Metal vs. Plastic: Different Solutions for Different Industries

The marking needs of metal and plastic materials are very different, and different industries require different solutions.Starting from the characteristics of the material and the application environment, it explains the most appropriate equipment and technology for marking metal and plastic, helping users to optimize marking efficiency and cost according to their actual needs.

Why does the material determine the marking process?

Both metals and plastics can be marked, but the physical and chemical properties of the two materials are completely different.For example, metals are very hard and can withstand high temperatures, so they are suitable for laser engraving or pneumatic marking. However, plastics are easily deformed by heat, so cold lasers or ink-jet printers are usually used.Not only would the wrong equipment be less effective, it could also damage the product.

The skills of adapting equipment for different industries.

Automobile parts.

Most car parts are made of metal, such as engine parts, screws, and so on. These require high precision and wear-resistant identification.At this time, fiber laser markers were the first choice. They were fast, the markings were clear, and they could handle complex curved surfaces.

Electronic consumer goods.

For plastic parts like mobile phone cases and chargers, where there is a high demand for a good surface finish, UV lasers are more suitable.Low temperature light does not burn plastic, and can produce fine colored effects that customers like.

Food packaging industry.

Plastic bottles and bags come into frequent contact with liquids, and the ink from traditional spray coding is easily washed off.I recommend trying CO2 lasers for marking. This method "engraves" information directly onto the package, and the result is waterproof and scratch-resistant. It can even be used to track the expiration date on products.

How can they avoid making mistakes in choosing equipment?

First, the material: for metals, use high-power lasers; for plastics, low-temperature methods.If your budget is limited, you can consider a combined model, but don't expect it to be able to handle every situation.In addition, you should ask about the cost of maintenance and consumables, because some machines that are cheap to buy can be expensive to repair.

Finally, a reminder: Don't just listen to the salespeople. Take your own samples to the lab and test them out.Only after you try it can you tell whether the actual marking results and machine stability are up to snuff.