A description is given of a method for joining a first and a second film web (2, 2′) of a transfer film or laminating film, wherein the film webs (2, 2′) comprise a thermoplastic carrier film (21) and a decorative layer (23). Formed between the first and second film webs (2, 2′) is a common joining portion (3), in which the first and second film webs (2, 2′) are joined to each other by a welding process. A device for carrying out the method is also described.

An article for laser marking can comprising: a thermoplastic composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, an active component comprising at least one of a polymeric unit and an additive, wherein the thermoplastic polymer has a visible transmission of greater than or equal to 80% according to ASTM D1003-00, Procedure A, using D65 illumination, 10 degrees observer, and thickness of 1 mm; and a mark produced by chemical rearrangement of the active component generated by a laser of a first wavelength; wherein the mark exhibits at least one of: (i) a change in optical properties in the region 400 nm to 700 nm when exposed to light having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nm; and (ii) a change in optical properties in the region of 400 nm to 700 nm when exposed to light having a wavelength greater than or equal to the first wavelength.

An object is created by a more appropriate method when the object is created by combining pieces. A method of manufacturing a product is provided, in which a product 50 for use as a piece is manufactured when a three-dimensional object 40 is created. The product 50 is built by adding layers of an ink. The product 50 includes a surface region 202, an end region 204, and an interior region 206. At least a part of the surface region 202 is formed in a colored state using a coloring ink. At least a part of the interior region 206 is formed as a light-reflective region using a light-reflective ink. At least a part of a portion along an edge portion 210 of the surface region 202 in the end region 204 is formed in a colored state using a coloring ink.

An article for laser marking can comprising: a thermoplastic composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, an active component comprising at least one of a polymeric unit and an additive, wherein the thermoplastic polymer has a visible transmission of greater than or equal to 80% according to ASTM D1003-00, Procedure A, using D65 illumination, 10 degrees observer, and thickness of 1 mm; and a mark produced by chemical rearrangement of the active component generated by a laser of a first wavelength; wherein the mark exhibits at least one of: (i) a change in optical properties in the region 400 nm to 700 nm when exposed to light having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nm; and (ii) a change in optical properties in the region of 400 nm to 700 nm when exposed to light having a wavelength greater than or equal to the first wavelength.

A multilayered article for laser marking can comprise: a first layer having a visible transmission of greater than or equal to 80%; a second layer having a visible transmission of greater than or equal to 80%, and wherein the second layer comprises an active component that will form a laser mark with an L* of less than or equal to 40, when exposed to a laser light of a wavelength of greater than 800 nm; a third layer reflective to laser light having a wavelength greater than 800 nm, wherein the third layer has a visible transmission of greater than or equal to 80%; and optionally a substrate; wherein the article comprises a laser mark having an L* of less than or equal to 40 as measured according to CIELAB 1976 (specular included).