Marking of Computer Keyboards by Means of Excimer Lasers

Abstract

An excimer laser-based technique for marking computer keyboards has been developed with the aim of achieving high speed and flexibility on the production line and of avoiding the use of toxic solutions for printing and varnishing. The marking process was developed by investigating contrast and depth of colour change as a function of laser parameters as well as of polymer composition. The laser-printed symbols on various optimised polymeric materials (polystyrene. PC. ABS), both dark and light grey, passed all computer keyboard standards tests This article also describes the prototype system developed for industrial pilot production.