This month we’re going to address a very common question we’re often asked,

“What is the difference between CerMark, TherMark and LaserBond 100?” 

Well, they all work with basically the same laser settings to produce permanent black marks on metal surfaces. However, when first applied, CerMark dries to a paint-like tan color, TherMark dries to a powdery light gray color and LaserBond 100 dries to a powdery darker gray color. Probably the best way for us to describe the difference is to simply show you the results! Click the link below to see a helpful video comparison:

Here’s a little more information about the science behind laser marking:

Annealing is a comprehensive term. The process of such a heat treatment may be: to remove stresses; to induce softness; to alter ductility; toughness; electrical magnetic, or other physical properties; to refine the crystalline structure; to remove gases; to produce a definite micro-structure.   ( From http://www.metal-mart.com/Dictionary/dictleta.htm)    It can be used to describe heating and cooling processes for metals and non-metals alike and appears to have no direct relationship to the presence or absence of carbon.   In the broadest sense, annealing is correctly used when described in laser marking as heating followed by cooling to produce a definitive micro-structure.  Carbon Migration is borrowed from welding where carbon migration is considered to be a significant factor in determining the life of a weld and appears to be a well-studied phenomena.  Carbon migration (AIAG Spec B-17) and laser discolorization (SAE AS9132) are standard terms in our industry to describe the effects of darkening material.