How CO2 Laser Marking Works on Plastic
Shenzhen, China
Published: Jul 3, 2026
How CO2 Laser Marking Works on Plastic
CO2 lasers emit at 10.6 µm (infrared), which is strongly absorbed by most organic materials. On plastics, the marking mechanism is primarily thermal:
CO2 Marking Results by Plastic Type
| Plastic | Mark Quality | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|
| PET | Good | Light foaming — cream/white mark on clear or colored PET |
| PE/PP | Fair to Good | Foaming or slight engraving; contrast varies with pigment |
| PVC | Good | Dark carbonized mark (note: produces chlorine gas — ventilation critical) |
| ABS | Variable | Can work with low power; risk of melting on thin parts |
| Polycarbonate | Poor | Tends to melt, bubble, or discolor; inconsistent contrast |
| Nylon | Fair | Light foaming possible; sensitive to heat distortion |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Good | Clean engraving/cutting; vaporizes cleanly |
CO2 Typical Settings for Plastic Marking
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Power | 10–30W (low power is key for plastics) |
| Speed | 500–1,500 mm/s |
| Frequency | 10–30 kHz |
| Passes | 1–2 (avoid multiple passes that build heat) |
Critical tip for CO2 on plastic: Use the lowest power that produces visible contrast. Cranking up the power almost always causes melting, bubbling, or warping. Speed is your friend — fast passes with minimal power per unit area produce cleaner results.
When CO2 Is the Right Choice
- High-volume packaging lines marking lot codes and expiry dates on PET bottles, PE bags, and PVC containers
- Acrylic signage and displays where you need both cutting and marking
- Cost-sensitive applications where UV-level precision isn’t required
- Large-area marks on compatible plastics where speed matters more than fine detail
