Marking, Cutting & Laser Engraving Plastic

Plastics transformed manufacturing, now, UV laser technology is revolutionising laser engraving plastic and laser cutting plastic with unmatched precision, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

Why Choose UV for Laser Marking Plastic?

Unlike CO2 laser which can be used to cut only some types of plastic, or fiber lasers with a very limited range of plastics they can effect, UV lasers excel with all plastics, whether it be engraving, cutting and marking.

Moreover, they can work with ones which cannot be touched by other types of lasers, from ABS to PVC, 3D printing resins, silicone, acrylic, rubber, PA, PBT, and PI – without burning, melting, or discolouration.

Why use a laser instead of printing on plastic?

With low maintenance, no consumables, and fast, contact-free processing, UV laser engraving plastic delivers unmatched reliability and cost savings in energy, manpower and more, making it the superior choice for high-volume production and intricate customisation.

The final mark is extremely high-definition, permanent and without waste.

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Meta-XY Batch Laser Part Marking SolutionMeta-XY UV CO2 Fiber laser engraving

Meta-XY • Laser Part Marking Machine

Designed for batch coding and laser part marking, the Meta-XY handles large projects across multiple locations with precision and speed. Its spacious work area supports any of our laser sources, while fast, automated doors and a high-speed head maximize throughput without sacrificing quality.

Power (W): 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 80, 100
Worktable (mm): 700 x 500
Materials: All (available with any laser source)
Multiple Laser Types Available - Engraving & Laser Cutting Plastic3D Laser Beam Delivery 1 - Engraving & Laser Cutting Plastic

Meta-C%20-%20UV%20Laser%20-%20Right%20ClosedMeta-C UV Laser Engraver

Meta-C 3D • UV Laser Marking Machine

We are proud that our UV laser engraver was amongst the first commercially available on the market. Since then the Meta-C UV has evolved so much! With 3D technology as standard, unmatched speed and accuracy it can mark or engrave anything. Designed to serve serious commercial to light industrial users, made for millions of operations and backed by a 10 year warranty.

Power (W): 5, 10, 15
Worktable (mm): 350 x 350
Materials: Almost Everything
UV Laser Technology - Engraving & Laser Cutting Plastic3D capable laser

Popular Types of Plastics Perfect for UV Laser

Plastics revolutionised manufacturing, becoming the go-to material across industries due to their lightweight, low cost, and versatility. Today, laser marking technology is essential for plastic part production, used worldwide in automotive, medical, electronics, and packaging.

Today, laser marking technology has become critical in plastic part manufacture and is used extensively in throughout the world. 

Laser Engraving Plastic

Laser engraving machines are particularly flexible for many types of plastic, being able to mark serialised data, identifiers on-the-fly, branding and of course cutting parts to, well… laser precision. Due to the flexibility and reliability of the technology, more and more companies have begun to offer laser marking plastic services.

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Plastic Laser Cutting

Laser technology isn’t just for marking and engraving, higher intensity lasers can be used in a plastic laser cutter system. These are typically found in the form of CO2 systems and can be used to cut a wide variety of types, from ABS to polyamide, polycarbonate, PET, PVC and the rest.

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plastic water bottle on the table PRAHKTG - Engraving & Laser Cutting Plastic

How it works

The laser is employed to boost the temperature of an incredibly thin layer of the plastic, causing it to melt and form a modified surface upon solidification. Localised evaporation of the fabric causes carbonisation and a change in colour to the surface of the part.

Different types and intensities of laser can be used to achieve different effects. For basic laser marking plastic the laser induces the polymers within the plastic to make a walled foam structure, which stands out from the fabric with its elevated surface and lighter colour. If colour change or alternate results are required, a higher-frequency laser can create a molecular change within the polymer, leading to different results.

Plastic Laser Engraver Uses

Our systems are used on everything from housings of electronics, tools and gear parts, various sorts of packaging, automotive parts, electronic components, computer circuit boards, identification and merchandise tags, buttons, keyboards and sensors.

Lotus laser systems polycarbonate meter box on white - Engraving & Laser Cutting Plastic

Plastic Type Suitability

With the variety of products the range of applications available for lasers on plastic items is virtually endless and encompasses its many forms. Make resilient marks on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS), polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene and nylon.