Best Laser Choice by Plastic Type
Shenzhen, China
Published: Jul 3, 2026
Best Laser Choice by Plastic Type
Use this decision table to pick the right laser for your material:
| Plastic | Recommended Laser | Why | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | UV | CO2 risks melting; UV gives clean, high-contrast mark | Dark mark, no deformation |
| Polycarbonate | UV | CO2 causes bubbling; UV is thermally gentle | Dark mark, smooth surface |
| Nylon (PA6/PA66) | UV | CO2 can warp thin nylon; UV is safe | High-contrast dark mark |
| PET | CO2 | PET absorbs CO2 well; UV offers lower contrast on PET | Light foamed mark (cream) |
| PE/PP | CO2 | Better absorption at 10.6 µm; UV needs additive-enhanced grades | Foamed or engraved mark |
| PVC | Either | Both work well; CO2 more cost-effective | Dark carbonized mark |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | CO2 | Clean vaporization; UV not necessary for this material | Clear engraving or cut |
| PEEK | UV | UV gives better contrast; CO2 can work on dark PEEK | Dark mark on light PEEK |
| POM (Delrin) | UV | UV provides better contrast without thermal stress | Dark contrast mark |
| TPE/TPU | UV | Flexible plastics are very heat-sensitive; cold marking is essential | Contrast mark without deformation |
Not sure about your specific plastic grade? The safest approach is always to request sample marking from your laser supplier before purchasing. Two nominally identical plastics from different manufacturers can mark very differently.
[Contact us for a free material test →]
