Laser Marking, Welding, Molding, and Laser-Related Modified Materials and Additives Are All Here!
Laser technology is one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century, comparable to atomic energy and semiconductors. It features high directionality, coherence, and monochromaticity, enabling concentrated energy density and achieving extremely high instantaneous pulse power. By focusing the laser on a target object, the material can be heated, melted, or vaporized to accomplish processing tasks.
The world’s first laser, the ruby laser, was invented by American scientist Theodore Maiman in 1960. With the emergence of various laser types, laser technology has matured. Today, laser processing has become a critical tool in advanced manufacturing and the transformation of traditional industries.
In plastic processing, laser technology is widely adopted for its efficiency, high quality, non-contact operation, and versatility, including traditional laser cutting and drilling. With advancements in laser technology and equipment, industrial-scale plastic laser processing has rapidly expanded, ??such as Laser Direct Structuring (LDS), Laser Transmission Welding (LTW), Laser Marking (LS), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).??
Material innovation underpins the growth of plastic laser processing. To meet market demands, modified materials tailored for laser applications have been developed to support diverse laser processing techniques.
??Principles of Laser Marking:??
1. ??Carbonization:???Laser irradiation induces resin carbonization via additives, leaving black marks on light-colored substrates. Commonly used in "white-on-black" techniques. ?
2. ??Foaming:???Additives generate heat under laser exposure, degrading the resin to produce micro-bubbles, creating light/white marks on dark substrates. Typical in "black-on-white" techniques. ?
3. ??Ablation:???High-energy lasers vaporize resin to form recessed textures. Used in direct engraving. ?
4. ??Additive Color Change:???Laser-excited additives undergo chemical reactions to darken, suitable for light substrates. Applied in "white-on-black" techniques. ?
??No.1: Laser Marking Materials ?
Plastic laser marking/engraving uses lasers to create marks on polymer components. The polymer composition determines the method and energy input required. Results depend on plastic type, additives (e.g., dyes), and laser specifications. Non-contact laser marking requires plastics to absorb laser energy. While many thermoplastics can be marked, additives or masterbatches are often needed to enhance laser compatibility.
Laser marking relies on polymer carbonization (e.g., PC, ABS) or foaming (e.g., PA, PP) to create high-contrast marks. Carbonization produces dark marks, while foaming yields light marks.
??No.2: Laser Transmission Welding Materials ?
Laser transmission welding uses infrared lasers (800–1100 nm). The upper layer transmits laser energy (>30% transmittance), while the lower layer absorbs it. Heating induces molecular diffusion at the interface, forming a weld seam. Advantages include no residue, minimal stress, precision, and compatibility with dissimilar materials. Applications span automotive, medical, and consumer electronics.
??No.3: Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) Materials ?
LDS enables 3D circuit fabrication by laser-etching patterns onto plastic surfaces, followed by metallization. Benefits include space-saving 3D integration, design flexibility, and high efficiency. LDS is critical for smartphone antennas, wearables, and automotive electronics.
??No.4: Laser Marking Additives ?
Also known as laser additives or masterbatches, these enhance laser marking clarity and compatibility. Applications include QR codes, automotive parts, and packaging. Key advantages: low dosage (0.4%), compatibility with various plastics (PP, ABS, PC), and high-resolution marks. ?
?Key Features:????
- Enables high-speed, high-contrast marking. ?
- Compatible with wavelengths from 300 nm to 2200 nm. ?
- Minimal impact on material properties. ?
Eco-friendly, heavy-metal-free additives for high-contrast marks. Suitable for all standard laser systems. ?
Disclaimer: Some data, charts, or content are sourced from publicly available materials for reference, exchange, and learning purposes. Copyright belongs to original authors/sources. Contact us for removal requests.?