Consortium Designs Color Laser Marking System

Laser-maker Lambda Physik Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has joined a consortium of European companies to develop a 1-kHz diode-pumped solid-state laser system capable of emitting three wavelengths. The laser has successfully decorated polymeric materials on green, orange, black and some light backgrounds without affecting the substrate surface.

Lambda Physik is developing a 10-kHz industrial-grade version of the system for use in high-volume production processes, such as automotive and electronics assembly.

Other partners in the consortium include color and additive maker Ciba Specialty Chemicals of Switzerland, plastic material supplier DSM of the Netherlands, smart card laser marking system designer Orga Kartensysteme GmbH of Germany, and hot stamping foil manufacturer Leonard Kurz GmbH & Co., also of Germany.