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. 

Quesstion-Can you please advise if Cermark works for sterling silver. I want to engrave a locket with my CO2 50 watt laser. What should my settings be? 

Answer- Sterling Silver will take more heat then if marking stainless. You have to run test marks shown in the  (Optimizing Laser Settings) to verify the best laser settings, you should use a spare part to determine this information. If this part is a cheap sterling silver their may be a clear coat on the surface, if there is the CerMark will not work. The LMM-6000 should work but I would recommend the LMM-14  Aerosol for this metal.  

What is causing the marks not to adhere Improper laser settings ?.

Customers need to do a series of power and speed setting to determine the best settings using their laser system. See attached bulletin for laser setting on ceramics and glass. (Click Here)