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Japan:Shikibo Ltd. develops precise fiber marking technology for dealing with counterfeits |
2004-10-13
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In the era of counterfeits, companies have to walk ahead in order to save their patented products from duplication and losses that businesses suffer, due to lack protection.
Taking help of micro electronic device systems and nano-technology, Shikibo Ltd. has been involved itself with the research and development of micro fabrication on a fiber, and so far achieved such products as ''Super Anier'' with deodorant processing, and ''Merma,'' which is treated with a natural mineral from mud, and is gentle to the skin.
In these applications, the use of cross-linking bond at the fiber molecule level and the use of nano-order particles have brought a superior benefit and washing resistance.
Currently, Shikibo Ltd., Clariant (Japan) K. K. and Navitas Co., Ltd. have executed a joint effort on highly precise marking technology on a fiber. Now, the three companies successfully developed a fiber that allows marking of letters and graphics by laser beam.
When a product using this fiber is applied with a spot irradiation of laser beam, the irradiated area turns its color, which can leave a highly precise and perpetual marking. In this manner, it is possible to draw a computer graphic on a product with this fiber by means of a highly precise laser beam irradiation.
With a laser irradiation equipment connected to a computer, it would be possible to print such letters / characters as names, dates of purchase, serial numbers and messages, and make a drawing as one wishes on the spot at the store.
At present, the company is reviewing a laser beam irradiation equipment and the condition of irradiation together with Hamamatsu Industrial Technology Center, by which they are seeking ways to conduct marking of letters and graphics on a single yarn made of the laser marking fiber.
These marks, the company claims cannot be seen by naked eye, and can only be determined by a magnifying glass or microscope, which can be used to prevent the counterfeit products of a designer''s brand.
Shikibo Ltd has announced seeking closer cooperation for commercial application of the fiber to their in-house ''Bahar'' products, and also solicit reputed designer brands manufacturers to jointly work on an application method with them. |
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