by Jeff Peterson Not long ago, the only real choice for creating a pad printing cliché was to chemically etch a steel plate. However, new innovations and advancements with photopolymer technology and laser-based CTP systems have created more choices for pad printing operations to consider. Steel Clichés Steel clichés for pad printing continue to be the mainstay for very … [Read more...] about Cliché Choices Not So Cut and Dried
2007 Jan/Feb
Advancements in Laser Marking of Plastics
by Scott R. Sabreen Advancements in direct laser marking of plastics yield unprecedented marking quality, contrast, and speed. This article presents the newest generation of laser material science and laser equipment systems. With proper application, laser marking can provide manufacturing advantages and bring value to a products appearance and function. Basic Principles … [Read more...] about Advancements in Laser Marking of Plastics
Three-Dimensional Laser Welding
by Jerry Zybko, LEISTER Technologies, LLC and J.W. Chen, LEISTER Process Technologies Utilizing laser as a method to join plastic components is growing in popularity. The ability to create clean, strong, and consistent hermetic seals is very attractive to manufacturers. However, clamping the components to create good physical contact between the parts (one of the necessary … [Read more...] about Three-Dimensional Laser Welding