Schreiner ProTech has developed a CLF – colour laser film – version of its paint-masked label components marking system.
The company, a Germany-based developer and manufacturer of functional labels with value-added benefits for the automotive and engineering-based industries, identified the next-generation marking option as suitable for companies who manufacturer, repair or maintain engineering components to apply nameplates to products prior to painting and, afterwards, incorporate additional, customisable markings via laser printing.
In mechanical engineering applications, many permanently marked components require a protective coating that can stand up to the rigours of initial production and subsequent maintenance and repair. Such labels are frequently subjected to adverse ambient conditions in all phases of a component’s lifecycle, making add-ons like paint masking valuable to ensure long-term marking legibility, according to Schreiner ProTech.
Hanover, Germany-based Steinlen Elektromaschinenbau is one such company that specialises in the manufacture, maintenance and repair of drive-technology components – especially gear motors – that receive their critical protective coating in a modern painting centre. Importantly, the company wanted to begin applying individual item nameplates prior to their departure for the paint centre, a benefit that would bring heightened production clarity, and tracking and traceability. Applying the nameplate prior to painting required legibility protection. In addition, the label’s adhesive needed to remain unfailingly fastened to a cast component with a rough surface. Finally, the company’s eclectic components capabilities meant it handled a broad array of items with differently-sized labels, adding another layer of complexity.
Schreiner ProTech’s offer to Steinlen comprised laser-markable labels with integrated paint masks, which enabled permanent pre-painting marking while ensuring reliable identification even on rough substrates. Due to the specific product features of the CLF label, the inscription can be performed through the paint mask, which circumvents the need for post-marking paint mask application. After the painting process, the paint mask is peeled off by means of a starter tab, revealing the nameplate again.
With the CLF label including a paint mask and corresponding laser marking system from Schreiner ProTech, all requirements were satisfactorily met in an automated process. As a result, Steinlen can now cut and inscribe nameplates specifically for any customer order.
Read more about developments in coding and marking in the November/December 2021 issue of Digital Labels & Packaging; register here to receive the magazine for free
