Laser marker prints tamper-evident self-adhesive VIN labels

Laser-marked tamper-proof labels have now replaced the traditional metal plaques that were once commonly used for VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plates. These plates were generally riveted to the inside of the engine compartment, but were extremely easy to remove, making it possible to give a stolen vehicle a 'new' identity relatively quickly and easily. Manufacturers now use up to 17 separate identity and information labels on a single vehicle, each of which is self-adhesive and tamper-evident. These new labels are produced from materials suitable for the automotive, electronics and security fields. They cure upon adhesion so that they cannot be removed without destroying the label, and they also withstand high temperatures and resist weathering. This change in the way in which information is attached to the vehicle brought with it the need to develop a robust and high-speed method of producing the new self-adhesive labels.

A number of major automotive manufacturers have already adopted the VIN Mark 30 Laser System, which uses laminate foil material manufactured by TESA. Foil material from other manufacturers can also be used, following initial feasibility trials to establish suitability and optimum laser marking parameters. The 120mm-wide reel of material is loaded to a motorised dispensing mandrel on the machine. At the processing area on the machine, a pair of pinch rollers, one stepper motor-driven and one spring-loaded, are used to feed and position the strip material accurately for laser marking.

High-speed process

To process material supplied by TESA, the system developed by ES Technology uses a 30W CO2 laser source that is fully integrated within the machine. However, other laser sources such as Nd Yag are available for alternative materials from other foil suppliers. The marking process is achieved using a high-speed servo-driven galvo head that is located above the working area of the machine.

A built-in extraction and filtration system performs a dual role within this system. The primary task of the extraction system is the removal of fumes and particulates. The extraction system is also used to generate a vacuum under the foil location area to ensure that the material remains flat during the laser-marking process. Safety interlocks on the filtration system access door mean that the machine automatically stops if the access door is opened during production.

The design principles and concepts of the VIN Mark 30 Laser System are such that the machine can be used to produce different widths of label if required, and the wide choice of laser sources means that a suitable marking product can be found for commonly used materials.

This PC-controlled machine is also simple to set up and operate using the CAD and graphics editor software suites. A bespoke operator interface can be provided to suit specific requirements. When installed within the customer's site, the machines are linked to the customer's data management system, which downloads vehicle and label information directly to the machine that then automatically populates the fields within the label generation software.

ES Technology also provides sub-contract laser-marking services, after-sales servicing and parts in addition to the design and manufacture of laser-marking systems, built from a range of suitable manufacturers - including Rofin. ES Technology is also the exclusive United Kingdom and Irish Republic distributor for Concept Laser GmbH LaserCUSING systems.