Polymer and additive
Pigments, fillers and laser-sensitive additives influence colour change and contrast.
CO₂ laser marking for plastics
High-quality codes on compatible plastics and film.
Create permanent production data on bottles, containers, labels and flexible packs where the material response supports a clear, controlled mark.
Application-led specification
Material formulation makes the difference.
CO₂ lasers can mark many plastics by causing a controlled colour change, surface reaction or ablation. The same polymer family can behave differently because of pigments, fillers, additives, thickness and surface finish.
A representative sample trial is therefore central to specification. We assess contrast, heat effect, edge definition, permanence and achievable line speed before the laser and optics are selected.
Common requirements
- Bottle, closure, container and label coding
- Batch, date, serial and machine-readable codes
- Moving webs and indexed flexible packaging
- High-speed conveyor integration
- Controlled extraction and application-specific guarding
PETHDPEPVCLabelsFoilsFilmsClosures
SAMPLE TESTINGProve contrast, permanence and readability first.
What we assess
Factors that shape the final system.
The substrate is only the start. A reliable production result comes from matching the laser, optics, material response and line conditions.
Thermal response
Testing checks that the desired mark is achieved without unacceptable melting, distortion or penetration.
Product geometry
Curves, mould lines and height variation affect focus and available marking area.
Motion control
Encoders and stable product handling support clean codes on moving production lines.
Wavelength
The laser wavelength and optics are matched to the material response and required quality.
Code verification
Barcode and 2D-code requirements are tested at the intended size and speed.
Sample marking trial
Test the actual product, not a data sheet.
Material colour, coatings, additives, surface condition and line speed can materially change the result. Send representative samples and the code you need. We will use that evidence to guide specification.
Useful trial information: production speed, code dimensions, marking window, product orientation, environment and the quality or verification standard you need to meet.
Typical project scope
- Laser system
- Appropriate CO₂ source, wavelength, lens and scan head.
- Line interface
- Photocell, encoder, I/O and message-management requirements.
- Mechanical
- Mounting, adjustment, guarding and product presentation.
- Environmental
- Fume extraction, ingress considerations and maintainability.
- Handover
- Commissioning, operator training and documentation.
Useful specification guides