Laserable materials: engraving plates, tags and medals

Laser engraving and cutting are essential technologies in various industries for marking, customization, and component manufacturing. Each material requires specific laser settings to optimize the results. Below is an overview of the most common materials used for laser engraving and cutting on plastic, aluminum, and other types of metal.

Materials for Laser Engraving and Cutting

• Laserflex: This is a flexible material specifically designed for laser use, ideal for creating labels, signs, and decorations. Laserflex allows for detailed engraving and high-precision cuts on various types of plastic.
• Acrilaser: This is a type of acrylic optimized for laser engraving. It offers a smooth and clean finish after cutting, making it perfect for the creation of plaques and decorative elements.
• Laser Reverse: Primarily used for making plaques and labels, this material is designed to be engraved from the back, allowing the front surface to remain smooth and uniform.

• Adhesive Sheets: Used to create labels or decals, adhesive sheets can be easily cut and engraved with a laser, providing a practical solution for temporary or permanent markings on various substrates.
• Anodized Aluminum: Anodized aluminum sheets are particularly suitable for laser engraving, which removes the anodized finish to expose the underlying metal. This contrast creates visually appealing markings, ideal for nameplates and signs.
• AlumaMark: A special material designed for laser engraving that produces black or other dark-colored markings on an aluminum surface without the use of inks or dyes. The engravings are clear and permanent, ideal for labels and barcodes.
• Pre-Cut Tags: Available in various materials, including metals and plastics, pre-cut tags are ready for use in industrial and commercial environments. Laser engraving on these tags is quick and precise, allowing for easy customization.
• Medallions: Often made of metal, medals for engraving can be personalized through laser engraving for events, recognitions, and awards. The laser allows for intricate and high-quality details to be engraved.
• DuraBlack: CO2 laser-markable aluminum for durable markings in harsh operating environments.
• AlumaJet: Inkjet-printable aluminum for metal using a standard inkjet printer.

These materials offer various possibilities for laser engraving and cutting applications, each with specific characteristics and advantages.
The right material choice depends on the type of application, the available laser, and the aesthetic and functional requirements of the final project. With laser engraving, designers and technicians can transform simple pieces of metal or plastic into complex and detailed works, thus optimizing both the appearance and functionality of the products.

The Advantages of Laser Marking

Laser marking offers several advantages, which is why it is preferred in the production and coding of various materials for creating logos, alphanumeric codes for packaging or traceability on packages and objects.
These properties set laser engraving apart from alternative engraving or marking technologies where inks or tools must be replaced regularly. Many engraving techniques involve the removal of material when engraved, whereas laser engraving does not remove material.
The laser is used to create a color change in the material, resulting in a visible mark that is virtually indestructible with minimal impact on the object. The environmental impact of laser markers is low, as the technology does not use inks, solvents, or other consumables. By adopting laser technology, eco-conscious companies achieve eco-compatibility and cost savings with laser solutions.