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Close-up of the surface structure of blackmarking

Black marking – permanent, deep-black, and corrosion-resistant markings

Black marking is a procedure in laser processing which causes extremely dark, high-contrast markings on a surface without material ablation. Extremely short laser pulses cause structures on the surface at the nanometer level. The microstructured surface ensures that light scattering is reduced, and creates a marking with constant depth and a consistent black color. When the laser pulses used for this marking are ultrashort, the color changes also remain corrosion-resistant within certain parameter ranges. The reason for this is that the use of ultrashort pulse lasers means that the heat-affected zone is extremely small, meaning that enough free chrome remains on the surface that a self-healing oxide film can form.

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Process description

Black marking process outline - how black marking works

  1. Surface structure: Ultrashort pulse lasers with a pulse duration in the range of pico or femtoseconds provide the basis for corrosion-resistant black marking. It becomes possible to process materials with virtually no thermal or mechanical impact. This is because the laser pulse, and therefore the duration of the energy input, is so short that temperature transport to neighboring atoms does not even occur. This prevents thermal stress cracks which can occur in conventional annealing when the parameters are not considered. This is why it is referred to as "cold processing". The laser structures the material at the nanometer level.
  2. Oxide film: In addition to surface structuring, a chromium oxide film plays the second central role in corrosion-resistant black marking. The low exposure to heat in comparison to annealing with short-pulse lasers allows for a sufficient amount of chrome to remain on the surface, which promotes the self-healing process of the passive film. This creates more corrosion-resistant films with chromite (Fe2+Cr2O4) and magnetite (Fe3O4), as well as films consisting of a mixed phase: FeFe2-xCrxO4 (iron-chrome-spinel).
  3. Passivation: Marking is followed by the cleaning of the medical products. The legibility and durability of laser marking can be affected by prolonged exposure times, aggressive cleaning agents, or high temperatures. This is why a targeted passivation procedure is often opted for when it comes to refinishing. In this process, an acid bath consisting of saltpeter or citric acid removes highly reactive elements (e.g. free iron ions) from the surface, and supports the clean, fast formation of a new chrome oxide film for even better corrosion resistance. At the same time, the surface is also cleaned and sulfid es removed during this process.

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Applications examples for black marking

Black marking on a medical valve using TRUMPF products

Laser-marked valves for pressure compensation in the brain

Permanently easy-to-read markings are vitally important to uniquely identify and trace implants. The shunt shown is used to treat hydrocephalus ("water on the brain") and it guides the excess fluid in the brain from the ventricles under the skin to the abdomen.

Emesis basins

Emesis basins made of precious metals are provided with a uniquely traceable, corrosion-resistant UDI code (Unique Device Identification) through black marking.

Scalpel which has been marked with the laser, UDI code for traceability

Scalpels/clamps

Extreme peak pulse powers mean that even surgical equipment such as scalpels or clamps are marked with deep-black, corrosion-resistant UDI codes which can withstand numerous cleaning cycles.

Curious about the advantages that black marking could bring to your marking task?

Our experts would be pleased to advise you.

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Miethke's success story

Marking brain implants to a high level of quality – Miethke, a family-run company based in Potsdam, Germany, does just this. The company produces neurosurgical implants to treat hydrocephalus ("fluid in the brain") using TRUMPF marking lasers. Read the customer report to find out how motivating it is for the employees to work towards improving the quality of life of patients every day.

Medical instrument with UDI code, black marking with TRUMPF lasers
UDI-compliant marking

In accordance with EU and US standards, medical products must be labeled with a uniquely traceable UDI code (UDI = Unique Device Identification). TRUMPF can offer you the perfect complete package comprised of marking laser and software for this.

TruMicro Mark 1020
TruMicro Mark

If you're looking for a marking unit for laser markings with ultrashort pulses, the TRUMPF TruMicro Mark 2000 provides an all-around turnkey solution.

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