Should a plastic’s properties dictate that it cannot be laser … The contact-free method can also be used to mark hard-to-reach and curved surfaces of the part. Laser marking is a permanent and customizable method of marking plastic parts. Different material types behave differently while progressing with laser marking plastic, and there are lots of them: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, acrylic, nylon… Laser marking: The laser beam acts by decoloring the heated surface (clear marking on dark plastic or grey or black marking on clear material). The laser choice will depend on the application requirements. This results in high productivity and cost benefits during manufacture. Laser marking is fundamentally different from ink printing, the traditional method of marking on plastics. Laser marking causes physical and chemical changes on the surface of the plastic, thus causing marks that are more permanent than standard ink printing or etching. Laser Cut Nylon Services Nylon is a man-made synthetic fiber that is known for its elasticity and strength. Laser Marking for Other Materials (Glass / Paper / Ceramics / Other), Laser Marking for 2D Codes (Data matrix / QR Code / Barcode), Process Improvements from Mould Machining. More specifically, a laser light emitted from an oscillator is captured (scanned) by the scanning mirror and applied to the surface of the target for marking. “What exactly is a laser?” “What are the principles behind lasers?” Whether you’re interested in basic knowledge questions like these or more in-depth information such as oscillator structures, these technical references provide the answers in an easy-to-understand way. Copyright (C) 2021 KEYENCE CORPORATION. Should a plastic’s properties mean that it cannot be laser marked, it can usually … Generally, the fiber laser generates a white mark on any plastic base color. Degree of depth is the primary distinguishing factor. Plastic Processing Plastic marking The optimal laser marker for this task is a hybrid laser marker that has a high peak power within the fundemental wavelength. Laser engraving has replaced conventional two-part injection molding and rotary engraving as the preferred method for rapid production of custom day-and-night marks because of its speed, operational flexibility, and mark quality. This site is managed by KEYENCE CORP. Total Solutions for High Contrast Laser Marking of Plastic. This results in increased labour and costs when marking various patterns. These bubbles are particularly visible with darker base materials and result in “thin” colouration. Challenges for Plastic Laser Marking Machine Manufacturers. Looking for a laser marking machine? You will surely find a suitable laser for your product making. This section introduces the basic principles and features of laser marking as well as marking examples. In this section, you will find applications in a wide variety of industries as well as detailed examples showing the advantages in using laser markers. Laser Marking for Other Materials (Glass / Paper / Ceramics / Other), Laser Marking for 2D Codes (Data matrix / QR Code / Barcode), Process Improvements from Mould Machining. When the base material is irradiated with a laser, gas bubbles are generated inside the material due to the thermal effect of the radiation. Laser markers can be used to perform various marking tasks, including the following. Laser engraving plastic demands both scientific and creative approach. The laser marking machine for plastic works on a low power level and longer pulses. The laser radiation changes the crystal structure of the ions and the hydration level in the crystal. From PET bottles to thin film materials, marking can be achieved with no pin holes. Laser marking is one of the fastest marking processes available in the market. This section introduces the principles, characteristics, and advantages of laser marking—a type of laser processing—as well as typical processing examples. Marking provides a print-like finishing on designs and other surfaces that cannot be erased. Irradiation from the laser light results in a highly visible white colour on the surface of the plastic. By using laser radiation to develop a color instead of engraving the plastic, damage from marking the target is minimized. This behaviour is also used in the laser welding of plastics, during which one welding partner absorbs the laser beam and the other welding partner is transparent for the laser beam. The surface of a target is removed, marked, or engraved in some way. This page shows some applications and information of laser processing. When the base material absorbs the laser energy, the thermal effect increases the molecular density. Many plastics and thermoplastics can be laser marked. Laser marking is a non-contact optical process in which the plastic has to absorb the laser beam. Learn all about basic laser topics such as oscillation principles and characteristics according to wavelength. Selecting the best marking method ensures damage-free marking regardless of the target material. Laser marking is used for marking logos, product names, serial numbers, model numbers, and other information onto a product by irradiating the target with a laser light to melt, scorch, peel, oxidise, cut, or discolour the surface. The types of laser used and some practical examples of laser processing. When an area continuously receives high energy, macromolecules of the element around the base material are carbonised and turn black. All Rights Reserved. Irradiate a plastic target with a laser to develop a colour in the target itself. Gasified, evaporated bubbles are contained in the surface layer of the base material and create a whitish swelling. Laser Marking Plastic Arthur Brodskiy 2019-09-11T16:31:47-04:00 LASER MARKING Molded plastic parts have become ubiquitous components of industrial equipment, medical devices, aerospace & aviation components, vehicle & marine parts and common household appliances. This section describes information ranging from the principles of plastic marking and