Dual paint coat laser-marking labeling system, method, and product
First Claim
1. A method for marking workpieces for identification thereof, which comprises the steps of:
- (a) providing a laser that emits a beam comprising a select band of radiation;
(b) coating said workpiece with a coat of a basecoat which is a laser-blackenable paint;
(c) at least partially curing said basecoat;
(d) contacting said at least partially-cured basecoat with said laser beam to char said basecoat to form fragile product identification indicia thereon; and
(e) overcoating said basecoat with a coat of a clear topcoat;
whereby, said fragile product identification indicia are protected by said clear topcoat while permitting said product identification indicia to be seen.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a system for marking objects for their identification which marks survive elevated temperatures of, say, up to 600° to 800° F. or higher, for extended periods of time. The inventive system for marking workpieces for their identification includes a laser that emits a beam select band of radiation and a coating system for application to a workpiece to be marked. The coating system includes two coats of paint, a topcoat and a basecoat which paints have been coated sequentially on the workpiece. The basecoat is an at least partially-cured, laser-blackenable paint which has been marked with fragile product identification indicia by the laser beam, after which a clear topcoat has been applied thereover. The laser generates fragile product identification indicia on the workpiece by its beam being directed onto the basecoat for its blackening to generate the fragile product identification indicia by the selective charring of said basecoat. The clear topcoat seals the fragile product identification indicia. High temperature use of the label can be realized by using a siloxane or other high-temperature paint for both the basecoat and the topcoat.
-
Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A method for marking workpieces for identification thereof, which comprises the steps of:
-
(a) providing a laser that emits a beam comprising a select band of radiation;
(b) coating said workpiece with a coat of a basecoat which is a laser-blackenable paint;
(c) at least partially curing said basecoat;
(d) contacting said at least partially-cured basecoat with said laser beam to char said basecoat to form fragile product identification indicia thereon; and
(e) overcoating said basecoat with a coat of a clear topcoat;
whereby, said fragile product identification indicia are protected by said clear topcoat while permitting said product identification indicia to be seen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
blowing air across the basecoat concomitant with or following said step (d) to carry away any soot particles which are produced by said laser beam contacting said basecoat.
-
-
10. The method of claim 1, which additional comprises the step of:
(f) curing said topcoat and, if necessary, said basecoat.
Specification