German compounder AF-Color (Niederzissen; www.af-color.com) has introduced two colour masterbatches that are combined with additives for optimised laser-marking and improved laser-transparency in laser-welding applications. AF-Color is a subsidiary of Akro-Plastic (Niederzissen; www.akro-plastic.com).

“AF-Color LA” masterbatches incorporate laser-sensitive additives from AF-Color’s “AF-Complex” product line. The additives are said to increase contour sharpness and contrast in laser-marking – valuable properties in those applications. Use of the masterbatch results in a laser-marking that is clearly visible to a code-reader machine or even the naked eye, according to the supplier, which noted that the high visibility provides quality assurance and traceability to speed up processing.

AF-Color LA can be used with transparent and semi-transparent materials to produce dark, light or coloured markings in any combination, the company noted. The laser-sensitive additives are available as a pure additive concentrate or in combination with colour, said Dirk Schöning, sales director at AF-Color.

“AF-Color LT” is a masterbatch with improved laser transparency in laser-welding applications of two thermoplastic materials. Selecting the polymer and additive in the masterbatch minimises contamination of a high-quality welded joint due to colouring, the company added.