Rubber marking

Challenges in Rubber Marking

Depending on the type of rubber, specific difficulties arise in achieving durable rubber marking: 

✔ Natural Rubber (NR)

  • Properties: Highly elastic, high abrasion resistance, but not resistant to oil or UV radiation.
  • Challenges: Due to its elasticity, printed or laser-engraved markings can tear or fade quickly.

✔ Silicone Rubber (VMQ)

  • Properties: Temperature-resistant, hydrophobic, chemically resistant.
  • Challenges: Low surface energy makes adhesion of inks and paints difficult, requiring pre-treatment (e.g., plasma treatment or primers).

✔ EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber)

  • Properties: Weather and ozone resistant, good mechanical properties.
  • Challenges: Chemical inertness complicates the application of paints or laser markings. Special inks or mechanical engravings are required.

✔ Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

  • Properties: Oil and fuel resistant, moderately elastic.
  • Challenges: Some inks and paints may react chemically, making durable marking difficult.

✔ Fluoro Rubber (FKM, e.g., Viton®)

  • Properties: Extremely resistant to chemicals, high-temperature stability.
  • Challenges: The surface is very smooth and chemically inert, requiring specialized techniques such as laser engraving or etching.

Requirements for Rubber Marking

 

Adhesion & Durability

  • The marking must adhere firmly to the rubber surface.
  • High abrasion resistance, especially under mechanical stress.
  • Weather, UV, and chemical resistance depending on the application.

Flexibility & Elasticity

  • Rubber marking should not tear or peel when the material is stretched or deformed.
  • Printed colors or engravings must adapt to the movements of the rubber.

Legibility & Contrast

  • Clear, well-readable marking (even on dark or transparent rubber).
  • High contrast between marking and background for better visibility.

Chemical Compatibility

  • The marking medium (ink, paint, laser, etc.) must not negatively affect the rubber properties.
  • No undesirable chemical reactions or material changes.

 

Temperature & Environmental Resistance

  • Marking must withstand extreme temperatures, especially in industrial applications.
  • Resistance to moisture, oil, solvents, or aggressive substances.

Production Efficiency

  • Efficient, cost-effective, and process-safe marking methods.
  • Integration into existing manufacturing processes with minimal additional effort.
  • Preference for environmentally friendly methods (e.g., solvent-free paints or laser engraving).

Customized Requirements Based on Application

  • Serial numbers, logos, QR codes, or safety markings must be precisely applied.
  • Medical and food-grade markings must meet specific standards.
  • Suitability for the automotive, electronics, or packaging industry based on usage.

Rubber Marking Technologies

Laser Engraving / Laser Marking

Flexible and Versatile

Advantages

  • Contactless, precise, and permanent marking
  • Abrasion, weather, and chemical-resistant
  • Environmentally friendly (no use of chemicals or paints)
  • High detail accuracy, suitable for serial numbers, logos, QR codes
  • No additional drying time or adhesion promoter required

Suitable for: Silicone, EPDM, NBR, FKM (depending on composition)

Laser Marking Systems

Thermal Transfer Printing (TTO)

High-Quality & Durable Marking

Advantages

  • Excellent print quality with high resistance to abrasion, heat, and moisture
  • Works for both labels and direct printing on cartons
  • Particularly suitable for fine details like logos, symbols, or high-resolution barcodes
Thermal Transfer Systems

Hot Stamping / Thermal Transfer Printing

Advantages

  • High-quality, high-contrast marking
  • High resistance to abrasion and chemicals
  • Ideal for serial production
  • No additional drying time required

Suitable for: EPDM, NBR, Natural Rubber

Thermal Transfer Printing Solutions

Inkjet Printing

Advantages

  • Flexible, fast, and cost-effective method for variable data (e.g., serial numbers, production data)
  • Contactless, making it suitable for delicate materials
  • UV-curable or solvent-based inks for better adhesion

Suitable for: EPDM, Natural Rubber, NBR (only with special inks)

Inkjet Printing Solutions

Drop on Demand Inkjet

  • DOD – Prints large, visible characters on tires or industrial rubber parts
Drop on Demand Inkjet Solution

Print and Apply

  • Print & Apply – Applies adhesive labels with barcodes to flat rubber surfaces
Print & Apply Solution

Examples:

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