TactoTek uses a sustainable Cajo laser marking system for product marking and decoration of plastic cost-efficiently

Fiber laser is a technology that can be used to mark plastic parts remarkably flexibly and cost-efficiently. All the necessary production chain information can be permanently marked on the product. Also at TactoTek, laser marking has replaced more traditional methods, such as labels and inkjets.

The technology company TactoTek will use laser marking to mark products even more in the future. The company invested in the Cajo Hercules Multimark™ fiber laser that suits many needs.

TactoTek is a pioneer in structural electronics. A frontrunner whose innovative manufacturing technology is licenced to companies around the world. TactoTek has developed the IMSE® technology, which stands for Injection Molded Structural Electronics. Using the technology, printed electronics and components are placed inside the injection-molded plastic structure. The finished, three-dimensional piece has various toggle switches, illuminated icons and solutions related to ambient lighting.

“They can be simply called smart surfaces. When the electronics are cast directly inside the plastic, the structure is lighter, smaller and thinner,” says TactoTek’s Manufacturing Director Hannu Tiainen.

Watch a video that presents Cajo’s efficient laser marking systems capability to quickly produce product markings that stand out clearly even on transparent plastic material.

 

Smart surfaces designed by Tactotek can be installed, for example, in cars, home electronics and modern interiors. As a company ahead of its time, TactoTek has placed the environment and sustainability at the center of all its operations.

“A lightweight product that has reached the end of its life cycle can be recycled 100 %,” Tiainen says.

Technology solutions manufactured using IMSE® technology consume significantly less plastic and also produce less greenhouse emissions than traditional similar solutions. In addition, an already existing industry is utilized in manufacturing products.

“Here in Oulu, we handle product development, various prototypes and experimental small series for research purposes, but also some mass production in the future. However, our purpose is to sell licenses to operators who already have the necessary equipment or can easily arrange for them with small additional acquirements,” Tiainen says.

In other words, TactoTek develops manufacturing technology and sells licenses for designing and manufacturing products, and transfers the necessary know-how to its customer company through training. These work stages are referred to as IMSE® design and IMSE® builder.

“Our work is guided by completely different principles than in other electronics or mechanics designs. We possess vast experience, and we are constantly collecting more data and information, we study different materials and find other materials that are best compatible with them,” Tiainen explains.

 

Enter Cajo Hercules Multimark™ — Fiber laser assures that the manufacturing chain information is always accessible to both the company and the customer

Cajo Technologies, a partner of the likewise environmentally conscious company, shares the same values with TactoTek. Cajo’s sustainable laser marking systems offer a more ecological alternative to more traditional marking methods, such as inkjets and labels. The cooperation between the companies started from a solid foundation of previous good experiences.

“We were situated very close to each other. As neighbours, we had been looking for synergy for a long time and pondered how we could help each other,” Manufacturing Director Tiainen recalls.

TactoTek’s plan was to combine two processes with a laser: marking the plastic material and cutting the plastic material. However, while still planning what to procure, the cutting feature was dropped and the need was approached from a more versatile perspective. Finally, TactoTek was supplied with the Cajo Hercules Multimark™ system, which enables markings to be created with high quality, agility and easy modification. The laser can be used in an exceedingly versatile way for different purposes, and it is one of the longest-lasting marking machines on the market in terms of service life.

TactoTek Manufacturing Director Hannu Tiainen and the Cajo Hercules Multimark™ -laser marking system.

 

“All pieces are measured and marked. It is very important for both us and our customers that information about the product’s journey through the manufacturing chain is available. With the current fiber laser, in addition to marking, we can make various decorations, i.e. decorative surfaces. In addition, the laser enables among other things the removal of material from a certain area and thinning, which we do for research purposes,” Tiainen lists.

TactoTek Production Coordinator Harri Kähkönen uses the flexible CajoSuite™ software in his work, which enables the easy design of accurate and permanent product markings. The designs can then be created cost-efficiently with Cajo’s comprehensive laser marking solutions.

 

Support from the machine supplier is excellently available in special situations

When the decision on the right type of laser system was made, the procurement project progressed and finally, the system was ready to be delivered from Cajo to TactoTek. TactoTek personnel were trained to operate the laser and the operation became a routine part of the company’s daily activities. The laser marking system has worked well, and support has been excellently available in special situations.

“When we noticed any problems, the support we have received has always been fast and good. We have been really satisfied with how Cajo has always taken immediate action when the situation required it,” Tiainen praises and continues: “Overall, our cooperation is close and deep. We are both active and have the willpower to deepen the cooperation.” 

TactoTek and Cajo Technologies will therefore continue to cooperate. When future mass production will be done in Oulu as well, the marking and processing volume of the material will also increase.

“We will use laser marking to an increasing extent in the future. There is a need for marking in future projects and endeavours, and Cajo is always a viable option for us,” Tiainen says.