1.0 Product description

LMM-5001 is a laser marking material for producing bright, oxidation resistant marks on metals.  LMM-5001 is ethanol based, which allows for a fast drying time.  It can be used on a variety of bare metal substrates including stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, tin, nickel, and many more including proprietary, high performance alloys.  LMM-5001 will not work on metals with a lacquered coating.

2.0 Product characteristics

2.6  Application Notes

For optimum mark quality, a thin, even covering of LMM-5001 should be used.  If the marking material is applied too thickly or the laser power settings are too high, this can leave a mark with a dull, blistered appearance.

LMM-5001 is formulated to be viscous to prevent settling.  It may be necessary to thin the paste before using.  The ratios recommended above should be sufficient.  Keep in mind that the more the material is thinned, the less active ingredients are being applied.  Overthinning will result in a lighter mark than properly thinned and applied LMM-5001.  All marks should be cleaned of excess LMM-5001 as soon as possible after marking.  LMM-5001 left on the metal surface for prolonged periods of time can cause some tarnishing.

2.7  Marking Notes

One very effective method is to give the mark two passes under the laser beam at a medium power setting.  The first pass completes most of the mark without blistering but may leave a dark or dull surface.  The second pass burns out the residual carbon and “polishes” the surface to yield a mark that is very bright and smooth.  If your laser has the option of operating in the either the continuous wave or pulsed mode, try using the pulsed mode at about 30 kHz.  Repeated passes can be used.

You will need to experiment to determine the optimal settings for your equipment and substrate.  In general small, single stroke fonts or line drawings require higher energy or slower scan rates than larger raster scanned marks.  In raster scanning a beam overlap of 20-40% is recommended.  Since LMM-5001 requires a relatively high temperature to react, substrates with high thermal conductivities and/or thick cross sections will require higher laser power input.

3.0  Product Preparation

Insure that the product has been well mixed prior to use.  Some settling may occur during long storage.  Material dried onto the wall of the container should stir in with the addition of thinner and moderate stirring.  Paste temperature should be equalized to room temperature prior to application.

4.0  Storage Recommendations

Product must be stored in cool and dry conditions.  The storage temperatures should not be below 5ºC and not exceed 35ºC.  Settling could occur if stored for long periods of time.  Before use, products must be stirred thoroughly.  Partly used containers must be tightly sealed after use.  If stored as recommended, a minimum shelf life of six months after the production date is guaranteed.

5.0   Contact Information

Questions about properties of this product, application techniques or laser settings should be directed to:

Dave Smith
(724) 250-5503
Marketing Manager

Dennis Gilmore
(724) 229-5620
Technical Associate

Sean Weir
(724) 229-5161
Chemist, Research and Development

To place an order, please contact:

Wanda McDowell
(724) 229-5167
Customer Service Representative

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The following supersedes any provisions in your company’s forms, letters and papers.  The information and statements contained herein are provided free of charge.  They are believed to be accurate at the time of publication.  Ferro makes no warranty, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose for these products.  No statement or recommendations contained in the product literature are to be construed as inducements to infringe any relevant patent now or hereafter in existence.  Under no circumstances shall Ferro be liable for incidental, consequential or other damages from alleged negligence, breach of warranty, strict liability, contract or any other legal theory, arising out of the use or handling of these products.  The sole remedy of the buyer and the sole liability of Ferro for any claim shall be for the buyer’s purchase price of the products that are the subject of the claim.  Claims not made within thirty (30) days from the delivery date shall be deemed waived.  Ferro’s liability ceases upon making delivery of the product to carrier at shipping point.