processing to advantages grouped by laser wavelength. Consequently, the composition of the element itself changes chemically, resulting in colour development due to the increased intensity of the pigment. Learn all about basic laser topics such as oscillation principles and characteristics according to wavelength. This behavior is also utilized in the laser welding of plastics, during which one welding partner absorbs the laser beam and the other welding partner is transparent to the laser beam. White paper "Plastic laser marking" Based on the properties of a plastic, its functional purpose and its intended use the requirements for marking it are varying. Carbonizing on the other hand enables strong contrasts on bright surfaces. The absorption ratio varies greatly depending on the wavelength. The laser works with a maximum pulse rate, but low energy per pulse. You are looking for a high-quality plastic mark. The types of laser used and some practical examples of laser processing. (Example) Wide-area marking on LSI. Check out our 2020 buyer's guide to the top 10 laser marking machines. Laser-based colouration can be divided into four main principles. With labeling and printing methods, labels or printed surfaces may peel off or fade, making it impossible to identify the printed content. Direct ink printing puts an image on the surface of the plastic which can be removed by abrasion or solvents, but Laser marking can provide an indelible high-contrast mark in the material itself, with no direct contact with the plastic other than through the incident Laser beam. Laser marking plastic Lasers mark plastic components not only permanently and flexibly, but also very environmentally and material friendly. Scanning irradiates a target with a single laser light, and marking is performed in a stroke-like motion. Laser markers can be roughly divided into two types: masking laser markers and scanning laser markers. The “pigment” elements in the base material always contain metallic ions. Using a laser with a short wavelength (9.3 μm) enables clear marking with minimal damage. Irradiation from the laser light results in a black colour on the surface of the plastic. It introduces marking examples and the optimal laser markers for a variety of materials such as ABS, epoxy, and PET. PVC, ABS, and polystyrene, both fundamental and green lasers show low transmission ratio and high absorption ratio, which ensures good marking. The laser radiation changes the crystal structure of the ions and the hydration level in the crystal. Laser marking on plastic can be obtained with either a CO 2 or a fiber laser source. The most common processes of laser marking on plastic are carbonization, color change, foaming and engraving. The available types of lasers—such as CO2 lasers, YVO4 lasers, and YAG lasers—depends on the target material and the desired marking method. This section introduces marking techniques and laser selection according to the material. Laser Marking Basics is designed to learn about laser marking applications and includes information on laser principles, types, and marking. Depending on the material structure and size, different laser sources (e. g. fiber lasers) or laser machines (e. g. galvo lasers) can be used to further increase the speed. Irradiate a plastic target with a laser to develop a color in the target itself. Damage-free marking is the best method for marking targets where damage to the product surface or the inside due to laser energy is a concern. This is a must-read if you want to check the laser lineup first! Consequently, the composition of the element itself changes chemically, resulting in colour development due to the increased intensity of the pigment. Laser Marking is a permanent marking process where discoloration occurred at the surface when a low powered laser beam reacts with the surface of a material, by changing the material properties.. “What exactly is a laser?” “What are the principles behind lasers?” Whether you’re interested in basic knowledge questions like these or more in-depth information such as oscillator structures, these technical references provide the answers in an easy-to-understand way. On the other hand, the transmission ratio for polyimide is about 30% with a green laser (532 nm) but more than 90% with a fundamental laser (1064 nm). The highly visible, print-like finishing does not disappear like ink. This section introduces marking techniques and laser selection according to the material. Recently, marking applications with various types have become common, and the high-speed capabilities of scanning lasers help cover weaker aspects of production. Laser Marking Plastics? The markings produced in laser marking operations contrast with the material surface, making them easy for both humans and machines to read. The surface of a target is scorched, oxidised, or discoloured by the laser light. Even small characters can be easily identified, ensuring reliable quality control. By using Ytterbium Fiber Laser (1062 nm) technology, the laser quickly creates a permanent mark on your plastic part by reacting with the chemicals in the plastic to create a colored mark on the plastic, whether it is black, white, orange, or many other colors of plastic. This section describes information ranging from the principles of plastic marking and processing to advantages grouped by laser wavelength. This has resulted in an increase in scanning systems that allow for a higher degree of freedom. Today’s laser markers, however, can control the Z-axis height using a scanning mirror, making it possible to mark a wide variety of targets with various shapes. Laser marking is a non-contact optical process in which the plastic has to absorb the laser beam. The surface of a target is cut or engraved. Foaming works on all polymers, but also on some metals. The “pigment” elements in the base material always contain metallic ions. The CO 2 laser is more often used for etching or engraving on the plastic. You will surely find a suitable laser for your product making. Use the heat of laser radiation