Plastics Laser Marking on Plastics

Because of its precise and durable marking of plastic components and its versatility, laser marking has been established as an indispensable technology for industrial companies in medical technology, the electronics industry and the automobile industry because it meets the very high demands of these industries.

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UV Laser Marked Nylon Pattern | FOBA Laser Marking

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The Versatility of Plastics: Indispensable in Industrial Manufacturing!

Plastics play an important role in various areas of industry. Because of their versatility and durability, plastics are used in the automobile, construction and electronics industries, where they are used to manufacture components, housings and insulations. In the medical area, plastics are indispensable because they are used in the production of medical devices, implants and for packaging of sterile products. In daily life and at home, plastics also have a broad range of uses, ranging from kitchen utensils and furniture to toys, and offer practical solutions for many day to day needs. In light of the environmental impacts caused by plastics, sustainability and recycling are becoming more and more important to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment and preserve resources.

Advantages Why you should laser mark your products with FOBA

Plastics laser marking offers a broad range of advantages that make it a preferred method for many industrial applications. The markings are extremely resistant to abrasion, heat, light and chemicals, which ensures their durability. In addition, laser markings are of high quality and difficult to falsify, which increases counterfeit protection. The flexibility of laser marking allows for a precise and flexible design of the markings, even in areas that are difficult to access. Since the process protects the material and does not require consumable materials, such as ink, it is also environmentally friendly. Marking is touchless, which retains the integrity of the plastic. These advantages make laser marking the ideal solution for marking plastic products.

Quick and flexible
Reliable legibility, durability, traceability
Easy integration
Hygienic marking
Higher manufacturing efficiency – lower costs
Touchless and versatile

Laser Marking Applications of Plastics

There are different types of plastics, each with different properties and applications. Thermoplastics are plastics that become soft when heated and can be shaped, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Thermosets, on the other hand, are heat-resistant and retain their shape, such as epoxy resins and phenolic resins. Elastomers are flexible plastics that stretch and return to their original shape, such as rubber and silicone.

Process for Marking Plastics

Selecting the correct method and adaptation of the laser wavelength yields optimal marking results that meet the specific demands and characteristics of the plastics.
The carbonization, color removal / material removal, color change / foaming and laser engraving processes offer versatile and precise options for marking and engraving plastics. Each of these methods offers unique advantages and can be adjusted individually depending on the application and material to yield the best results.

Carbonize
During carbonization with laser, the color of the marked material darkens.

Color removal / Material removal
Previously applied paint, varnish and coating layers are partially removed and the rubber material becomes visible. This applies, for example, in case of painted materials, anodized aluminum, fittings and also cardboard packaging and labels.

Color change / Foaming
Color pigments and carbon contained in the plastics will be destroyed and vaporize. A color change becomes visible and foaming of the material can be felt.

Laser engraving
Laser engraving is a procedure where marking lasers are used to process and mark industrial products and components. The terms laser engraving and laser marking are frequently used synonymously.

Find your individual Laser Marker for your Applications!

Discover our high-performance marking lasers that ensure top precision and efficiency of plastics marking. Our product range includes color lasers, UV lasers, green lasers, CO₂ laser markers and ultrashort pulse lasers that are perfectly suited to meet the demands of modern plastics processing.

Interesting Facts

Our white paper, application notes, case studies and webinars offer comprehensive and detailed analyses of state of the art technologies. You will receive valuable insights into the advantages and challenges of laser marking including practical application examples and success stories from the industry.

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Discover our white papers, application notes and case studies!

Would you like to gain deeper insights into current trends and proven laser marking processes? Our documents provide you with valuable information and practical examples to help you make informed decisions and optimize your strategies.

Laser marking of plastics
Plastic processing by laser marking

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FAQ

Laser marking is a precise and durable method that is particularly suitable for marking plastics. The markings are abrasion-proof, resistant to heat and chemicals and can produce complex patterns and fine details. This list shows how many different plastics can be laser-marked: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), HDPE, PVC, Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Polyimide (PI), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyarylsulfone (PSU, PPSU) and Silicone.

When processing flame-retardant or flame-resistant plastics, it is important to perfectly match the material and wavelength.

These plastics can be marked extremely gently with UV marking lasers. Ultraviolet lasers work with a wavelength of 355 and, as a result of a photochemical effect, generate a high contrast on the marked surface, keeping the heat input into the material at a minimum. Even the most sensitive products can thereby be marked safely because the biocompatibility of the material is retained.

This is particularly advantageous for plastics in medical technology that are produced for invasive applications because they receive a durable and sterilizable marking. Flame-retardant plastics for electronic housings can also be marked without impairing the material.

UV lasers make it possible to produce dark gray markings on light materials, which are caused by breaking chemical bonds. Because the material neither burns nor carbonizes, this is referred to as “cold marking”.

All lasers of our product range are suitable for plastics. They include the UV Laser, Green Laser, Fiber Laser, Ultrashort pulse Laser as well as the CO2-Laser Markers.

Laser additives are particularly useful to improve the marking capability of plastics, increase the process speed and to optimize the material characteristics. They are also helpful for marking sensitive or difficult to mark materials and can ensure the biocompatibility in the medical technology. Marking with UV lasers does not require the addition of additives.

Yes, a laser marker can be used for precise and durable marking of barcodes and graphics. This technology allows sharply contoured and contrast-rich markings that make even filigree structures visible.

Not every operation can just use a laser to mark plastic in the production. There are strict statutory regulations and safety requirements that must be complied with. This includes naming a Laser Safety Officer. In addition, comprehensive safety measures must be taken and the laser equipment must be serviced regularly to ensure safety.