The facts and advantages of laser marking plastics

The Gabriel-Chemie Group, a European masterbatch producer, has been producing masterbatch for medical applications for about 40 years. Diego Karpeles explains the advantages of laser marking for plastics.

Definition 

Laser marking is the process in which a laser beam is absorbed by a plastic object, which results in permanent marking. The marking is either dark or light depending on the applied polymer and laser additive. 

Mainly IR lasers are used for marking. However, polymers do not absorb laser beams in this wavelength, which makes high contrast marking impossible. Therefore, laser additives are essential. A laser mark becomes a functional part of the product and stays in it as long as the service life of the item. 

Applications 

What started as a simple mark for cattle ear tags has developed to an essential differentiation way to mark medical products of all kinds. 

In the medical industry, laser marking is used for all kinds of manufacturing methods such as injection moulding, extrusion and even for some film applications. 

Properties 

The contact-free laser marking has many benefits. The production of laser marking plastic items does not require any pre-treatment, is resistant to sterilisation, to chemicals, hot water and steam. Extremely fast speed product marking rate and highest outputs of mass products are possible with laser marking. The art of marking is contactless, through a laser ray. Laser marking masterbatches are available in medical grade quality. 

Advantages 

Unique Device Identification (UDI) is easily complied through laser marking. The marking is of highest contrast quality and enables easy visual recognition, it is ideal to mark barcodes, QR codes, series numbers, and is extremely effective against counterfeiting. 

Laser marking of plastics is possible when marking dark on white, when light marking dark surfaces and even with colour markings.  

The running cost is low due to the fact that laser marking avoids the use of printing inks, coatings, labels and solvents. Another perquisite is the maximum flexibility that comes with laser marking. Personalisation and limited editions are implemented instantly in a simple way due to the quick marking-template change. 

Owing to the high marking speed and the high flexibility, economies of scale can be reached even at low production series.