Laser marking on plastic / Laser for plastic
When we talk about foaming or recolouring a material using a laser, we are also referring to a special type of laser marking in which the laser only processes the surface of the material.
Plastics often consist of different materials that react differently when processed with a laser. Not only the base material plays a role here, but also individual colour pigments or other mixed components contained in the material, e.g. additives, fillers or protective substances, influence the laser result.
If you want to apply durable markings to plastics, laser engraving is the most commonly chosen alternative. This is because, unlike traditional methods such as printing or embossing, laser enraving is extremely durable and high-contrast markings can be applied.
Most plastics can be marked very well with the laser, but some can only with the addition of certain additives. The polymer is melted and a foam-like structure is formed, which is why this process is also called foaming. In this way, light plastics can be labelled dark and dark plastics light. With certain additives, laser marking on plastic is even possible in colour.
Plastics can be processed by colour change during labelling. The energy of the laser beam changes the optical properties of the workpiece´s pigments and the surface of the workpiece remains virtually undamaged. The plastic material is only processed to a depth in the μ range.
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Which processes are available for laser labelling plastics?
Carbonisation or recolouring
Individual molecules are specifically destroyed by the energy of the laser beam, thereby changing their structure. Plastic contains carbon and this is burnt through carbonisation. The result is high-contrast laser labelling and is often used for light-coloured plastic housing, such as electronic housings made of polycarbonate.
Foaming
The laser´s heat causes the surface of the plastic to melt. This foaming causes glass bubbles to form on the material and the volume is increased. The carbon content in the plastic oxidises to CO² and escapes. As a result, a layer of foam on the surface (elevation) due to the discharge. This creates the contrast in the laser labelling of the plastic and a "raised" marking.
Day/night process - luminous laser marking of plastics
The day/night method is used for any control elements that need to be illuminated in the dark, for example in the automotive industry. By removing the top layer, painted or coated plastics can be labelled with the corresponding inscriptions and geometries. The buttons in the car interior appear white due to the layer removal and are backlit in the dark.
What results can laser marking achieve on my plastic?
In order to achieve the maximum contrast ratio, the combination of material base and laser parameters for labelling on plastic is crucial.
For single plastics, no additional laser additive is required for laser marking, e.g. light-coloured marking on a dark/black surface.
For other polymers, 2 - 3 % of laser additive is added to the masterbatch or if necessary, a combination batch is selected directly in order to achieve the best possible labelling results. Our long-standing cooperation partner Gabriel-Chemie is happy to advise you. In a series of preliminary tests, your individual masterbatch is developed to perfection.
The table on the right provides an overview of the laser marking contrasts (light/dark/coloured) that can be achieved on the individual plastic types.
Your plastic is not in the list? Are you unsure how high-contrast laser marking can be realised on your plastic? You can send us your components for a test load.
Looking for the right laser for your plastic marking?
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Innovation - the laser logo
Products made of recycled material have not only been in vogue since 2022. However, the recycling cycle usually ends at this point, as labels in combination with water-insoluble adhesive are required for product identification and thus the possibility of recycling ends.
Which three components are important to guarantee the recycling of packaging
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Recyclable plastic as material base
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Neutral behavior of additives, such as laser additives
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No labels, printing inks, sleeves and adhesives for product identification
With a recycled material base, 100% recyclability can be given.
The product marking is lasered directly onto the plastic packaging by laser. When laser marking plastics, no additional materials are used. The energy of the laser beam destroys some molecules or causes them to be damaged. Recolored (see above for laser marking on plastic).
Die dauerhafte und chemikalienresistente Beschriftung auf Kunststoffen wird durch die Laseradditivzugabe positiv beeinflusst. Durch 2-3 % Zugabe von Laser Additiven in Kombination mit einem Masterbatch wird die Absorption der Laserstrahlung erhöht und eine kontrastreiche Markierung erzielt.
These laser additives are neutral in the recycling process and thus support the recycling of plastic packaging.
Are laser systems for plastics sustainable?
The laser systems themselves convince with a long service life and low power consumption (Ø 300-350 W). For example, a fiber laser, which is often used for marking plastics, has an average service life of 100,000 operating hours.
In addition to the integrated air cooling, our laser systems are low maintenance and wear-free - perfect for continuous use.
Laser systems have an average power consumption of almost 80% lower than a conventional hair dryer.
You want to know more about laser marking?
Get an overview of the many applications of laser marking systems in our Booklet. A practical overview of all our marking systems - whether as a stand-alone system or integrated into your production line, you will find in our Product portfolio.
Please test our new laser configurator - you will answer a few simple questions about your wishes and you will receive an individual offer from us as soon as possible.