Method of laser marking one or more colors on plastic substrates

Abstract

A method for laser marking one or more colors on a plastic substrate is disclosed. A polymeric blend or mixture comprising two or more polymeric systems is utilized to produce a molded component. The various polymeric systems are heated to form a polymeric blend or mixture that is in a molten flowable state. The polymeric mixture is then shaped into the desired end product, preferably by injection molding. While molding, the polymeric mixture separates according to the different densities of the polymers; with the lightest density polymers migrating toward the inner surface of the mold and the heavier density polymers centralizing within the interior of the mold. The lightest density polymer forms the outer surface of the molded product, which may essentially constitute an outer layer coating disposed around the other polymeric systems. Upon removal of the cured layered product, the skin layer is then preferably ablated using a laser to expose the polymers of desired color beneath the outer layer. Other layers within the molded product may be ablated. Ablation may be performed to form a desired design in multiple colors. Other techniques for removing polymeric material in one or more layers are contemplated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.