Get Laser Engraving Form - American Lock

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Laser engraved ABS plastic is primarily achieved by moving a low-powered beam slowly across the plastic material using a method called discoloration, which creates high-contrast marks without disrupting the material. Laser heating of the ABS plastic, which causes oxidation under the plastic's surface.

The main difference between laser etching and laser engraving is that etching melts the micro surface to create raised marks, whereas engraving removes material to create deep marks. Both processes use high heat to create permanent markings on metal surfaces. Both processes are heavily used for part traceability.

Some trade names for ABS are CYCOLAC™ and SANTAC™. Laser cutting and engraving can be done using a CO2 laser. Laser marking of white ABS is possible with a fiber laser. Special additives in the ABS plastic react to the 1.06 micron wavelength of the fiber laser to create a black surface mark.

Generally, a CO2 laser with a power rating of 30W or above is recommended for cutting or engraving plastics. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, cannot be used for cutting or engraving but can be used for laser marking certain plastics.

When laser engraving acrylic, the principle less is more should be applied. The best results are achieved when only the surface of the acrylic is scratched, as this creates a white engraved image. Using a lot of laser power creates deep laser engraving results, however they will no longer be white.

BMP - a bitmap file is used for engraving only (such as scanned pictures, photographs etc. DXF - this popular vector file can be used for cutting and engraving. AI - this vector file format can be used for cutting and engraving.

UV marking lasers, fiber lasers and solid-state lasers in the infrared wavelength range are ideally suited as beam sources for laser marking plastics.