April 21--Ampacet Corp. (Tarrytown, NY) has introduced LaserMark Solutions, 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, barcodes, 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.
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 inkjet and pad printing, the company says. 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.