You can then opt on a case-by-case basis whether to allow cookies, generally accept them or reject them. Short-pulse lasers achieve good results with a range of marking types depending on the plastic, the laser wavelength and additives used. Discoloration is caused by the break-up of chemical compounds. ID cards. For laser marking plastics, the laser selectively melts the matrix material, creating gas bubbles which become trapped during cooling. "On-the-fly" laser marking is one of the most highly specialized applications performed on molded and extruded products such as wire/cable, tubes, and pipes. By clicking on "CONSENT" you consent to the use of cookies for the pages trumpf.com, mytrumpf.com and their sub-pages. Foaming or melting are surface-altering processes. To achieve high legibility and marking quality, it is recommended to mix laser-sensitive additives into some industrial plastics. Using frequency-doubled (532 nm, green) or tripled (355 nm, UV) solid-state lasers extends the range of plastics that are easy to mark. Especially in medical technology and automotive engineering … Plastics can therefore be marked much faster than metals. Laser marking is a very versatile technology not just for plastic, but also for a lot of common materials like wood or metal. The laser's high level of performance and excellent beam quality guarantee that you will achieve brilliant laser markings for applications in all industries. Further details can be found in the privacy policy, Lasers mark plastic components not only permanently and flexibly, but also very environmentally and material friendly. Color changing and foaming enable the flexible creation of highly legible, durable, and high-contrast labels and images, e.g. Contact People, Entire overview Power tools, Entire overview The laser is used to create long-lasting, fine, and high-contrast color changes on a multitude of everyday objects made of plastic. Laser marking can be one of the most successful ways to mark or engrave plastics -- over labels, printing, and other alternatives -- when you are using the right type of laser marking machine for your application. Molded plastic parts have become ubiquitous components of industrial equipment, medical devices, aerospace & aviation components, vehicle & marine parts and common household appliances. In the case of plastics, the process is characterized by a fast marking … “Laser Marking” of plastics is a noncontact digital process whereby indelible information is applied onto a target substrate surface with minimal material penetration. The key to laser marking plastics is achieving sufficient absorption of the laser beam into the material. Advantages of TRUMPF machines, Entire overview UV marking lasers, fiber lasers and solid-state lasers in the infrared wavelength range are ideally suited as beam sources for laser marking plastics. In daylight, the symbols are white and at night they are backlit. The marking process produces such … This removes coatings or special layers in laser marking film. Foaming is therefore usually used for black and dark colors. … We offer premium engraving, ADA, cast and extruded acrylic and architectural sign substrates for laser … The laser achieves even the most intricate markings which are high-contrast, clean, and without any smudges. Marking speeds for polyolefin synthetic wine corks and undercap promotions on linerless beverage closures are capable of 2000 pieces/min for alphanumeric text and graphics (FIGURE 4). Laser marking plastics offers fast, non-contact processing which helps maintain the integrity of the material. In additives such as carbon black or dyes, absorption occurs at varying wavelength spectrums. Surfaces remain largely unaffected and smooth. Laser engraving plastic demands both scientific and creative approach. Laser beam energy is used to break down or change the structure of individual molecules, such as color pigments. This is due to the fact that - compared to conventional marking procedures - no templates or consumables such as ink are required. Color molecules can be selectively bleached out or their color changed. Polyethylene is an important plastic used in packaging and bottling industries. Contrast is created by the color of the base material or base coating. Dark gray markings can then be made on light materials. Laser marking is the most flexible way of marking plastics and yields legible, sharp and indelible images. Shop engraving plastic at Hansen Supply. The process is typically used for light-colored plastics. Laser marking on plastic can be obtained with either a CO 2 or a fiber laser source. Lasers can mark products with various geometries in a fully computer-controlled … Cold and non-contact laser marking means that the component surface remains virtually unaffected. You can revoke your cookie settings at any time, Fax Laser inscriptions on plastics neither fade nor rub off so remain perfectly legible even after years. Polyethylene laser marking. Download this checklist for the critical questions to ask when shopping for a marking equipment supplier. 2020 Manufacturing Regulations Making a Mark on Traceability, 5 Dos and 5 Don'ts for Selecting the Marking Technology Your Product Needs, Customer Service that Speaks Directly to Your Bottom Line, 6 Ways Laser Marking Will Save You Time and Money. The resulting raised markings are about 20 to 40 μm high and relatively wide. The successful marking with the settings I used is at the end of the video. For day and night designs, lasers with high pulse-to-pulse stability are available to ensure precise and homogeneous layer ablation. Please note that up until revocation, the legal validity of consent-based processing remains unaffected. Here, the use of a UV laser is recommended. My first few attempts at laser marking plastic with a 20W fiber laser. The main objective of marking systems is the long-term legibility of markings, but ink, for example, has inherent limitations. Robust plastics laser-marking operations require engineering expertise in areas ranging from the selection of polymeric resins and their chemical formulations through systems integration-a total solutions methodology approach that includes material-science chemistry, primary molding operations, laser … Lasers, Entire overview By checking the following checkbox, you consent to the use of cookies for the website pages of trumpf.com, mytrumpf.com and their sub-pages. For example, precision scales can be applied