Laser Marking FAQ's

Why can’t some CerMark/TherMark products be shipped via air freight without additional charges?

Question-  Why can’t some CerMark/TherMark products be shipped via air freight without additional charges?

Answer-  Aerosol cans (LMM14 , LMM6000 and New Ultra ) and alcohol-based chemicals (LMM6000, LMM6038, LMM6046 ) are considered a safety risk on airplanes due to being pressurized and flammable. CerMark employees are trained and certified to ship dangerous goods via air both domestically (under DOT 49 CFR) and internationally (under IATA). While CerMark does not charge extra for this service, freight companies impose additional charges due to the added regulatory complications of these products, and we are forced to pass these along to the customer.

Question- Is TherMark / CerMark laser marking material FDA approved?

Answer-  TherMark materials are not approved in themselves by the FDA as the FDA’s role is to approve final products rather than component materials. The FDA has, however, approved many of our customer’s finished products such as surgical tools and implants which have been marked using TherMark materials. For more information, please click here to read our Application Note on Marking for Medical Devices.

Question- Is CerMark/TherMark laser marking material dangerous or toxic?

Answer- We recommend that workers wear safety glasses or goggles and protective gloves when applying our products and do so in a well-ventilated area as is customary whenever handling chemicals. click here to read our statement on worker safety.

Question- Can I mark color on metal? Plastic?

Answer- Not at this time, but we are working on it. 

Question- I would like to try LMM14 and/or LMM6000. Should I use aerosol or liquid ink?

Answer- For new users, we recommend starting with aerosol for testing purposes. Aerosol cans take the variable of dilution out of the equation and are easier to use – you only need to focus on getting the correct coating thickness and laser settings. 

We recommend switching to air brush application of liquid laser marking ink once you have some experience with our products and begin doing a larger volume of marking. This will add the additional variable of dilution to the equation, but since you are already familiar with the proper coating thickness it should be an easy switch. The economies of scale involved in switching to liquid ink are substantial: a square inch of LMM14 aerosol costs roughly $.06, while a square inch of LMM14 liquid purchased in a 1,000 gram container costs below $.02.

Question- Looking for cermark for chrome I think it is lmm6038?

Answer- LMM-6038, Black Laser Marking Paste. Marks On High-Polish Metals, Such As Chrome Or Nickel Plating And Stainless Steel

Question- I see that the LMM6000 is more expensive, what is the difference between the LMM6000 and the New Ultra?   I know that the LMM6000 is like the more usual

Answer- CerMark ULTRA is a new formula that is produced by Ferro who has acquired the TherMark brand some time ago. TherMark had previously created different formulas for their products. For example we had a formula for stainless steel, another for aluminum, another for copper, another for ceramics, another for glass, etc. Now, Ultra comes to do the things more simple. The quality of the mark is better and you can do your project faster than LMM 6000. The result of the new investigation produces a lower price too!   You can continue using the LMM6000 to work with stainless steel and other metals, however, you already have another product that may be more functional, the Ultra can be used on different substrates at the same time.

Question- Can a light plastic bristle brushing with IPA be done to check adherence?

Answer- One Rule Of Thumb When It Comes To Using The CerMark. The Laser Mark Can Only Be As Durable As The Substrate It Is Applied To. I Can Suggest Testing To Determine The Best Setting.

Question- Where you can find a distributor in Mexico or you can make the purchase directly with you? 

Answer- We Have A Distributor In Mexico For Some Of Our Products And Some Can Be Purchased Directly, We Also Have A Representative In Costa Rica  

Question- My ink/paste has solidified. Can I re-liquify it?

Answer- Yes. You can re-liquify the ink by using small amounts of denatured alcohol or demineralized water. This process may take several hours or even days depending on how much material was in the container. Please remember that the more thinning agent you use, the lighter the pigment may become.