Table 1: Parameters for laser marking on five common plastics

The book includes a table of the laser parameters for marking five common plastics (ABS, PC, PP, PET, and acrylic), including the power, speed, and frequency, as well as practical tips.The content focuses on the actual needs of users, to help beginners get started quickly and avoid problems such as materials being burned or markings being unclear due to improper parameters.

Why do plastic marking parameters vary from material to material?

When marking plastic with a laser, the melting point, light transmission, and additives in different materials vary widely.For example, acrylic is sensitive to high power, while PP needs lower frequencies to prevent deformation.Using a universal parameter may result in poor results or even damage the workpiece.Let's first understand the material's 'character' and then we can more safely adjust the parameters!

Table 1 Commonly used plastics and their labeling parameters

The material is ABS plastic.

- **Recommended power:** 20-35W (fiber laser).

Speed: 600-800 mm / s.

Frequency: 30-50kHz.

Suggestion: Clean with alcohol before labeling to avoid additives affecting the clarity of the label.If the edges of the film turn yellow, try reducing the power by 5W.

polycarbonate (PC).

Recommended power: 15-25W.

Speed: 400-600 mm / s.

Frequency: 20-30 kHz.

Suggestion: PC is easy to burn, so try it out in an inconspicuous location first.Using compressed air to cool the surface can reduce the blackening.

polypropylene (PP).

Recommended power: 10-20W.

- **Speed**: 800-1000 mm / s.

Frequency: 10-20 kHz.

Tip: If the surface is too smooth, stick some masking tape on it first, then print. The print will be more even.Remember to remove the tape after you've finished playing!

PET plastic.

- **Recommended power**: 25-40W.

Speed: 300-500 mm / s.

Frequency: 50-80 kHz.

Suggestion for practical use: If the color is too light, try increasing the number of passes by two or three, but be careful not to exceed three.

PMMA (poly-methyl methacrylate).

- **Recommended power**: 8-15W.

The speed of the machine is 1200 to 1500 mm / sec.

- **Frequency**: 5-15 kHz.

Tip: If you want a misty effect, adjust the focus by 0.5 mm.Don't wash the area directly with cold water after you have finished tattooing.

By avoiding these pitfalls, the success rate of tagging can be doubled.

Don't forget to consider thickness.

For thin materials (under 2 mm) the power should be reduced by 10-15 %.For example, when engraving 1-millimeter thick acrylic business cards, a power setting of about 6 watts is safer.

The humidity of the environment is very important.

In the rainy season in the south, it is suggested that the dehumidifier be run for one hour before labeling with PET.If the humidity is over 70 %, it is easy for a layer of water to form on the surface, causing the markings to blur.

The parameters have to be changed for different colors.

Black plastic absorbs more light, and the power can be 20 % less than that of white plastic.For example, 30 watts are needed for white ABS plastic, while only 24 watts are needed for black ABS plastic to achieve the same effect.

If you encounter a problem, try these three solutions first.

1. Yellow marks: Reduce power or increase speed, and check if the laser head mirror is dirty.

2. Edge artifacts: Increase the frequency (+ 10 kHz as a starting point), and check whether the focus is accurate.

3. Depth variation: Clean the material surface to ensure the marking surface is flat and stable.