Rubber Marking Processes Applicable Industrially

Rubber Marking Machines for Making Quality Marking

For products made from rubber, rubber marking is an important step in many manufacturing companies. Due to the need for effective and quality rubber marking, there is a need for good marking machines.

Here at HeatSign, giving you the best rubber marking process is our highest priority. Therefore, we aim to bring your idea to life by providing you with superior rubber marking machines. Below are high-quality rubber marking machines that guarantee you quality. Each one has its principle further explained throughout this article.

Rubber marking comprises a set of techniques used in creating marks of very high visibility on rubber products. Consequently, rubber marking techniques are suitable for industries that require easy identification and traceability techniques – for example, the automotive part industry.

To know about the right rubber marking technique, there is a need to understand the rubber as a material on its own. Therefore, this article introduces the available rubber marking technique you can use. By going through this article, you will understand how the different marking techniques work and make the necessary decision.

Quality Marking Processes for Rubber and its Products

Rubber is a material popular in many manufacturing industries due to its elastic properties (shrink and stretch). It has a very wide application with rubber products having different characteristics that render them applicable in different scenarios. Furthermore, these properties, which depend on the type of rubber employed, also decide the rubber marking process you can employ.

Ensuring a quality rubber marking process comes with understanding the different rubber marker techniques and the principle surrounding them. One of the key properties of markings you must know is the need for high readability, which further necessitates understanding the different rubber markers applicable. Below are rubber marking techniques and why they are suitable for such actions.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a process common in rubber marking due to the high readability of codes. It involves using an engraving machine that acts as a rubber marker by removing parts of the rubber surface.

Laser engraving is suitable for rubber marking based on cost, efficiency, and flexibility. It involves using two machine types based on function, ease of operation, adaptability, portability, etc. You can use the handheld laser engraving machine or the traditional engraving machine. Both types of laser markers are ideal for rubber marking. However, the handheld laser engraving machine trumps because it is portable and industrially suited.

Laser Engraving Machines You Can Use for Rubber Marking

You can use different laser marking machines for engraving. Each one has its mechanism and advantages. Below are the three common laser machines used for rubber marking.

· Fibre Laser Machine

The fiber laser marking machine is the latest machine you can use for engraving or other laser part marking processes. It requires little maintenance laser source and boasts of a cooling system that makes it the most preferred laser machine out there. However, they cannot work on all types of rubber. Consequently, they are exceptional laser part marking machines used on tires in the automotive part industries. This is because tires are majorly black, and this leads to a high absorption rate for lasers.

· C02 Laser Systems

This laser marking type uses a certain amount of carbon dioxide mixture for laser part marking processes. C02 laser marking systems are preferable for non-metals. However, it is also compatible with rubber marking because it has a good laser beam quality and is highly efficient.

· UV Laser Marking

The UV laser marking system involves marking with the aid of ultraviolet light. This laser part marking machine mechanism weakens the bond holding the material’s surface while generating little to no heat. Due to the little or no heat it produces, it is very compatible with rubber marking.

 

Factors To Consider Before Using a Laser System for Rubber

Now that you have a better understanding of laser marking systems, you should implement the following factors when choosing one:

· Large Platform

The platform you will use must be large enough to fit the largest size of the rubber product. Therefore, laser marking products made from rubber will be easy.

· Recommended Wavelength

The 10.6-micron wavelength is the recommended wavelength for laser engraving. This is because it is easy to absorb the wavelength when laser marking products made from rubber.

· Laser Power Output

The laser part marking machine power you should use when laser marking products made from rubber is another factor you have to consider. Any laser with less than 50 watts results in poor output. Therefore, a high laser power machine like the C02 laser with 50 – 150 watts is ideal for laser marking rubber products to yield a faster output.

· External Outlet

There must be an open outlet to let out the gasses and particles produced during the laser marking process by the laser equipment.

· Air Assist

An air assist should be available and projected at the focal point if you use a CO2 laser engraving machine. The jet of air produced removes the gasses and particles that build up with the use of the laser machine. Therefore, there will be a lower risk when laser marking products made from rubber. Other laser marking machines do not require an air assist.

Inkjet Marking Method

This technique is a very popular rubber marking technique because of its convenience in day-to-day use. In tire marking, due to the black color of tires, this method supports incorporating different color pigments into a rubber material surface using an inkjet printer like the handheld inkjet printer.

The mechanism of action involves ink traveling at high speed being ejected out of the nozzle of an ink injection zone. This is after the ink has been heated up to 300 ⁰C. This leads to marking numbers, text, barcodes, etc., on the rubber surface. It is an important part of the automotive part industry where identification is increasingly important. The inkjet laser marker is proficient in the rubber marking process because of the following reasons:

• Most inks used in marking rubber are waterproof and smudge-proof
• The inkjet printers used for marking takes up less space compared to laser machines
• Fast, simple, and economical
• Cost-effective

Embossing

This marking process alters the surface of rubber materials by giving a raised effect against a flat backdrop to selected parts using custom dies. Embossing is an important rubber marking process based on the following reasons.

• Visual Impact

If you want to add style and elegance to your products, this marking method creates a three-dimensional effect on rubber materials.

• Less Time Consumption

It is an automated process. Therefore, there is better efficiency during production.

Embossing occurs by the use of heat and pressure on the surface of the rubber material. This leads to a change in the composition of the rubber material. Markings are created using custom dies that create specific patterns and designs on rubber surfaces. Applying pressure and heat irons and raises the image to be imprinted.

How To Select the Right Rubber Marking Method for You?

So far, you have learned the various methods you can use in marking your rubber products. Nevertheless, a good grasp of the following factors is essential in selecting the right marking method for you.

· Readability and Permanent Marking

These are the most important factors when you are thinking of rubber marking. The code must be permanent for long-lasting effect, a parameter ensured by marking processes such as laser engraving. However, the markings must also be readable. In terms of readability, you must consider the background and ensure that it reflects the code easily.

· The Cost of Marking Products

One major factor you need to consider in rubber marking is the cost of marking a particular product. The cost of marking depends on the accuracy, sophistication, etc., of the rubber marking method. The costliest method is laser marking, while the inkjet method costs less than.

· Type of Rubber Material

There are various types of rubber, and the type you use determines the marking process employed. For instance, the laser marking process marks materials without applying mechanical stress. However, it applies thermal stress, which is unseen in methods such as inkjet printing.

· Properties of Rubber

Other properties of rubber must be considered on selecting the right marking process. The size, texture, and color are also to be considered. The color of the rubber helps to select the marking process used to ensure visibility and identification. Laser marking can mark any size and texture of rubber. However, the readability against a black background might be problematic.

Get The Best in Terms of Rubber Marking

Rubber marking is an essential step in the production plan of many industries. For example, in the automotive industry, it (also called tire marking) enhances effectiveness and productivity, conserves time, and makes the identification of tires easy. This article shows the three major rubber marking techniques you can use, their procedure, and how to choose the right method.

Still searching for which rubber marking process is better? Search no more. At HeatSign, not only do we hope to enlighten you, but we also aim to help you overcome the hurdles associated with rubber marking. Therefore, when you think of a quality rubber marking process, or other marking processes, know that Heatsign is the right choice.