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.
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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
