What LaserMark-G™ (ZrN) does
LaserMark-G™ is a zirconium nitride (ZrN) based marking additive designed to help glass surfaces develop visible contrast under laser irradiation. It is used by formulators and process engineers to build stable, production-ready marking systems for glass parts where direct laser marking is required.
Why glass is difficult to mark
Glass is optically transparent across much of the visible range and has low absorption at many process wavelengths. As a result, the laser energy may pass through or distribute without producing a controlled surface change. In addition, smooth glass surfaces provide limited anchoring points, so any mark that relies on deposited material must also pass adhesion and abrasion requirements.
How ZrN contributes (system-level mechanism)
- Energy coupling: ZrN provides stronger laser energy coupling than bare glass, enabling a localized surface transformation.
- Micro-contrast formation: Under appropriate conditions, controlled micro-roughening / micro-structuring can increase scattering and perceived darkness.
- Process window stabilization: In coating / ink systems, ZrN can help reduce sensitivity to minor changes in focus, speed, and power by improving local absorption.
Typical use formats
- Coating / ink route: ZrN dispersed in an inorganic/organic binder system (often with silane coupling strategy) then laser-written.
- Direct surface treatment route: ZrN-containing layer applied by spray/print/transfer, followed by laser exposure and optional post-cleaning.
What to optimize first
- Laser wavelength and pulse regime (fiber 1064 nm, green 532 nm, UV 355/405 nm, CO₂ 10.6 μm)
- Coating thickness / loading and dispersion quality (agglomerates reduce consistency)
- Binder selection for adhesion + thermal shock resistance (soda-lime vs borosilicate vs tempered glass)
- Post-treatment requirements (wash, abrasion, chemical resistance)
Note: Mark appearance and durability depend on the complete system (glass type, laser, binder, dispersion, thickness). LaserMark-G™ is supplied as an additive material, not a finished marking ink.