The image on the right shows the basic principle of carbonizing with the laser. The AC-LASER Software and laser machining centers by ACSYS allow the marking of plastics with virtually no damage to the plastic surface.
Laser marking center SHARK ®
Strong performance, plenty of space and the highest precision for fast marking.
Carbonizing: Color alteration and bleaching with the laser
This effect can only be achieved with plastics, certain types of paint and a few technical ceramics. The effect depends on the wave length of the laser beam. The laser beam penetrates into the material and is absorbed by color pigments. When the pigments change chemically, this causes the color of the material to change. Since the laser beam penetrates into the plastic, the surface of the material remains virtually undamaged. The change in color depends on both the pigment and basic material.
Markability of plastics (guideline)
| Material | Natural state | Transparent | Bright coloring | Dark coloring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE |  |
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| PP | |
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| PVC | |
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| PS | |
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| S/B | |
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| SAN | |
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| ABS | |
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| ASA | |
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| ASA + PC | |
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| PMMA | |
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| PPE + S/B | |
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| PA | |
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| POM | |
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| PBT | |
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| PSE, PSU | |
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| PC | |
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| PEEK | |
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Key: = poor / = excellent