The laser marking of ABS process is used to place a barcode 39 image onto the materials main body for data storage and traceability. The contrast achieved, provides good reads from the scanning systems used both in industrial and retail decoding. The barcode is laser marked along the length, to minimise any distortion by the part being tubular. Grey pigmentation within the plastic material, creates the best level of definition for lasers onto plastics such as this.
There are a number of differing changes to the plastic material surface during laser marking, and it is very dependent on the material itself as to which one occurs.
- A thermochemical foaming, creating gas bubbles to the surface of the material, is the most common. The light scatters across the affected area producing the light marking that appears.
- Bleaching is another effect that is common. Here the pigment used to achieve the product colour is removed creating a visual difference.
- The third mechanism is vaporisation, where the material is heated very quickly, to the point where it vaporises and is removed leaving behind the created image.
These three laser marking effects, can be enhanced by the adding of laser sensitive additives and can generate considerable advantages. The additive acts as an abortion barrier, boosting the ability of the laser to process better. In some materials, the laser marking ability would not be possible without this additive. Laser marking of ABS is just one of many applications available for this technology.
If you would like further information on this laser marking application, or any other application, please request a call back or, talk to one of our laser marking specialists on 01737 826902.
