1.0 Product description

RD-6038 is a laser marking material for metals.  RD-6038 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.  RD-6038 has improved adhesion over LMM-6000 on smooth or polished metal surfaces.  RD-6038 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 RD-6038 should be used.  If the material is applied too thin, the marks won’t be as dark. If the material is applied too thick, more power will be required to make the mark.  Applying RD-6038 may require a little practice to get the right coverage.  It is also important to allow the coating to dry thoroughly.

RD-6038 is formulated to be thick to prevent settling.  It may be necessary to thin the paste before using.  Application method will determine the amount of thinner required, along with room temperature and humidity.  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 RD-6038.

2.7  Marking Notes

Marking may require some trial and error to optimize your laser with a particular substrate.  Keep in mind that all lasers react differently depending on the substrate.  Also, if you are working on a “softer” metal substrate such as aluminum or brass, more power and/or slower speed may be needed.  Again, you may need to run several tests to optimize the setting for your laser.

Marking may possibly be done using diode pumped, fiber and other similar types of lasers.

3.0  Product Preparation

Insure that the product has been well mixed prior to use.  Some settling may occur during long storage.  Paste temperature should be equivalent to your printing room temperature prior to measuring viscosity or application.

4.0  Viscosity Test Method

Cerdec product viscosity is measured by a Brookfield™ RVT DVIII Rheometer using a #27 spindle at 100 RPM, 24.0 ºC.

5.0  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.

6.0   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

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.