to weld and join plastic parts. Laser-based marking is performed as follows. Includes an overview of the different technologies. In the case of plastics, the process is characterized by a fast marking speed and low cycle times. It introduces marking examples and the optimal laser markers for a variety of materials such as ABS, epoxy, and PET. The surface of the target itself is coloured, resulting in high-contrast areas. Laser Engraving Enables Cost-Effective Day-and-Night Markings on Plastic Parts. Utilising high-output laser light, laser markers are capable of high-speed marking for efficient production. Marking is split into two main categories: "contact marking" and "non-contact marking”. along with other resins for marking with variety of different lasers like 1064 nm Nd:YAG-Laser, fiber laser and solid state lasers. Plastic laser marking. Gasified, evaporated bubbles are contained in the surface layer of the base material and create a whitish swelling. This method provides contrast against the base material colour by peeling the paint, printed surface, or plating layers of a target for marking. Pin holes can appear as a result of overheating when marking under high power. Conventional scanning methods only allow control from the X and Y axes, meaning the light could only be scanned on a flat surface. When an area continuously receives high energy, macromolecules of the element around the base material are carbonised and turn black. Laser marking is a type of non-contact marking. Peel the paint or printing on the target surface to bring out the contrast with the colour of the base material. Marking that appears as if the white characters are floating from the surface is possible with transparent/translucent PET plastic. Nylon is great for laser cutting and in the case of fabrics, the cut edges do not fray after they are heat sealed with the laser. This is a must-read if you want to check the laser lineup first! No material is removed, but some foaming is possible. Color laser engraving can essentially be broken down into two subsets, that of color laser engraving on metal and color laser marking on plastic. Copyright (C) 2021 KEYENCE CORPORATION. Laser markings on plastic surfaces are always smudge and abrasion resistant. Masking enables high-speed, high-resolution marking, but masks that match the content being marked must be prepared. In this section, you will find applications in a wide variety of industries as well as detailed examples showing the advantages in using laser markers. A great diversity of plastics are being deployed especially in the automotive or medical industry. Marking provides a print-like finishing on designs and other surfaces that cannot be erased. The laser process terms “laser marking”, “laser etching”, “laser engraving” are often interchanged, however the technical aspects have important distinctions. Color Laser Marking on Plastics As of this writing, color laser markings for plastics is still limited, but recently developed techniques may … along with other resins for marking with variety of different lasers like 1064 nm Nd:YAG-Laser, fiber laser and solid state lasers. These bubbles are particularly visible with darker base materials and result in “thin” colouration. When the base material is irradiated with a laser, gas bubbles are generated inside the material due to the thermal effect of the radiation. The laser marking process accommodates a variety of materials, ranging from metal and plastic to leather, glass, wood, and more. Our laser marking additives can be used in polyolefins like PP, HDPE, PS, ABS, PC, TPU, PET, PBT, Nylon, PVC and TPE etc. Topics: Based on the nature of the plastic, its functional purpose and its intended use the requirements for its marking are varying. When the base material absorbs the laser energy, the thermal effect increases the molecular density. In the White Paper you will learn that the quality of the marking is determined by the type of the selected laser etching system, the utilized marking parameters, but also by the selection of special additives in the plastic mix. This makes laser marking the preferred option for marks that need to remain legible even after several years, such as part numbers and serial numbers. Laser Marking for Plastic. The molecules are condensed and the colour changes to a darker colour. Learn About Plastic Engraving Machines CO2 Laser Marking Machine: Rliable, cost-effective performance and high-quality marking for plastics and a wide range of other materials. Our laser marking additives can be used in polyolefins like PP, HDPE, PS, ABS, PC, TPU, PET, PBT, Nylon, PVC and TPE etc. The graph below shows the transmission ratio of a fundamental laser (1064 nm), a green laser (532 nm), and a UV laser (355 nm) for various plastic materials. These scanning mirrors are called galvano mirrors, and a system that uses one or more of these mirrors is called a “galvano scanner” or “galvano mirror scanning system”. This method is generally referred to as engraving. Marking visibility and durability . Laser marking with colour change is basically an electrical process, which reorders the macromolecules (changing their direction). All Rights Reserved. Markings are white and clear, making for an ideal replacement for stamps, labels, and printing. This is due to the fact that - compared to conventional marking procedures - no templates or consumables such as ink are required. Laser light is applied to a mask surface, and only those parts that pass through the mask are marked. Remove/engrave the surface layer with a laser. Lasers can be used for a variety of marking methods including surface melting and scorching, plating and paint peeling, oxidisation, and discolouration. In most cases pressing too much when marking can be counterproductive and can decrease the final contrast, so it is better to start with 1 repetition and gradually increase them. Peel the paint or printing on the target surface to bring out the contrast with the colour of the base material. 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