Polyonics has introduced a family of black and white laser markable polyimide label materials that can serve as an alternative for identifying and tracking aerospace components where direct laser marking is prohibited due to structural integrity concerns.

The materials have been evaluated per the Boeing 13-47J standard for use in aerospace applications and were tested for their resistance to major chemicals present in the aerospace industry, including Skydrol, jet fuel, salt water, methyl propyl keytone, etc. The testing also included severe abrasion and weatherability. The materials have passed Taber abrasion, UV and temperature cycling to offer a durable alternate to traditional thermal printer labels, too.

According to Polyonics, the polyimide laser markable label materials represent a viable alternate to direct part marking while also performing better than acrylic and polyester (PET) laser markable label materials. They allow rework and/or re-positioning options, not feasible with direct part marking, to help reduce overall manufacturing costs through reductions in scrap and rework.

The company adds that the polyimide-based materials provide both higher short and long-term temperature resistances compared to PET and acrylic products. This feature produces dimensional stability and longer-term image durability in harsh applications. In addition, polyimide materials don’t exhibit the same brittleness associated with acrylic materials.