Product novelty 11. September 2024
Filament identification directly in the plastic for originality check
The GRAFE GROUP, Blankenhain, has developed a masterbatch for the identification of materials in industrial 3D printing. „This means that the authenticity of licensed materials can be reliably and unmistakably determined already in the filament processed in this additive manufacturing process“, explains Lars Schulze, Head of Colour Development and Material Sciences.
As an exclusive development partner, GRAFE relies on the security pigments from Tailorlux. The company also supplies the matching Tailor-Scan 4 hand-held measuring device, onto which a reference file set to the safety marking is loaded. It then indicates whether the respective marking is present or not. „The operation is very straightforward. The originality of the plastic used can be checked directly from the filament to the component - even through glass or foil packaging“, explains the expert. Furthermore, certification laboratories could also check the material. The inspection electronics to be used can also be integrated directly into an existing 3D printing system, apart from the hand-held scanner!
„Our solution is already developed and works“, says Schulze. So far, the marker has mainly been used for PLA and PETG (glycol). However, it can also be used in PA and PC. There is no influence on the colour. Due to a wide selection of markers, almost any plastic can be equipped, he assures. „The batch dosages are comparatively low and can be realised from one percent. The colour has the greatest influence. Components coloured with CarbonBlack require a slightly higher dosage than others. Carbon fibres also influence the result. Ultimately, it can be said that each filament can be marked with a maximum dosage of three percent.“
As an exclusive development partner, GRAFE relies on the security pigments from Tailorlux. The company also supplies the matching Tailor-Scan 4 hand-held measuring device, onto which a reference file set to the safety marking is loaded. It then indicates whether the respective marking is present or not. „The operation is very straightforward. The originality of the plastic used can be checked directly from the filament to the component - even through glass or foil packaging“, explains the expert. Furthermore, certification laboratories could also check the material. The inspection electronics to be used can also be integrated directly into an existing 3D printing system, apart from the hand-held scanner!
„Our solution is already developed and works“, says Schulze. So far, the marker has mainly been used for PLA and PETG (glycol). However, it can also be used in PA and PC. There is no influence on the colour. Due to a wide selection of markers, almost any plastic can be equipped, he assures. „The batch dosages are comparatively low and can be realised from one percent. The colour has the greatest influence. Components coloured with CarbonBlack require a slightly higher dosage than others. Carbon fibres also influence the result. Ultimately, it can be said that each filament can be marked with a maximum dosage of three percent.“
GRAFE GmbH & Co. KG
Contact
Mr. Lars Schulze