser Marking of Product

 

Laser Marking Method

CO2 or YAG laser

Recommended Starting Point for Settings

CO2: 30-50% power (35 watt laser)

         10-25% speed

          500 DPI / 500 PPI

YAG- 10-20 watts

          10-20 inches/sec speed

2.6     Application Notes

For optimum mark quality, a thin even covering of RD-6044 should be used.  If the material is applied too thin, the marks won’t be as dark. If the material is applied too thick, more power will be required to make the mark.  Applying LMC-6044 may require a little practice to get the right coverage.  It is also important to allow the coating to dry thoroughly.

2.7  Marking Notes

Marking may require some trial and error to optimize your laser with a particular substrate.  Keep in mind that all lasers react differently depending on the substrate.  Best results are obtained when marking at lower powers and slower speeds.  High powers tend to damage glass substrates and should be avoided whenever possible.  Experimentation should be done to find settings that produce an acceptable mark without glass damage.

Marking may possibly be done using diode pumped, fiber and other similar types of lasers.

3.0  Product Preparation

Insure that the product has been well mixed prior to use.  Some settling may occur during long storage.  Paste temperature should be equivalent to your printing room temperature prior to measuring viscosity or application.

4.0     Viscosity Test Method

CerMark product viscosity is measured by a Brookfield™ RVT DVIII Rheometer using a #27 spindle at 100 RPM, 24.0 ºC.

5.0  Storage Recommendations

Product must be stored in cool and dry conditions.  The storage temperatures should not be below 5ºC and not exceed 35ºC.  Settling could occur if stored for long periods of time.  Before use, products must be stirred thoroughly.  Partly used containers must be tightly sealed after use.  If stored as recommended, a minimum shelf life of six months after the production date is guaranteed.

 

  LMC-6001 BRONZE

LMC-6001/LMC28: Bronze Glass Marking Material

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

LASER MARKING PRODUCT

LMC-6001/LMC28 is a laser marking material for glass, ceramic, ceramic like and porcelain substrates.  LMC-6001/LMC28 is water based, which allows for a fast drying time and easy clean up.  It can be used on a variety of glasses and porcelains including automotive glass, spandrel, container glass, ceramics, tile, and sanitary ware.

2.0 Product characteristics

2.1 Physical Properties

 

Appearance

Dark black paste, with water like consistency.

Density

13.6-13.8 pounds/gallon

Flash Point

NA

Drying Rate

Fast

2.2 Strengths of Product

 

Raises the contrast of laser marks on glass and ceramic substrates; allows Nd:YAG, diode pumped Nd:YVO4 and CO2 lasers to mark substrates such as glass and porcelain with a bronze color; produces marks resistant to abrasion and heat; fast drying; water based, organic free for environmentally preferred clean-up.

 

2.3 Recommended Application Parameters

Application Methods

Spray gun, airbrush, paintbrush, Bird applicator, draw down bar or foam brush.

Application

Clean surface of glass so that it is free of any lubricants or oils.  LMC-6001 must be applied with an even and thin coat to ensure a consistent mark.

Wet Film Thickness

3.0 – 5.0 wet mils. 

Thinner

Thin with water as needed.

Recommended reduction

For spray or brushing applications, use as supplied.

Suggested Cleaning Solvents

Wash up with water or a wet towel.

2.4 Curing/Drying of Product

 

Drying Method

Air dry, radiant heat, hair dryer or convection oven.

Drying Parameters

Typically air dries in about 2 minutes, can be sped up by force drying.

2.5 Laser Marking of Product

 

Laser Marking Method

CO2 or YAG laser

Recommended Starting Point for Settings

CO2: 30-50% power (35 watt laser)

         10-25% speed

          500 DPI / 500 PPI

YAG- 10-20 watts

          10-20 inches/sec speed

2.6  Application Notes

For optimum mark quality, a thin even covering of LMC-6001/LMC28 should be used.  If the material is applied too thin, the marks won’t be as dark. If the material is applied too thick, more power will be required to make the mark.  Applying LMC-6001 may require a little practice to get the right coverage.  It is also important to allow the coating to dry thoroughly.

2.7  Marking Notes

Marking may require some trial and error to optimize your laser with a particular substrate.  Keep in mind that all lasers react differently depending on the substrate.  Best results are obtained when marking at lower powers and slower speeds.  High powers tend to damage glass substrates and should be avoided whenever possible.  Experimentation should be done to find settings that produce an acceptable mark without glass damage.

