Analysis on the development of laser plastic printing technology
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The decorative thermoplastics with laser markings took longer to be recognized than expected a decade ago. Despite this, laser technology has replaced ink marking techniques (such as embossing and inkjet printing) in some applications, and the situation has changed. At present, the so-called "non-aesthetic" application is estimated to account for 90% of the plastic laser marking. Some markings are made with a carbon dioxide laser machine, including part model, date of manufacture, and expiration date.
Usually these marks are black letters and numbers on a transparent or light background, or pure white marks on a black background. “Aesthetic” laser markings account for 10% of the market and have great potential for replacing ink technology. This is a typical white mark on black engineering plastics, printed on a solid-state Nd:YAG laser machine, which is easy to program and is suitable for clear marking of products in any shape.
Laser-marked applications that have been successfully commercialized include ABS keyboards for commercial machines, HDPE, ie rigid containers and closures for PET and PVC, nylon and PBT automotive and non-automotive electrical connectors, hood components such as fuse boxes and air caps. . There are other applications, including TPE ear tags for cattle and pigs, electrical components such as HDPE switch buttons on cleaning and drying equipment, and PVC fittings such as fittings and fittings.
Initial applications include light switch covers, cosmetic packaging materials, automotive interior buttons and door handles, and instrument panels. In the last few years, the latter has become an important application market. In the last decade, technological advances in computer-programmed laser marking equipment have been accompanied by the development of a wider variety of laser-markable resins, which are used in a wide variety of plastics, such as colorants and packaging additives. Such as polyolefin, ABS, PVC, polyester, polycarbonate, nylon, polyoxymethylene and thermoplastic elastomers.
Today's laser-printed plastics have a high contrast ratio, sometimes rather than black and white, rather than a contrasting color. Even dark contrast is possible. According to Patrick Schlather, marketing manager at Rofin-Baasel, a major supplier of plastic laser equipment, these variations in color are one of the trends, which is generating greater interest in laser decorative plastics.
Laser marking applications include light switch covers, cosmetic packaging materials, automotive interior buttons and door handles, and instrument panels. In recent years, the latter has become an important application market, while also meeting the development needs of printing large amounts of data on even smaller plastic parts. For example, a two-dimensional barcode with a data density of 10 times that of a conventional barcode has been studied. Printing two-dimensional barcodes requires more precision and higher definition than previously used barcodes. According to Schlather, laser marking meets these requirements, and the size and position of the dots can be repeated in the 0.001 inch range - these properties are difficult to achieve with embossing or ink printers.
Environmental issues are another driving force behind the development of laser marking. Laser marking does not require ink or solvent, nor does it require a high-intensity energy drying process like ink marking technology. Schlather said that for a three-shift printing production, inks and chemicals cost between $20,000 and $40,000, while printing plates cost $100,000 per year or more. In contrast, a three-shift laser marking device costs less than $3,000 per year, while other consumption, such as lamps and filters, costs less than $3,500.