Abstract: A system for laser marking a substrate includes a multi-emitter array (16) for directing radiation onto a substrate. The multi-emitter array has a radiation guide (19) defining a number of discrete emission channels (20) with emitting ends (20a) of the emission channels (20) arranged in an array. Each emission channel (20) is coupled at its opposing end with two or more laser diodes (18a, 18b). The laser diodes (18a, 18b) are operated at a maximum operational output power (Pop) sufficiently below their rated maximum power (Pm) to provide acceptable levels of reliability whilst providing a combined radiation (24) emitted from each channel (20) having a power high enough to achieve increased operational speeds. The multi-emitter array (19) may comprise a number of optical fibres (26) whose emitter ends are arranged in an array. The system is particularly suited for inkless printing on substrates susceptible to colour change when irradiated.

Abstract: A laser marking system (10) comprises a marking controller (11) operable to control a plurality of laser diodes (13) to emit light through optical fibre (14) such that the emitting, ends of the optical fibres (14) form a multi-emitter array. Light emitted from the emitting ends of the optical fibres (14) is focussed by a lensing arrangement (15) on a substrate (16). The lensing arrangement (15) is substantially telecentric such that the non-telecentric angle, ?t, of the telecentric lens assembly satisfies (Formula I) where ?1/2 is the half angle divergence of the emitter beam and 1/F is the fraction of the emitter spot diameter do that corresponds to the maximum acceptable displacement in the image plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging, cutting and applying a linerless label substrate 2. The substrate 2 is transported to an imaging area and is selectively illuminated by a suitable laser to form an image. By determining the position of the edge of the image, further laser illumination is used to cut the label substrate thereby providing a single label for application to an object. In this manner, the method of the present invention provides all the benefits of a linerless labelling system plus enables flexibility in printing labels of different sizes.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on a substrate, which comprises applying to the substrate an activatable color forming compound wherein said activatable color forming compound is initially unreactive but becomes reactive upon activation; activating said color forming compound in the areas of the substrate where the image is to be formed, and, reacting the activated color forming compound into its colored form to produce an image. A substrate imaged using this method is also provided.

Abstract: A tape construct comprises a laser-imageable composition, whereby images can be created in said tape by irradiation with a laser. In an alternative, a laser-imageable formulation suitable for spray application to a substrate, comprises a color-former, a binder and a carrier.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on a substrate, which comprises applying to the substrate an activatable colour forming compound wherein said activatable colour forming compound is initially unreactive but becomes reactive upon activation; activating said colour forming compound in the areas of the substrate where the image is to be formed, and, reacting the activated colour forming compound into its coloured form to produce an image. A substrate imaged using this method is also provided.

Abstract: A tape construct comprises a laser-imageable composition, whereby images can be created in said tape by irradiation with a laser. In an alternative, a laser-imageable formulation suitable for spray application to a substrate, comprises a colour-former, a binder and a carrier.