Laser engraving on plastic: types of plastic, choice of pattern, necessary laser equipment and patterning technology

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Plastic has undergone many changes and improvements since its inception. Thanks to the introduction of the latest technologies, this material is ubiquitous, and its manufacture has become as cheap as possible. The versatility of plastic has led to its use in almost every field around the world.

The technology of laser engraving on plastic allows you to turn almost any piece of plastic into an interesting and intricate accessory. The use of such engraving has become equally popular among ordinary housewives and business leaders with a worldwide reputation.

Types of plastic for engraving

Laser engraving is designed for the use of multilayer plastic. As a rule, obtaining a decent quality result requires choosing a two-layer plastic for laser engraving, which at the same time has layers of different colors. The laser burns out the upper layer with a thickness of about 0.05-0.08 mm and opens the lower one,usually having contrasting colors. The type of surface does not make a significant difference, so engraving can be applied with the same efficiency on glossy, textured and matte surfaces.

Choosing the right pattern

In fact, any drawings and inscriptions are available for laser engraving, but only if you use vector graphics. On the other hand, some people have a desire to apply some kind of memorable photograph or a picture they like, that is, a bitmap image, to an object. In this case, a photographic image consisting of halftones will be applied to the plastic using laser engraving.

The raster picture must have sufficient resolution to obtain high-quality and clear engraving. Plastic is not as demanding on this key parameter as other materials, including wood, glass, anodized aluminium, acrylic and laminate. For plastic, when engraving, the raster dots do not overlap each other, and therefore in most cases a resolution of 333 to 500 dpi (dots per inch) will be sufficient.

Easy photo editing for better results

Double-sided plastic for laser engraving unties the master's hands and makes it possible to realize almost any customer's fantasies. The bottom layer in such plastic is made using a wide range of colors to choose from. A special graphic editor of the JobControl type will easily apply the desired effects to the image,that can hide flaws or emphasize the dignity of the photo:

1. The "Random Color Blending" or "Stochastic Scattering" tool will add the necessary clarity and detail to photos with buildings or animals.
2. The correct selection of the raster algorithm can optimize photos with insufficient detail contrast. The action will be useful when working with low contrast photos like the face of a child and the like.
3. The 'Ordered Smoothing' feature often helps improve the image of individual people and objects.

It is enough to discuss when ordering the possibility of improving the original photos. In some cases, the masters do the editing themselves to improve the quality of the final work.

Necessary laser equipment

Laser engraving is applied on plastic with a special laser engraver. Purchasing a quality engraver for non-commercial use at home or branding a small office is likely to be unprofitable. When ordering single or small batches, you should consider engraving options from specialists. The cost of a small entry-level laser engraver is approximately 5 thousand rubles. A full-featured Russian-made engraving machine costs about 200,000 rubles, while an imported one costs up to 600,000 rubles.

Laser engravers do not need additional equipment and consumables. It is not required to use matrices, printing forms and clichés. The laser in the engraver worksexclusively from electricity and is guided by the hand of an experienced craftsman. A high-quality laser engraver is capable of operating for about 20 thousand hours, which is approximately 7 years when the master works 8 hours per shift. The device does not require maintenance by numerous personnel. The only operator who knows how to work with graphic editors will be able to cope with the engraver.

Drawing technology

The technology of laser cutting and engraving of plastic removes the surface layer from the material or changes its structure and (or) color. Laser engraving is the most advanced technology for applying images of any complexity to a plastic surface. Due to the minimum possible thickness of the layer, which is burned out by the laser, the relief surface acquires a magnificent appearance. The volume of the engraved pattern is achieved by adjusting the depth of laser exposure when applying individual elements.

The competitive advantages of laser engraving on plastic compared to other methods are the highest detail, contrast and clarity of the images obtained, as well as excellent durability and wear resistance. The resulting products are little affected by physical, chemical and even climatic influences. The entire manufacturing process usually takes no more than 30-40 minutes.

What is usually made on plastic

Laser engraving is available for both small batches andfor mass production. In any case, production remains cheap. The use of inexpensive material such as plastic for laser engraving has made the technology the most demanded on the market. Now in this way, for example, are produced:

• plates and signs for houses, stands, doors and tables;
• numbers for wardrobes, doors, tables, tags and tokens;
• various nameplates on equipment;
• plastic business cards and beer coasters;
• 3D signs and symbols made of plastic.

Also, about 99% of all plastic souvenirs are made using this technology. Laser engraving on plastic is deservedly considered the best in terms of price, speed and quality.