Dual paint coat laser-marking labeling system, method, and product

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.