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Laser Engraving Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a versatile, transparent thermoplastic with a super high strength and impact resistance. For this reason, it’s used the world over in various industries, ranging from automotive and construction to even medical. Let’s take a closer look at this durable material, find out its typical uses and explore the applications of laser engraving polycarbonate.

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lightweight & strong

The Properties of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is widely used across industries for a variety of reasons, let’s take a lot at the properties that sets it apart…

polycarbonate headlights scaled.jpg?w=2048&h=1366&scale - Laser Engraving Polycarbonate

High Impact Resistance
Known for its exceptional toughness, polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable making it ideal for applications where durability is paramount.

Transparency
Because of its transparent nature, polycarbonate allows for high light transmission which is especially beneficial in applications where clear visibility is key.

Lightweight
Despite its strength, polycarbonate is surprisingly lightweight, this makes it easier to handle and ideal for weight dependant applications.

Heat Resistance
This practical thermoplastic can withstand high temperatures without risk of deformation or distortion.

UV Resistance
Polycarbonate is resistant to UV radiation, so it’s ideal for outdoor applications because there’s little risk of it degrading over time.

Multifunctional

Typical Uses of Polycarbonate

Thanks to its many practical properties, polycarbonate is used in a wide range of applications across a number of industries.

polycarbonate safety goggles scaled - Laser Engraving Polycarbonate

Electronics
Polycarbonate is often used in the production of electronic components because it is a good electrical insulator, this includes housings and casings.

Automotive
The automotive industry employs polycarbonate for the manufacturing of a range of parts, this includes headlamp lenses, interior components, car window controls and dashboards. Polycarbonate’s strength and transparency makes it ideal for these applications.

Construction
Thanks to its resistance to UV radiation, polycarbonate is used throughout the construction industry in building materials for skylights, roofing sheets and glazing panels.

Medical Devices
Because of its clarity and ability to be sterilised, the medical industry uses polycarbonate for items like surgical instruments, syringes, and IV components.

Safety Equipment
Items like safety goggles, face shields, and protective barriers are made from polycarbonate to provide impact resistance and clear visibility.

Versatile

Laser Engraving Polycarbonate: The Advantages

Laser engraving is an advanced technique for marking polycarbonate, offering numerous advantages over traditional methods.

With the right laser system, you can produce highly detailed markings on polycarbonate surfaces, including intricate designs and very fine text. Because of the non-contact method of laser marking, there is no physical wear on the material itself, this preserves its integrity and minimises the risk of damage or distortion.

Furthermore, laser engraving is a method of marking that uses no consumables, such as inks or chemicals. So not only does laser engraving create a permanent mark that’s resistant to wear, thanks to it requiring no consumables, it’s also an environmentally conscious marking method with minimal waste.

Multifunctional

Applications of Laser Engraving Polycarbonate

Manufacturing
Laser engraving is employed for identification and traceability purposes across manufacturing, it is used to mark serial numbers, barcodes and logos on a range of polycarbonate parts.

Electronics
From branding elements to model numbers, laser engraving is used on polycarbonate electronic devices and accessories for compliancy reasons, but to also enhance the overall look.

Automotive
To aid in quality control and inventory management, laser engraving polycarbonate is used throughout the automotive industry for part numbers, manufacturing dates and other key information.

Medical Devices
In the medical industry where meticulous measurements are key, laser systems are employed to etch instructions and measurements on a range of polycarbonate medical devices.

Safety Equipment
Safety goggles, face shields, and other protective gear made from polycarbonate are laser engraved with certification marks and manufacturer information for compliance.

MACHINE

Recommendations

Whether it’s for traceability purposes, for electrical parts or for marking medical devices, there are a host of different applications created from polycarbonate. At Lotus Laser Systems, we manufacture a wide range of laser marking and engraving solutions ideally configured for laser engraving polycarbonate. Take a look below or get in touch, our experts would be happy to recommend which configuration best suits your business. 

We are proud that our UV laser marking machine was amongst the first commercially available on the market. Since then, however the Meta-C UV has evolved so much! With 3D technology as standard, unmatched speed and accuracy it can mark anything. Designed to serve serious commercial to light industrial users, built with our time-tested Meta-C chassis, made for millions of operations, it's backed by up-to 10 years warranty.

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) Ultraviolet 5-15

Built for etching and engraving at speed, the Meta-C CO2 laser etching machine is a different beast to our Blu systems, built within the Gen7 Meta-C chassis, this 3D (3-Axis) Galvo CO2 laser source is extremely accurate and comes in a wide range of power options.

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) CO2, Fiber, UV 5-200W

With more than twice the power commonly found in this size of laser cutter, the Blu70 delivers twice the cutting speed and cuts thicker materials more safely. Built to be the cost-effective and flexible solution for business and education alike.

Work Area Laser Type Power (W)
700mm x 500mm CO2 60

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