Process for medium identification

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the context of industrial labeling , different processes are available for the production of medium labels as well as direct labels . The differentiation of the individual processes according to technology and range of services is of interest to users.

Medium identification

With regard to the technology of medium labeling, the standard industrial processes can be divided into three groups:
• A group to which u. a. the mechanical engraving and laser engraving include, process the surface of the identification carrier, in order to change mechanically in its substance (eg. B. chipping, relief formation).
• A second group, which includes digital printing processes as well as analog printing , plotting and thermal transfer printing, supplements the surface with the application of printed characters.
• In the third variant of laser marking , the surface change occurs through so-called tempering or through the burning of carbon. The foaming of plastic is also a design option.

Technology and usable sign material in common processes

CO 2 laser ( carbon dioxide laser )

Two types of lasers are used to produce labels using lasers : gas lasers and solid-state lasers. With gas lasers, it is carbon dioxide lasers (CO 2 lasers) that are used for this purpose. CO 2 lasers are suitable for marking non-metallic materials, especially plastics and foils.

Anodizing vacuum process ( anodizing process )

With the digital anodizing vacuum process, open-pored anodized aluminum plates are digitally printed and then compacted in a hot water bath. This process is called "seal bath". It leads to a high scratch and chemical resistance of the print. That this only works with the carrier material aluminum, the name “anodized” as short form of “electroytic oxidation of aluminum” reveals.

Fiber laser

Fiber lasers belong to the group of solid-state lasers. They are very suitable for metal engravings and for high-contrast plastic markings.

Crystal laser ( solid state laser )

Like fiber lasers, crystal lasers are also solid-state lasers. Crystal lasers used for the production of markings are known as “neodymium lasers”. These lasers are diode-pumped (formerly via flash lamps or arc lamps). They can be used for labeling metals and plastics, and in some cases also for ceramics.

Mechanical engraving

Mechanical engraving is a cutting process. A ground milling cutter (also called engraving stylus) sits like a drill in a spindle and is driven by a motor. The application consists in the creation of engravings / reliefs for stamps and signs. Plant engineering is also familiar with this technology. For example, when decoupling front panels, a kind of shaping. Mechanical engraving is suitable for processing solid materials such as metals and solid plastics.

Needle and scratch markers

Needle marking and scratch marking are among the embossing processes and represent a technical further development of the traditional punch process. With a pneumatically driven, oscillating hard metal needle, needle marking enables permanent marking on a large number of metals and plastics. Tungsten carbide needles, but also industrial diamond needles, are used for scratch markers. Plastics and metals can also be processed with it. In the field of media labeling, needle marking and scratch marking are often used for the production of nameplates.

PrintoLUX® process

The patented PrintoLUX® process, available since 2008, is a thermosetting version of digital printing. With the process, metals, plastics and foils can be digitally printed with resistance suitable for industrial use.

screen printing

In addition to its use in industry, it is primarily the areas of “textile”, “packaging” and “advertising” in which the process is used. The wide range of applications is due, among other things, to the versatility of the carrier material that can be used. Fabrics, plastics, paper, foil, laminates, glass, ceramics and metals are suitable for the application of this process.

Solvent printing

Solvent printing uses solvent-based inks. When they come into contact with the sign material, these inks soften the material surface in the printing area in order to be able to diffuse into the sign material to give shape. Solvent printing mostly uses plastics and foils as sign materials. In mechanical and plant engineering, solvent printing is particularly important for control cabinet labeling.

Pen plotter (plotter)

Pen plotters were originally designed for printing large format drawings, graphics or sketches. Pen plotters are usually operated with solvent inks for the production of markings. Since labels used in industry are increasingly being provided with 2D codes , but pen plotters are only able to print such codes to a limited extent, they are increasingly being replaced by inkjet printers.

Thermal transfer printing (thermal printing)

During the printing process, heat is applied to transfer dye from an ink film, the ink ribbon, to the material to be printed. The carrier materials for this process are paper, foils and textiles. Some thermal transfer printers allow the printing of plastic signs, for example for the control cabinet lettering. Thermal transfer printers are often manufactured as desktop printers or as industrial printers. In industrial use, it is mainly used to print labels.

UV direct printing

The process of digital UV direct printing differs from conventional digital printing in the different connection between the substrate and the applied ink. With conventional digital printing processes, the ink penetrates the material and dries through the ambient air or through thermal curing. With UV direct printing, the ink does not penetrate completely. It is cured with ultraviolet (UV) light immediately after application. This special type of printing allows great flexibility in the choice of carrier materials. Aluminum composite panels, PVC rigid foam panels or twin-wall panels are often used. But metals or wood can also be printed in this way.

See also

Medium identification (industry)

Web links

Further online information on individual manufacturing processes for industrially used labels include:

literature

  • Dieter Bäuerle D, Laser - Basics and applications in photonics, technology, medicine and art. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 2008
  • Hermann Oberhollenzer (Ed.), Manufacturing process for industrial labeling , Springer, Heidelberg 2018, 320 pages, ISBN 978-3-662-55331-2 ; E-book: ( https://www.springer.com/de/book/9783662553305 )
  • Walter W. Weinfurtner, Licht writes - laser marking in industry . Expert, Handbook of Printing Techniques. Frech, Stuttgart 2003

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Hermann Oberhollenzer (Ed.), Manufacturing process for industrial labeling . Springer Verlag, Heidelberg 2018, 320 pages, ISBN 978-3-662-55331-2 . Page 13–58