PET Film - Laser Cutting, Engraving & Marking (2024)

FAQs

Can you laser cut pet film? ›

PET film is thermoplastic polyester that can be laser cut, marked, and engraved. The chemical name for PET is polyethylene terephthalate. PET Film laser cutting can be done with either a 9.3 or 10.6 micron wavelength CO₂ laser. However, PET Film laser marking requires a 9.3 micron CO₂ laser.

We recommend the following systems for cutting of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate): CO₂ laser cutter M-800. CO₂ laser cutter M-1600. CO₂ laser cutter XL-3200.

Laser marking refers to placing legible information onto the surface of a part with little or no penetration. In contrast, laser engraving refers to putting information onto a part with evident penetration below the surface of the material.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): PET is a durable and lightweight plastic often used in applications like plastic bottles, beverages, and food packaging. PET can be laser engraved to create labels, stickers, and decorative items.

Flexibility is the main difference between the two materials. PETG is more flexible than PET. Glycol addition in PETG makes it less brittle and softer than PET. That's why PET is perfect for applications that require rigidity and high strength.

Laser Engraving of PETG

Laser engraving PETG results in clear marks, as the material loses its transparency in the engraved area. Applications - Various stands, display facilities, glazing protection, packaging and more.

High upfront costs for the hardware (approximately 85-120 K). The contrast of the marked information varies and can only be reliably captured with high-quality camera systems that not every customer possesses.

Consumables: Laser systems do not use ink, solvent, or any other consumable to mark materials. They require periodic filter replacements and eventually need new tubes after around five years, but aside from that, consumable costs are nonexistent.

Factors that Influence the Longevity of Laser Engravings

Impurities, flaws and thinness of glass can mean that your engraving may fade or the glass may chip or crack over time.

What materials cannot be laser engraved? ›

The laser beam enables the controlled melting of plastic films and ensures clear and perfectly-sealed cut edges. You can use the laser machine to precisely cut the smallest radii and quickly produce simple geometries.

How does the laser cutting of films work? The controlled melting of the plastic ensures clean cut edges without any contamination. Laser machines are particularly good at processing multi-layer films: Multiple layers such as carrier, adhesive and cover film can be laser cut in just one work process.

No, you cannot laser cut PVC vinyl. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic that contains chlorine. When you laser cut PVC vinyl, it releases toxic chlorine gas and hydrochloric acid, which can be harmful to your health and the environment.

This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting. ABS Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter.