LASER MARKING ON THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFIN (TOP)

Abmark equipment is used to code and mark products from a wide variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastics (PET, PVC, HDPE), glass, metals, and wood. The messages and graphics that are achieved are high quality, done at a minimum operating cost and at high speeds.

Application News demonstrates a sample of products that are coded and marked with Abmark lasers, every day and around the world.

In this Application News we are in the process of marking the central trim cover of a steering wheel, the surface to be marked is Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), a plastic compound widely used in the automotive sector, with very good resistance and durability for interior finishes. With laser marking, in this case, it gives very good contrast results that allow us to eliminate ink markings or labeling.

There are two totally different types of marking that were carried out. The first focused on the traceability of the part, using a QR code, a very common and effective marking today in the automotive world that allows a lot of information to be encoded in small spaces. The second “SRS AIRBAG” is an alternative that we propose to supplant injection molding. Since laser marking has the adaptability to be used to develop a new product, it is a marking that we categorize as aesthetic as it will be one more design element that will always be visible once the piece is placed.

Knowing the material in regards to its texture and notably its black color, the best option was the AB-F series laser from Abmark. There is a very good contrast and is clearly legible regarding the QR code (placed on a smooth side), as well as the text (located on the rough finish of the piece categorized as aesthetic).

If you are looking for the best laser solution for coding and marking on plastic, do not hesitate to contact us.

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