THE NEW SPARK: The GREEN, the SMART & the REVOLUTIONARY CO2 small character laser coder. Contact us!

Search
Close this search box.
>
>
Laser marking on PET cups

Laser marking on PET cups

Table of Contents

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a plastic material commonly used in the drinks industry, especially for plastic cups, but also in other industries such as textiles. Its main application is transparent plastic, which is achieved through rapid cooling in the manufacturing process. This transparent and recyclable plastic has a very special feature regarding its coding that must be taken into account when selecting the best marking laser.

When coding transparent PET with a CO2 laser, the choice of wavelength to be used is key for an optimum solution. Within the Macsa id C Series laser range, we have three different wavelengths available:

  • SPA CB: 10.6 µm
  • SPA CF: 10.2 µm
  • SPA CP: 9.3 µm

When we use the most common wavelength, 10.6 µm, or its close variant of 10.2 µm, the reaction of the laser on the PET results in engraving, which generates a transparent mark and weakens the material. However, when we use a 9.3 µm wavelength, the reaction between the material and the radiation is one of foaming, in which a white foam is generated that provides greater contrast and greater protection for the container.

marcaje láser PET

 

This difference in reactions is clearly advantageous both in maintaining the integrity of the package, avoiding any risk of carbonated drinks exploding from internal pressure, and in coding the package, where we have a much more visible brand to the customer. Whether the aim is to code an expiry date, or an advertising logo, as in the example of this application, coding with the SPA CP 30 laser makes it possible to add value to plastic cups in a simple and effective way.

 

Laser marking on PET cups

Left: Foaming reaction with 9.3 µm wavelength
Right: Engraving reaction with 10.6 µm wavelength

 

Technical data:

  • Laser: SPA CP 30
  • Lens: 100×100 mm
  • Industry: Beverage
  • Application type: Marking
  • Product: Plastic cup
  • Material: PET
  • Marking type: Dynamic
  • Production speed: 100 m/min.

Do you need more information about Laser marking on PET glasses? Please, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Do you need help?

Do not hesitate to contact us for further information about our products, solutions and our company. Your comments and suggestions are really appreciated.

Call us at +34.93.873.87.98 or fill in the form with your data.

Do you have doubts?