Polyonics has introduced new black and TrueWhite laser markable label materials (LML), tested to the GMW 14573 and GM 6121M performance requirements for automotive under-the-hood as well as plastics (low surface energy) label applications. These materials can be easily ablated by a wide variety of low power lasers, provide flexible, high temperature alternatives to polyester and acrylic LML and are more durable than traditional thermal transfer printed label materials, the company says.

The new Polyonics LML materials are available in black (XF-670) and TrueWhite (XF-671 and XF-672) versions. They include high temperature polyimide films, durable cross linked polymer coatings, low surface energy (LSE) pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) and liners for ease of handling and diecutting. The LML materials can be easily ablated by most low power CO2, YAG, fiber diode, UV and Vanadate lasers with the aggressive PSA adhering to a wide variety of surfaces including metals, plastics, ceramics and resins.

Polyonics says the new LML products provide a higher temperature and more flexible alternative to the polyester (PET) and acrylic LML products currently used in automotive LML applications today. Polyimide is the number one choice for label applications involving exposure to high temperatures and harsh chemicals allowing the Polyonics LML products to provide a higher degree of dimensional stability and have greater resistances to harsh chemicals than polyester (PET) and acrylic LML materials. In addition, the Polyonics LML materials do not exhibit the same brittleness associated with acrylic LML materials.

According to Polyonics, the weak link in traditional thermal transfer printed labels (TTP) tends to be the ink. This is particularly true in automotive under-the-hood applications due to the high temperatures, harsh chemicals and high levels of abrasion. The Polyonics LML products have been tested to the GMW 14573 and GM 6121M automotive under-the-hood label performance requirements. The test results show the LML materials provide high temperature, chemical and abrasion resistances as well as superior weatherability when compared to thermal transfer label materials, the company says.