Laser-marking system enables ATO-free cattle ear tags
29/11/2019
Working with laser technology company Coherent, Clariant created an additive masterbatch that, when added to the TPU commonly used to mold ear tags, makes the polymer more receptive to the near-infrared laser light from Coherent laser markers.
This works without antimony trioxide (ATO), and instead uses another metalloid chemical combined with an enhancing agent.
According to the company, the ear-tag system produces high-contrast images at marking speeds at least as high as those associated with tags containing ATO additives. The new additive – supplied as a concentrated masterbatch for dosing into virgin polymer at a rate of 2% to 4% – helps the laser create easily readable, scannable and permanent laser markings that cannot be washed away or dissolved by solvents or oils.
Image: Clariant
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