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Polyonics Laser Markable Label Materials Designed for Harsh Aerospace Tracking Applications

Polyonics has recently introduced a family of black and white laser markable label materials (LML) that, through a series of rigorous chemical, abrasion, weather, thermal and out gassing tests, have proven to be effective alternates for identifying and tracking critical aerospace components where direct laser marking is prohibited due to structural integrity concerns. The materials include either polyimide films or aluminum foils combined with aggressive pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) and liners for ease of die cutting and application. Low out gassing and low surface energy PSAs are also available.

Polyonics new laser markable label materials have recently been evaluated per the Boeing 13-47J label standard. The materials were rigorously tested for their resistance to the major chemicals present in the aerospace industry including Skydrol, jet fuel, salt water, methyl propyl keytone, etc. The evaluation also included extensive abrasion and weatherability tests. The test results showed the Polyonics materials represent viable alternates to direct part marking while also performing better than acrylic and polyester (PET) and thermal transfer printed labels.

High Temperature, Flexible Alternate to PET and Acrylic Laser Markable Labels
Polyonics polyimide and aluminum based LML materials provide better short and long term temperature resistances compared to competitive polyester (PET) and acrylic LML products by providing a higher degree of dimensional stability and longer term image durability at elevated temperatures. In addition, the Polyonics materials don't exhibit the same brittleness associated with acrylic LML materials. This added flexibility allows the materials to be used in a wide variety of high impact and abrasive applications.

Superior to Thermal Transfer Printed Labels
The weak link in traditional thermal transfer printed labels is typically ink. This is particularly true in aerospace applications due to the high temperatures, harsh chemicals and high levels of abrasion. Along with passing the Boeing chemical tests, the materials have also passed stringent temperature cycling tests making them an overall more durable alternate to traditional thermal transfer printed labels.

Features and Benefits

• Tested to the Boeing 13-47J label performance standard

• Tested to the ASTM E595 low outgassing (NASA Class A) requirements

• Flexible, high temperature alternatives to PET and acrylic LML materials

• Operational temperature ranges within -100ºC to 600ºC

• Longer term durability versus thermal transfer printed labels

• Halogen free, REACH and RoHS compliant

• Over-laminates not required due to enhanced abrasion resistance

• Black (XF-537, XF-670) and white (XF-539, XF-672) polyimide and white aluminum (XF-680) options

• High temperature acrylic and ultra-high temperature silicone PSAs

• Low-release liners for die cutting and auto application

• Black LML is static dissipative (10^3-10^4 Ohms) and low tribocharging (<100v)

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