Clear, Durable Marking, True-to-Color Appearance: Milliken EXPLAZ™ Offers a New Solution for Laser Marking Additives

In electronics and electrical, automotive, medical, consumer goods and other industries, laser marking is becoming a mainstream method for component identification. However, traditional laser marking additives often require higher loadings to achieve high-contrast marks, which can cause white and light-colored formulations to turn gray and colored formulations to become darker, significantly increasing color-matching challenges.

To address this trade-off, Milliken’s new EXPLAZ™ laser marking additive offers a new solution.

Decoding EXPLAZ™ Core Technology

Milliken EXPLAZ™ starts with the material itself. It efficiently and selectively absorbs 1064 nm infrared laser radiation and converts it into a controlled localized response within the polymer matrix, creating clear, durable markings.

At the same time, EXPLAZ™ delivers effective laser marking performance while minimizing its impact on the base color. At loadings as low as 0.2%, it can achieve high-contrast marking, helping white formulations stay white and colored formulations stay vibrant—balancing clear identification with the original appearance of the material.

Three Key Advantages to Address Laser Marking Challenges

1. Low Loading, High-Efficiency Marking
   In a PBT test case, at a 0.5% loading, EXPLAZ™ delivered fast marking efficiency under the tested conditions and achieved ISO 29158 Class A validation, with a 100% read rate.
2. Durable Performance for Product Traceability
   To meet marking requirements throughout the service life of components, EXPLAZ™ enables durable, non-contact marking on materials. Its high resistance supports product identification and quality traceability.
3. Reduced Base-Color Interference, Greater Color-Matching Flexibility

Clear markings also require an appropriate base color as a backdrop. While improving marking performance, EXPLAZ™ minimizes its impact on the base color, helping white and colored formulations retain their original appearance, reducing additive-related color-matching interference and providing greater flexibility to balance identification requirements with color design.

Two Grades for Different Needs

EXPLAZ™ HT-34D: Preserving True Color, Keeping Whites Brighter

Reduced Impact on Appearance: Minimizes interference with the base color. In comparative testing, it better maintained substrate brightness, helping white formulations achieve a brighter appearance and providing greater flexibility for color formulation.

Compatible with Infrared and UV Lasers: Recommended loading is 0.2%–0.7%, compatible with infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) laser systems.

EXPLAZ™ MX-14D: Versatile Performance with Toughness

Broad Compatibility: Suitable for polymers including PA, PBT, ABS, PC and PP, helping simplify formulation development across different material systems.

High Toughness and Durability: Supports clear part codes, QR codes and brand identification. In PA6 GF30 testing, the impact strength after addition was approximately 10.8 kJ/m², close to approximately 11 kJ/m² for the control sample.

Improved Marking Efficiency: Effective marking can be achieved at loadings of 0.1%–0.6%, while minimizing the impact on the base color.

Both products comply with the relevant GB 9685 requirements for food contact, providing compliant material options for food-contact consumer products, appliances and other applications.

Behind every clear mark is a commitment to quality and traceability; behind every material that retains its true color is a commitment to quality and aesthetics. With innovative technology, Milliken EXPLAZ™ integrates efficient laser marking with appearance performance, helping customers enhance the added value of their products.

Connect with a Milliken laser marking expert today.