Marking may possibly be done using diode pumped, fiber and other similar types of lasers.

3.0  Product Preparation

Insure that the product has been well mixed prior to use.  Some settling may occur during long storage.  Paste temperature should be equivalent to your printing room temperature prior to measuring viscosity or application.

4.0  Viscosity Test Method

CerMark product viscosity is measured by a Brookfield™ RVT DVIII Rheometer using a #27 spindle at 100 RPM, 24.0 ºC.

5.0  Storage Recommendations

Product must be stored in cool and dry conditions.  The storage temperatures should not be below 5ºC and not exceed 35ºC.  Settling could occur if stored for long periods of time.  Before use, products must be stirred thoroughly.  Partly used containers must be tightly sealed after use.  If stored as recommended, a minimum shelf life of six months after the production date is guaranteed.

  LMC-6013 BLUE

LMC-6013/LMC48: Blue Glass Marking Material

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

LASER MARKING PRODUCT

1.0 Product description

LMC-6013LMC48 is a laser marking material for glass, ceramic, ceramic like and porcelain substrates.  LMC-6013/LMC48 is water based, which allows for a fast drying time and easy clean up.  It can be used on a variety of glasses and porcelains including automotive glass, spandrel, container glass, ceramics, tile, and sanitary ware.

2.0 Product characteristics

2.1 Physical Properties

 

Appearance

Dark black paste, with water like consistency.

Density

13.6-13.8 pounds/gallon

Flash Point

NA

Drying Rate

Fast

2.2 Strengths of Product

 

Raises the contrast of laser marks on glass and ceramic substrates; allows Nd:YAG, diode pumped Nd:YVO4 and CO2 lasers to mark substrates such as glass and porcelain with a blue color; produces marks resistant to abrasion and heat; fast drying; water based, organic free for environmentally preferred clean-up.

 

2.3 Recommended Application Parameters

Application Methods

Spray gun, airbrush, paintbrush, Bird applicator, draw down bar or foam brush.

Application

Clean surface of glass so that it is free of any lubricants or oils.  LMC-6013 must be applied with an even and thin coat to ensure a consistent mark.

Wet Film Thickness

3.0-5.0 wet mils. 

Thinner

Thin with water as needed.

Recommended reduction

For spray or brushing applications, use as supplied.

Suggested Cleaning Solvents

Wash up with water or a wet towel.

2.4 Curing/Drying of Product

 

Drying Method

Air dry, radiant heat, hair dryer or convection oven.

Drying Parameters

Typically air dries in about 2 minutes, can be sped up by force drying.

2.5 Laser Marking of Product

 

Laser Marking Method

CO2 or YAG laser

Recommended Starting Point for Settings

CO2: 30-50% power (35 watt laser)

         10-25% speed

          500 DPI / 500 PPI

YAG- 10-20 watts

          10-20 inches/sec speed

2.6     Application Notes

For optimum mark quality, a thin even covering of LMC-6013 should be used.  If the material is applied too thin, the marks won’t be as dark. If the material is applied too thick, more power will be required to make the mark.  Applying LMC-6013/ LMC48 may require a little practice to get the right coverage.  It is also important to allow the coating to dry thoroughly.

2.7  Marking Notes

Marking may require some trial and error to optimize your laser with a particular substrate.  Keep in mind that all lasers react differently depending on the substrate.  Best results are obtained when marking at lower powers and slower speeds.  High powers tend to damage glass substrates and should be avoided whenever possible.  Experimentation should be done to find settings that produce an acceptable mark without glass damage.

Marking may possibly be done using diode pumped, fiber and other similar types of lasers.

3.0  Product Preparation

Insure that the product has been well mixed prior to use.  Some settling may occur during long storage.  Paste temperature should be equivalent to your printing room temperature prior to measuring viscosity or application.

4.0     Viscosity Test Method

CerMark product viscosity is measured by a Brookfield™ RVT DVIII Rheometer using a #27 spindle at 100 RPM, 24.0 ºC.

5.0  Storage Recommendations

Product must be stored in cool and dry conditions.  The storage temperatures should not be below 5ºC and not exceed 35ºC.  Settling could occur if stored for long periods of time.  Before use, products must be stirred thoroughly.  Partly used containers must be tightly sealed after use.  If stored as recommended, a minimum shelf life of six months after the production date is guaranteed.

6.0  Contact information

Captain Jim
Director of World Wide Sales
LaserSketch.com
jim@lasersketch.com

630-243-6360
FAX 630-243-6908

 
Last Updated: 10/09/2007