Laser Marking FAQ's

Question- The mark is not as dark as I would like, can I get a darker mark by using a thicker application of the TherMark material?

Answer- Different alloys may give slightly different shades of color with the same CerMark laser marking material. Different laser types (CO2 and fiber) will also produce varying results. A thicker coating of CerMark material will result in more power being needed to create the bond with your substrate; it may not necessarily make the marks darker. In general, more is less: you will get the best marks using the smallest necessary amount of laser marking material. Make sure to consult your individual product’s product page for recommended coating thicknesses.

Question- Is the Cermark Ultra a product that can be used to mark plastics?

Answer- The New ultra no works with plastics because the functionality is to bonding to the substrate at high temperatures. “ if too much heat is applied it will melt. If the customer wants to do more testing, very low power is recommended if just want to fuse the CerMark onto the plastic. We have had some customers use the LMC-6044P Aerosol on some plastics with success. Just an idea if you want to test.”

Question-Why is the LMC12 not available?

 Answer- That product is no longer being manufactured by the Ferro company. There's really not a product that will work for that application well. We recommend using a Fiber laser source for plastic applications. 

Question-Why is the LMC12 not available?

 Answer- That product is no longer being manufactured by the Ferro company. There's really not a product that will work for that application well. We recommend using a Fiber laser source for plastic applications. 

Question-Why use Cermark products on laser engraving Yeti cups?

Answer- When we use a laser marking technique with a Cermark product, if it is applied in the proper manner and with the proper settings for your machine and substrate, this means that the marking material will be affixed to the substrate, so we will create a permanent finish on the outside of your cup. This means that as long as your custom YETI is in one piece, so is your personalization. This process creates the most premium and durable finish that will not crack or peel over time. It also ensures a quality personalization process.

Quesstion- Will the Cermark tape  LMM6018.LF  work on stainless with a Fiber Laser?

Answer- Relate to inquiry, unfortunately the Cermark tape will NOT work in regular conditions with a fiber laser. Most fiber lasers are able to mark on stainless steel without any additives.  However, the LMM-6018 Tape will work on stainless using a fiber laser if the following applies:

• The Fiber laser must be (CW) continuous wave laser.

• Or if this laser system has a Q-switch capability then select CW not pulse.

• Or if not CW the laser system and offers only pulse mode the system must have the ability to increase the frequency to more than 160,000 which should enable the laser system to mark using LMM-6018 Tape.

With Co2 the power must be 40 w or higher

Question- What Is The Warranty And Expiration Date Of Cermark Products (Lmm6000) ?

Answer- The Date Of Manufacturer Will Depend On The Container At Time Of Sale, Our Products Move Very Quickly And They Don’t Sit For More Than 2-Weeks Or Less. The Product Has Been Known To Last For Over Two (2) Years, But Its Guarantee By Manufacturer For Six (6) Months. I Trust These Answers Your Questions.

CerMark LMM6000, Black 50gram, Use: Stainless Steel & Pewter

Certificate Of Compliance: FERRO Inc. (‘Seller”) Warrants Cermark™ Branded Laser Marking Materials To Be Free From Defects In Materials And Workmanship Under Normal Use, And To Have An Effective Shelf-Life Under Normal Use, For A Period Of Six (6) Months From The Date Of Invoice. The Shelf-Life Will Be Longer As Long As The Product Is Kept Airtight And Liquefied.

Question- I am using LMM6000 but I am facing a problem, I tried it on aluminum and it seems fine until I expose to weather and then it turns light brown from the original black The aluminum is plain raw aluminum sheet

After it happened I tried again and this 2nd time I tried a layer of clear coat over it after I have marked using LM6000 Same problem happens

After that I tried a 3rd time, using a drum sander and brushed the entire aluminum surface and clean it with detergent and water.

After it dried I tried the LM6000 again, Same problem

Could you advise please on how to have the LM6000 work exposed to weather like it should for aluminum? 

Answer- You may not be using the best aluminum for outdoor exposures, I recommend research the best grade of aluminum recommended for the conditions for which the aluminum will be exposed to. Also, be sure to run testing to determine the best laser settings on aluminum,  Click Here . Be sure to scrub the test marks with a green scrub pad to verify durability. For laser marking outdoor exposure aluminum I would recommend using the LMM-14, it marks aluminum better than LMM-6000.

Question- “I have read on a couple forums that CerMark / TherMark has been used on medical equipment installed inside the human body and folks have said that the bond between the ceramic formulation holds up well onto stainless steel (dishwashers and subsea applications). I wanted to reach out to inquire if those statements are true and what produce would be best suited for this application.”

Answer- As it refers to the question for use in body implants, this would fall under an FDA approval which is to be submitted for approval by the end users (customer laser marking the parts). This is not a document Ferro can provide.

As it refers to the question for use in dishwasher durability, we have not performed nor have documentation on testing. I have attached information on the durability testing performed.

QUV Results Of LMM-6000 

LMM-6000 Aerospace Chemical testing 

CerMark In Marking Standards And Military Specifications 

LMM-6000 Chemical Testing Rev 

Physical Testing Of LMM-6000 Laser Marks 

As it refers to the question for use in subsea I’m assuming with is related to salt water exposures. We do not have saltwater exposure data to share.

With this said we have several customers who have and presently using the CerMark products for these types of applications. To use the CerMark products in these application testing must be done by the laser operator to verify the laser settings are adequate for these applications.

Question- If I were to mark a part  (Low Carbon Steel.)  with the black coating then follow up with the white coating and mark over the black, will that work? I have some parts that the marking is incorrect and I was going to mark over the marking with a black box, but would like to remark the parts with a white marking. Will this work?

Answer- Yes, the LMM-6150 Pearl will mark over the LMM-6000 Black, Be sure the run test marks using the LMM-6150 over the LMM-6000 to determine the best power/speed settings for the look you’re are looking for.