Process Date: November 1999

This contrasting mark was achieved with ~5 watts at a speed of 15”/sec.

Engraved mark made with ~15W at 10”/sec

Information-dense 2-D matrix codes are becoming a popular means of product identification, and Synrad’s FH-Series “Index” Marking Head paired with a CO₂ laser is a fast, permanent means of applying them to a variety of materials.  This application required marking the 2D codes on rubber. Rubber is extremely absorbing of CO₂ radiation, and certain compounds result in a white contrast. This effect is generally enhanced when the rubber is colored.

Some types of rubber do not result in contrasting marks, but an engraved code can be made instead. Additionally, with suitable lighting, the code can be read using a vision system.