Materials guide
Laser cutting, engraving and marking of plastics
The compatibility of a plastic with laser processing cannot be determined from its material family alone. Its formulation, color, thickness and the process sought all matter. Before choosing a machine, identify the material and distinguish cutting, engraving and marking: the possibility of marking does not validate cutting.
What result are you looking for?
Cutting separates the material along an outline. Engraving removes material from the surface; on a suitable multilayer plate, it can reveal a contrasting layer. Marking is intended to produce a legible inscription, such as text or a code, without necessarily seeking depth.
The contrast and relief obtained depend on the plastic and the process. To prepare your project with NWS LASER, define the expected result before the test: geometry, edge appearance, depth or marking legibility.
PMMA, ABS and engineering plastics: different behaviors
CO₂ laser processing is used to cut acrylic PMMA sheets. This does not guarantee either an acceptable thickness on every machine or an identical edge for every formulation. The exact sheet reference and equipment configuration still need to be checked.
For ABS, polycarbonate and polyoxymethylene, or POM, the material family alone is not enough to determine whether the material is suitable for cutting. Their thermal degradation can produce hazardous emissions. The exact reference, risks and process must be assessed before any test. Do not transfer a marking validation to cutting.
Choosing the source for engraving or marking
For engraving, the layer to be removed and the desired contrast are decisive. Multilayer plastics designed for laser processing are different from an injection-molded part of unknown composition.
For plastics, a CO₂ laser can be used for engraving, for example, while an infrared fiber laser may be suitable for certain applications involving a color change within the material. These are possibilities to be validated, not equivalent sources. A light mark on dark plastic is not guaranteed. No single pulse duration threshold is sufficient to ensure high contrast or the absence of damaging heat buildup.
Identify the composition and observe the exclusions
Ask the supplier for the exact designation, known composition, additives and coatings. Include the safety data sheet, if available, as well as the technical data sheet. An SDS alone does not authorize laser processing; a protective film or adhesive layer must also be identified.
As a precaution, exclude PVC, PTFE and materials containing halogens from cutting or engraving tests: their thermal degradation can release hazardous products, including corrosive substances. For PVB, epoxy or phenolic resins, and flame-retardant materials, suspend any test plans until the composition and decomposition risks have been assessed. Some flame retardants contain bromine. Material of unknown composition must not be used as an exploratory sample. A successful test does not override an equipment manufacturer's exclusion. Provide NWS LASER with your material documentation to qualify your project, without presuming compatibility.
Plan for source capture and fire prevention
Thermal processing of plastics can produce hazardous gaseous and particulate emissions. Source capture and emissions treatment must be assessed for the material and workstation, including when opening the enclosure after processing. An extractor does not make an excluded plastic acceptable.
INRS highlights the chemical risks associated with lasers and the fire hazard often associated with class 4. The assessment must be based on the equipment documentation. Follow the safeguards, containment and monitoring and fire-prevention instructions applicable to the workstation. Operators must be trained; never disable an interlock.
Prepare a representative test
After identifying the material and checking the exclusions, plan a supervised test using the actual reference to be used. Check the edges, deformation, depth, contrast and, for a code, readability against your criteria. Keep the material reference and validated conditions; a change in formulation calls for a new check.
Pour présenter votre application à NWS Laser, rassemblez un plan, l’épaisseur, la référence matière, sa documentation et le résultat recherché. Contact : info@nwslaser.fr ou +33 4 81 68 04 04.
Frequently asked questions
- Can all plastics be laser processed?
- No. The composition, process and equipment requirements must be checked. As a precaution, exclude PVC, PTFE and plastics containing halogens from cutting or engraving tests. Other formulations are not automatically permitted: provide NWS LASER with the reference and its documentation to qualify the project before any test.
- Is a plastic that can be marked necessarily cuttable?
- No. Marking and cutting affect the material differently. Validation must cover the process, material reference and machine concerned.
- Can a material be tested without knowing its composition?
- Do not test unidentified plastic. First obtain information from the supplier and check the machine manufacturer's exclusions.
Sources and documentation
NWS LASER
Your context, before the solution.
Specify the material, model or need, operating constraints and available documentation. The NWS Laser team will help you identify the next useful step.