Do you need laser marking on plastic?

There are different types of plastics

Plastic materials have vastly different chemical compositions. In fact, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyester, PE, PET, ABS, to name a few, are all plastics. Their various compositions mean different outcomes for any processes applied to them, including laser marking. The choice of laser, in terms of required wavelength, depends on the type of plastic involved.

PET, for example, requires a specific short wavelength of 9.3 μm, which you can get with uv laser markers. A laser with a different wavelength could overheat the plastic, causing micro-holes and burns. Laser marking on this semi-transparent plastic results in white characters that seem to float on the surface. From PET bottles to thin films, by using the correct laser source and parameters for making, laser marks on plastics always delivers results that are clear and sharp.

Laser versus ink-jet

The different laser sources and the extensive specialization of modern laser technology currently allow us to make laser marks on all types of plastics. Laser marking is better than other technologies for placing codes, logos, and designs on plastic components. Compared to ink jet, laser marking does not have the problem of ink adhesion, dark substrate contrast, or finish complexity. This is because the laser removes or changes the surface of the plastic material, or modifies its color, creating a contrast.