Lambda Physik Teams with European Consortium to Develop Colored Laser Decorating of Plastics

Using its Diode Pumped Solid-State 1-kHz laser system, capable of emitting three wavelengths, Lambda Physik has built a highly flexible marking technology capable of marking various plastic substrates. The new technology is the result of the System for Laser Decoration (SYLADEC) project, a consortium of five companies and three universities.

Plastic surface of mobile phone decorated with new laser technology.

The consortium of partners has developed a system for polymeric materials to be laser marked without affecting the surface. They have already received positive results with full color markings on green, orange, black, and even light backgrounds on various objects, of all shapes and sizes. Plans are to transfer this technology to industries such as automotive, ICT and electronics for decoration, security, and/or anticounterfeiting of products. Lambda Physik is developing a 10-kHz industrial grade version of the laser technology for integration into high volume production processes.

The consortium of companies includes DSM, Orga Kartensystem GmbH, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Leonard Kurz GmbH & Co., in cooperation with Cardiff University, Amsterdam University and Limburg University Center.