Laser marking for plastic parts: DEMGY's expertise in Romania
Laser marking is a high-precision process used to identify, trace, or decorate technical plastic parts. The laser beam locally modifies the surface of the polymer, creating a clear and durable visual contrast without removing any material. This technology meets the strict requirements of the automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, and defense industries.
What is laser marking?
Laser marking is based on controlled thermal interaction: the beam heats the surface of the plastic, causing a change in its color or texture. Unlike laser engraving, there is no removal of material. The process is valued for its finesse, repeatability, and ability to create legible markings even on complex or painted parts.
Main benefits of laser marking:
- Permanent and wear-resistant marking
- High precision, ideal for QR codes and Datamatrix
- No consumables (no ink, no solvents)
- Compatible with many technical polymers
- Suitable for painted or textured parts
Laser marking or laser engraving: two different processes
Although often confused, the two technologies do not have the same objectives. Engraving removes material to create a tactile relief, while laser marking focuses on surface modification. If you are looking for a recessed effect, you will need engraving. If you want durable, fast, clean, and reproducible marking, laser marking is the perfect solution.
Plastic materials compatible with laser marking
The process works on many engineering polymers used in demanding applications:
- Polycarbonate (PC): ideal for transparent or backlit parts
- ABS / PC-ABS: decorative components, electronic parts
- Polyamide (PA): mechanical parts or parts subject to stress
- PMMA: optical elements or lighting
- Reinforced thermoplastic composites: lightweight structural applications
Industrial applications of laser marking
- Logos, pictograms, and control symbols
- Datamatrix and QR codes for traceability
- Serial numbers and unique identifiers
- Visual markers for assembly or inspection
- Technical decoration on painted parts
DEMGY expertise: laser marking expertise in Romania
The DEMGY site in Făgăraș, in Romania, uses state-of-the-art laser equipment to produce precise markings on plastic parts for the most demanding industries. The technology can process up to 300 x 300 mm, with autofocus, three-dimensional correction, and automated quality control.
Specific advantages of the Făgăraș site:
- Equipment with integral autofocus and X-Y-Z correction
- Integrated camera for automatic reference recognition
- Process optimized for painted, metallized, or assembled parts
- High flexibility thanks to multi-part positioning
- Expertise in automotive projects requiring perfect reproducibility
FAQ – Understanding laser marking
1. What is the difference between laser marking and laser engraving?
Laser marking only modifies the surface of the material, without removing any material. Engraving creates a deep relief. These are two complementary processes but intended for different uses.
2. Can laser marking replace engraving?
No. Laser marking is ideal for traceability, identification, or visual decoration, but does not provide tactile relief. Engraving is essential for achieving a recessed effect.
3. Which plastics respond best to laser marking?
Polycarbonate, ABS, PC/ABS, PA, PMMA, and several thermoplastic composites are particularly suitable.
4. Does the quality of the marking remain stable over time?
Yes. Laser marking is resistant to scratches, solvents, temperature variations, and wear.
5. Is the process compatible with painted parts?
Yes. The beam can remove a layer of paint in a controlled manner, revealing a sharp contrast without damaging the plastic substrate.
Accelerate your laser marking projects
To meet the needs for traceability and decoration of plastic parts, the Făgăraș site offers, in addition to its expertise in injection molding, a range of finishing and laser marking services designed to ensure consistent quality, high reproducibility, and performance adapted to the most demanding industrial production rates.
