Laser Marking

Pad printing, two shot molding, painting, hot stamping and sublimation printing are well-known methods of decorating or printing on plastic materials.  Each method has its particular benefits, but none of them offer the combination of advantages provided by laser marking, a process for which Ticona has developed special grades of many of its engineering plastics.  We have years of color and formulation expertise and an Nd:YAG laser with a wave length of 1064 nm available for experimentation.

Laser marking rapidly creates a durable, high contrast imprint for functional or decorative purposes.  The contrasts attained in this way are permanent and resist abrasion.  It can be implemented in-line after injection molding, and the imprint can be quickly and easily changed as production specifications may require.

Best results are obtained with resin formulations specially developed for laser marking use.  Ticona offers laser-markable grades of its polyester (Celanex®, Vandar®) and acetal copolymer (Celcon®, Hostaform®) products.  Laser marking can also be accomplished successfully using standard grades of Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

Advantages of Lasermarking:

• Makes indelible, extremely sharp marks or images on a part
• No physical contact with the part surface
• Can precisely place marks and letters on parts of complex geometry (even on irregular or curved parts)
• Quick design changes can be made via programmable software
• Has ultra dense data capability
• Increases productivity and reduces cycle times associated with secondary operations
• No pre- or post-treatments are required
• Scrap (associated with secondary marking operations) is eliminated
• No solvent use (or associated disposal)
• No adverse effects from part surface moisture
• Both the operating costs and maintenance are relatively low (no consumable supplies to purchase such as ink).