Laser Engraving ABS Plastic with TYKMA Electrox Systems

TYKMA Electrox laser systems are capable of marking on a wide variety of materials and substrates, including ABS plastic. Facilities looking for an efficient, reliable system for marking, engraving, and etching ABS plastic should review the lengthy list of product options we can provide.

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An Overview of the Process for Laser Etching ABS Plastic

Following an established process when laser engraving ABS plastic will help you to accomplish results that you are satisfied with. Here is a general process to follow:

  1. Clean and prepare the surface – Clean off the surface of your ABS plastic to ensure that it is free of dirt, dust, and grease to help you achieve precise engravings.
  2. Choose the right machine – CO2 lasers and fiber lasers are the most common choices for laser engraving ABS plastic. Ensure that the laser power and settings are configured appropriately so that the plastic doesn’t melt or burn.
  3. Conduct some tests – Use scrap material for testing to determine the best laser settings for your desired quality and depth of marking.
  4. Choose your design – Determine the design, logo, or other information you plan on etching into your ABS plastic.
  5. Engrave and inspect – Start the engraving process using the settings that were previously determined. Once complete, remove any residue or debris from the surface of the plastic and conduct any sanding or polishing.
  6. Check for imperfections – Inspect the design to ensure that it meets expectations in terms of clarity, depth, and quality. Then, you can add coatings if you choose.
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Systems Ideal for Plastic Laser Etching

As a low-cost plastic that is easy to produce and features a resistance to chemicals, heat, and impact, it’s no surprise that ABS plastic is found in a wide variety of applications. Some of the more popular ABS plastic products that companies use laser etching equipment for include:

  • Luggage
  • Appliance and tool housings
  • Battery cases
  • Toolboxes
  • Packing crates
  • Camera bodies

Some of the characteristics of ABS plastic that make it such a versatile and useful material for companies include its:

  • Strength and stiffness, which gives it tremendous impact resistance
  • Ideal machinability, allowing it to be utilized by diverse industries
  • Great aesthetic qualities, which is why you see it used so often as a material in product covers

And since ABS plastic can be used in so many different applications it’s no surprise to find it being used across a wide range of sectors. If your company is in one of these sectors and is in need of a system for laser etching plastic, you’ll want to choose TYKMA Electrox for our machines’ power, precision, and reliability.

Our Capabilities for Laser Etching ABS Plastic

Our systems use a variety of processes for marking, engraving, and etching on plastics. One such process is foaming, which involves creating a controlled burn on the surface of the plastic to produce the required look and fulfill the marking application.

Foaming will usually result in a white, tan or dark-colored mark depending on the plastic that is used, and this mark is relatively smooth with minimized surface penetration. The important thing to keep in mind with the foaming process is the control of the heat.

As for painted ABS plastic, you might utilize an ablating technique, which involves removing the surface-coated layer and typically results in a bright or white-colored mark when contrasted with the coating.

Of course, there are a variety of other marking processes available on our laser systems; what you use depends on your individual application needs.

If you have any questions about a specific material or application, be sure to contact our dedicated team and they will be able to offer helpful insights and suggestions. You can also submit samples of your product to our team so we can supply you with test markings, free of charge!

Get the Right Laser System for Your Plastic Laser Etching

TYKMA Electrox systems contain:

  • High-powered CO2 and MOPA fiber laser engines that feature an extensive lifespan
  • Air-cooled, ergonomic designs
  • Energy-efficient operations and advanced capabilities for marking, etching, and engraving

We also provide complete support services on everything from machine setup to any sort of troubleshooting or maintenance. We want our customers to enjoy the power and reliability of a TYKMA Electrox system for years to come, and we work diligently to achieve that.

FAQs on the Process of Laser Engraving ABS Plastic

If you have questions about safety, the best machines for use, applications, or anything else regarding plastic laser etching, you are in the right place. Learn more about laser etching ABS plastic in the following FAQs.

What type of lasers are best for laser engraving ABS plastic?

Two types of lasers are commonly used for marking ABS plastic: CO2 lasers and MOPA fiber lasers. CO2 lasers are used for laser engraving ABS plastic because they provide high-speed, high-quality marks on plastic. Fiber lasers are also adept at working with ABS plastic, as well as many other plastics and metals. If you need help determining which is better for your specific application, be sure to reach out to our team for assistance.

What safety precautions are needed for laser etching ABS plastic?

Laser etching ABS plastic generates heat, so it is important to use proper ventilation and safety precautions to prevent the spread of fumes and avoid dangerous situations. Safety precautions we recommend include wearing PPE when near the equipment, ensuring that the equipment is properly maintained and operated, and keeping a plan in place in case of an emergency.

Does plastic laser etching damage or weaken an object’s surface?

When done properly, laser etching ABS plastic does not weaken or damage the surface of the material. However, excessive heat or incorrect settings can melt or deform the plastic. It is therefore important to configure the settings correctly, and we recommend doing this by testing material first to ensure that the final product will turn out as desired.

What can be marked on ABS plastic?

The possibilities for laser etching on ABS plastic are virtually endless, but here are just some of the things you can mark on the surface:

  • Logos and branding
  • Line art and vector graphics
  • Text and messages
  • Intricate patterns
  • Icons and symbols
  • Barcodes, QR codes, and other forms of tracking
  • Geometric patterns
  • Measurements and numbers
  • And beyond!

Contact Our Team for More Information on Plastic Laser Etching

To learn more about our capabilities for etching ABS plastic, and to find the right laser system for your company, be sure to contact TYKMA Electrox today.