In this application the plastic product requires a unique ID code for life cycle traceability.
There are a number of differing changes to the material surface during the laser marking of plastic, 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.
In this case, the plastic reacts very well to the YAG wavelength, creating a contrast to the surface. The die within the plastic is removed (bleaching), providing a mark that is permanent.
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.
