High contrast laser markable cables and marking methods
AssigneeSouthwire Company
InventorsPill Alexander, Juan Alberto Galindo Gonzalez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cable sheathing compositions are provided for use in laser marking methods. Cable sheathing compositions include amounts of laser marking additives and color concentrates to enhance the absorption of laser energy and create an indelible mark. Laser marking methods employ cables formed with sheathing compositions and provide advantages to both the speed and power efficiency required by the laser source, as well as the quality and contrast ratio of the resulting laser mark. Cable manufacturing methods and apparatus employing the laser marking methods are also contemplated.
Claims18
A laser marking method comprising:
- focusing a laser source onto a markable portion of a cable sheathing, the cable sheathing comprising a lubricating additive;
- emitting an electromagnetic radiation from the laser source and onto the markable portion;
- and
- forming an indelible mark on the markable portion of the cable sheathing;
- wherein:
- an amount of the electromagnetic radiation emitted onto the markable portion is less than about from about 0.01 kJ/m2 to about 2 kJ/m2;
- and
- the cable sheathing contains less than 0.5 wt. % of a laser marking additive;
- and
- a contrast ratio between a color of the indelible mark and a background color of the cable sheathing is at least about 2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.