Many plastics laser beautifully, and our industry suppliers offer dozens of laser-friendly plastics.
Acrylic is one of the most popular because the laser cuts and engraves it, leaving a flame-polished edge. The list of safe-to-laser plastics is long and includes polyamide (PA), also known as Nylon®; Polyoxymethylene (POM) known as Delrin®; Polyester (PES) known as Thermolite® and Polarguard®; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) known as Mylar®; polyimide (PI) known as Kapton®; polystyrene (PS); polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) known as Plexiglas®; polycarbonate (PC) known as Lexan® and Makrolon®; polypropylene (PP); and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Though these plastics can be engraved, some may still emit unpleasant fumes or discolor. ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are among the plastics that can be problematic. The plastics we must not laser are those that contain chlorine. The most popular of these is poly vinyl choloride (PVC), which we tell our customers.
Bottom line: We use a laser-safe plastic from an industry supplier to create beautiful awards.
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