Applications on Plastics
A variety of applications like foaming, carbonization and cutting
Carbonization
Many types of plastic react to the laser by producing carbonization effects, which can be used to achieve a dark coloration. This ensures a very good contrast in light-colored plastics. The important parameter for this effect is the absorption of laser light by the material. This is why it may be beneficial to use a green-light laser for some plastic types.
Engraving
Engravings with material removal are particularly suited for thermosetting plastics. A good legibility is achieved due to the reflection contrast of the engraving.
Foaming
In certain plastic compositions the plastic foams when exposed to laser light. This changes the color, for example from black all the way to white or a soft brownish color. This ensures an excellent color contrast. Since this type of labeling can be performed with very low power, the method can be used for high-velocity applications.
Material Removal
An outstanding contrast can be achieved by removing the upper layer in coated plastic parts. Material combinations whose top layer interacts more strongly with the laser light than the substrate material are particularly suited for this method.
Whitepaper: Laser marking plastics
Discover the various types of plastics used in industry as well as everyday applications as well as the different processes used to apply laser markings on the material. This free white paper will give a comprehensive introduction to laser markings on plastics.
