Laser Applications Laser Discoloration

Laser discoloration on plastics happens when color is changed from the pigments or additives interaction with the laser’s localized heating. This type of marking typically creates a slightly raised surface that is commonly referred to as foaming or frothing.

This discoloration is light or dark dependent upon composition. Dark plastics become white where marked, while lighter color plastics turn gray or black. Discoloration and frothing are exclusive to plastic.

Special plastic material additives can be incorporated in your plastic composition to increase laser mark ability. Laser discoloration additives obtain different colors (depending on your needs) and an increased contrast between marking and the base material due to localized heating from a specific wavelength laser to form a layer of froth.