Laser Marking Additives Make Plastic Marking Easier

Improving Plastic Product Marking with Fiber Laser Marking Machines: Overcoming Challenges for Clear and Quality Engraving

When it comes to marking plastic products with a fiber laser marking machine, there are indeed challenges that can affect the clarity and quality of the marks. The issues you mentioned, such as the inability to engrave or unclear marking on plastics like resin, ABS, PP, PE, TPU, and the generation of bubbles on the plastic surface during laser marking, are common problems faced in the industry.

Here are some reasons why these issues may occur:

1. Material Absorption: Some plastics do not absorb laser energy as efficiently as metals, leading to ineffective marking. The laser may not interact well with the plastic material, resulting in unclear or incomplete marks.
2. Material Composition: The composition of plastic materials can vary, and certain additives or fillers in the plastic can affect how it reacts to laser markings, such as carbon black, flame retardant additives, and glass fibers.  Some additives may create bubbles or interfere with the marking process.
3. Heat Sensitivity: Plastics are more heat-sensitive than metals, and excessive heat generated by the laser can cause bubbles or melting on the plastic surface, leading to unclear marks.

Optimize your polymer laser marking by using laser marking additives

To improve the marking quality of plastic products, consider the following solutions:

1. Optimize Laser Parameters: Adjust the laser settings such as power, speed, and frequency to better match the characteristics of the plastic material being marked.
2. Test and Experiment: Conduct tests on different plastic materials and settings to find the optimal parameters for each type of plastic.
3. Consider Alternative Marking Methods: If fiber laser marking is not suitable for a particular plastic material, explore other marking technologies like UV laser marking.

If the above methods are not effective in solving the problem, the most efficient method is to add laser marking additives. Laser marking additives can enhance laser absorption and optimize marking quality and speed.

The process principle of plastic laser marking additives

The primary role of laser powder is to absorb laser energy, convert the laser beam into thermal energy, and induce thermal effects, carbonization, evaporation, and auxiliary effects on plastics. The chemical reaction resulting from product discoloration creates a marking pattern on the product surface.

The laser marking additives work well with PP, PC, PE, ABS, TPU, PAPA6, PBT, POM, TPE, TPV, TPR, PET, and various engineering plastics, modified plastics, coatings (inks, oils, paints, unsaturated resin), and other materials. They allow for black, white, gold, gray, and green markings with fiber or UV lasers.

Method of using laser marking additives:

1. The addition ratio is 1-5%
2. Can be used together with pigments and toners during direct injection molding and extrusion granulation.
3. Mix directly with plastic, and then use an injection molding machine to directly inject the parts。
4. Process the modified plastic material using a fiber laser marking machine（or UV Laser), adjusting the laser parameters for optimal marking results.

Advantages of using laser marking additives for polymers

• Enhanced Absorption: Laser marking additives improve the absorption of laser energy by the polymer, leading to clearer and more precise marking.
• Improved Quality: The additives help optimize the marking process, resulting in higher quality and more legible marks on the polymer surface.
• Increased Speed: By enhancing the interaction between the laser beam and the polymer, additives can improve the marking speed, increasing production efficiency.
• Versatility: Laser marking additives can be used with a variety of polymer materials, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Cost-Effective: Using additives to enhance laser marking efficiency can result in cost savings by reducing the need for additional processing steps or rework.
• Environmental Friendly: Laser marking additives are often designed to be environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations, making them a sustainable choice for polymer marking applications.

Find Top Quality Laser Marking Additive Masterbatch at DOME Materials

Shenzhen Dome Materials Co., LTD is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance laser marking additives, specializing in additive masterbatch solutions.

We provide top-quality laser marking additive masterbatch for the plastic laser marking market and polymer processing industry.

Our laser marking solutions are suitable for various resin types and processes like injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. They offer durable, easily legible marks that are solvent, oil, and scratch-resistant. Compared to traditional labels, our solutions are more sustainable and eliminate the need for consumables such as hot foil tapes, inks, or solvents.

With a proven track record of developing effective laser marking solutions for different applications and materials, we can assist you in selecting the right additive solution for optimal performance. Contact us today for expert advice.