Innovation in Focus – Highlights of Sample Plate 2.0
The application of femto laser technology in a silicone mold sets new standards.
An ideal example of the application area of this innovative laser technology is the silicone sample plate 2.0 in pale green, brown and black with dimensions of 120 x 160 mm and a thickness of 2.7 mm. Refi ning of the silicone sample plate goes beyond purely aesthetic design, as it also makes the addition of concealed information possible on the silicone component. A unique combination of technical sophistication and creative design opens up completely new horizons in terms of the shape and functionality of products.
Highlights of the sample plate 2.0 are the hologram and the low-friction structure at the corners. The advantage of silicone is that fingerprints do not adhere to the surface, or at least only to a very limited degree. Holograms remain a fascinating feature, despite any contact with human skin. The corners of the sample plate 2.0 are particularly interesting, as their surface is imbued with properties that reduce friction. Use of special surface textures enhances the gliding properties of silicone. Friction between objects made of silicone and, indeed, silicone objects and other materials is reduced as a result.
What smells so good?
A further fascinating feature of our silicone plate 2.0 is the integration of micro-encapsulated Alpine timber fragrance. The pleasantly soothing properties of this wood scent are widely known and now combined with silicone in our plate. Micro-encapsulation captures this Alpine timber fragrance in tiny capsules in the silicone. This scent is emitted continuously and repeatedly replenished through contact with water. The combination of a variety of surfaces and micro-encapsulated wood scent make our sample plate 2.0 a unique product that combines innovation and design.
starlim x Reichle
We are proud to have established an exclusive partnership with Reichle. Together, we want to demonstrate to the world just how much can be achieved when processing silicone. This creative cooperation enables us to achieve unique features such as invisible digital watermarks on silicone parts. This opens up new windows of opportunity and expands the limits of that which was previously thought to be possible.
Digital watermark
In terms of authenticity checking, the integrated digital watermark from Digimarc plays a signifi cant role. This feature enables the accessing of product information online and exploration of detailed and customised content. Use of the Digimarc Discover APP facilitates scanning of the sample plate surface, unveiling fascinating information concealed in the laser engravings. Download the Digimarc Discover app and scan the surface of the sample plate. You will be amazed to discover just how much is concealed behind the laser textures.
Engraving sample plaque tech.day 2022
In the same way that metallic traces must be avoided in a medical device, many companies regard the marking of their products with counterfeit protection as essential. Both tasks are realised with the unique expertise of Reichle Technologiezentrum GmbH in Bissingen/Teck, Germany. Together with Starlim Spritzguss GmbH, the liquid silicone specialist from Marchtrenk in Austria, Reichle has, for the first time anywhere, now even succeeded in engineering a silicone mold so that more than concealed information can be illustrated in a component.
The femto (ultrashort pulse) laser technique is a key technology that allows a silicone mold to be engineered with the precision that achieves radii of only 0.02 mm, generates sharp-edged or vertical geometries or can even create tribological properties. Reichle Technologiezentrum GmbH has used this technology in its company for around two years and, since the middle of the year, even operates the world’s largest femto laser system with which tools and molds weighing up to 1,700 kg can be processed. Through the use of femto laser technology, Reichle enables its customers to create molds with holograms, colour effects, engravings without depth and particularly high surface qualities. An ideal example of what can be achieved with innovative laser technology is the white 120 x 160 mm and 2.7 mm thick silicone sample plate exhibited during the tech.day on 23 June 2022. The plate contains a variety of structures, a functional surface that does not attract dust and a vanilla blossom relief depicted as a hologram and with a shimmering iridescent surface.
The plate also conceals a digital watermark indiscernible to the naked eye, but the perfect medium for differentiating the original component from a counterfeit after appropriate reading using a smartphone or tablet. A variety of prints can also be identified on the plate. Added to this is an area that generates a vanilla fragrance when it comes into contact with moisture. Reichle and starlim cooperated with Silcos GmbH, the digital printing specialist, and Digimarc GmbH, the inventor of the digital watermark to develop these additional characteristics.
The sample plate exhibited demonstrates impressively what innovative companies with innovative machine technology can achieve today. Visual, haptic and functional areas can be realised in every component, regardless of whether a QR code in a medical device or the zero-level mold or cavity number in an O-ring for the automotive industry is involved. No longer restricted to thermoplastics, all these options can now also be realised with silicone.
Speaker
As a trained master engraver, Volker Reichle established his own company, Reichle Technologiezentrum GmbH, 40 years ago in Bissingen/Teck, Germany. With 80 personnel and 45 laser systems today, the company has since become the global market and technology leader and, in addition to continually growing, is also in the second family generation. The children, Marina and Marco Reichle, have headed the tool and mold engineering provider since 2021 and supply over 1,000 customers in a variety of sectors such as the automotive, food and medicine industries, aerospace, cosmetics and packaging. With innovative ideas and enormous energy, Volker Reichle is still involved in the family enterprise in this exciting area.