to plastic products used in medical technology. Laser wavelength plays an important role in the marking of plastics, depending on the application. Although it is more difficult to laser mark than polypropylene or PV., the additives present in polyethylene plastic allows the application of a laser mark with a high contrast identifier, when proper laser … TRUMPF Group, Entire overview To create permanent marks that convey essential information as well as aesthetic qualities, many manufacturers use laser marking. Lasers are much more flexible in coping with such challenges, tolerating even minor surface soiling, and able to begin marking immediately without having to first create templates, which is required, for example, by screen and pad printing processes. Based on your configuration, United States might be more appropriate. Software, Entire overview Copyright © 2020 MECCO. Absorption by the macromolecular structure of plastics is usually in the ultraviolet and far infrared range. The optimal laser markers and marking examples are provided for each category, including ABS, epoxies, and PET marking… The flexible laser tool applies high-contrast and permanently legible, high-resolution product markings even in difficult to access areas. Laser marking on plastic Speaking about plastics means referring to derivatives from very different chemical compositions, which influence the performance of the processes applied to them, including … The laser marking of plastics basically involves three separate processes: changes in color, alterations to surfaces and the ablation of layers.>. These lasers often achieve better results than standard systems with wavelengths of 1,064 or 1,030 nm. With the TruMark 6030 marking laser, you can make the most of the advantages offered by the next generation of marking lasers by TRUMPF. Plastic This section introduces a variety of information, from plastic marking/processing principles to laser features according to wavelength. High-quality, reproducible and fully solvent-free: Joining plastics using lasers has many advantages and numerous applications. Even extremely small ABS plastic parts can benefit … One of the key features that makes plastics so difficult to mark successfully is the wide variety of compounds available, including polycarbonate, polyethylene, and silicone; furthermore, common fillers, extenders, and additives as well as colors. Challenges for Plastic Laser Marking Machine Manufacturers. Premium Engraving, ADA and Architectural Sign Substrates B.F. Plastics, Inc. carries a wide variety of plastic and metal engraving materials, corporate award and trophy supplies in a variety of thicknesses, colors and finishes. 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. That said, here are just some of the most common plastics that … Plastics can be marked or engraved with laser marking machines in many ways. Buttons in vehicle interiors are an example of markings achieved by layer ablation. Power electronics, Entire overview Plastic Marking with a Laser A fiber laser from Epilog is the perfect choice for marking engineered plastic parts with barcodes, serial numbers and logos. Press releases, Entire overview The polymer that the plastic parts are made up of dictates the methods used and the energy input needed to laser mark … The light is diffusely reflected, and the marking on dark plastic … Discover the comprehensive manual "Laser marking in brief" and find out about the technical background of the processes and laser systems as well as a guideline on practical marking. The laser dose alters selected molecules and thus brings about a change in color. Applications, Entire overview Even after multiple cleaning cycles, these scales remain clearly legible and are highly resistant to temperature and environmental factors. Especially when processing flame-retardant plastics, it is important that the material and wavelength are optimally matched to each other. Success stories, Entire overview Media service, Entire overview The contact-free method can also be used to mark hard-to-reach and curved surfaces of the part. Linear marking speeds of text and machine vision codes can achieve 500 ft/min and faster, where inkless laser marking now replaces rotary gravure and pad printing… Different material types behave differently while progressing with laser marking plastic… Customer magazines, Telephone Laser marking is a non-contact optical process in which the plastic has to absorb the laser beam. TRUMPF uses cookies to provide a variety of services, to continually improve these services and to display advertisements according to the interests of our visitors. Machines & systems, Entire overview 7 MB, Entire overview VCSEL solutions & photodiodes, Entire overview Advantages of TRUMPF machines, Entire overview Fiscal year figures 2019/20, Laser welding systems and the arc welding cell, Entire overview along with other resins for marking with variety of … Download it here. In metals, most of the beam is reflected, while in plastics, transmission, diffuse reflection, and absorption are more important. Services, Entire overview Laser marking not only proves to be more economical but also offers marks that is free of contact, … Information is typically in the forms of … Our high-performance engraving materials are offered in over 300 color combinations. Hygienic laser engraving and marking of plastics for medical technology with the help of UV lasermarkers. Responsibility, Entire overview Smart Factory, Process cutting: Shears, slitting shears and nibblers, Process fastening: Seam lockers and power fasteners, Process bevelling: Deburrers and bevellers, Entire overview Laser marking is a permanent and customizable method of marking plastic parts. Fiscal year figures 2019/20, Entire overview The laser choice will depend on the application requirements. The laser radiation of the Endurance semiconductor (diode) lasers melts the upper layer of the processed material, which allows to engrave or cut samples of acrylic, plastic, and rubber up to 10 mm thick. 020 6675 9800. The product surface is colored photochemically. Industries, Entire overview Regardless of whether you are producing small or large-volume components or handling small or large lot sizes – TRUMPF's laser marking systems ensure the best possible ergonomics and safety at all times. TRUMPF provides you with a complete solution for your specific application. 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