Laser marking on plastics has become the preferred solution for permanent, high-contrast, and environmentally friendly identification in industries ranging from automotive and electronics to medical devices and consumer goods. As demands for precision, speed, and material compatibility grow in 2026, manufacturers are looking for reliable answers to common challenges.

Below are the most frequently asked questions about plastic laser marking, along with practical, expert-backed solutions.

Q: How to laser mark ABS plastic without yellowing?

A: Yellowing on ABS is a common issue caused by excessive heat or poor material quality. To achieve clean, white, or high-contrast marks without yellowing:

1. Use virgin (new) ABS or transparent/natural color material instead of recycled material.
2. Avoid flame-retardant grades, as they interfere with laser marking.
3. Add a suitable laser marking masterbatch. Recommended options from DOME Materials include DM-GB0051 or DM-GB0181.

• Recommended formulation: Transparent ABS + 30% PMMA + 1.5% Laser Marking Masterbatch.

1. Do not add extra carbon black — excessive carbon black reduces marking whiteness.
2. Optimize laser parameters with multiple tests. Keep power relatively low to prevent overheating.

Q: Can PC (Polycarbonate) plastic be laser marked? How to avoid burning?

A: Yes, PC plastic can be laser marked successfully. However, PC absorbs laser energy very well, which makes it prone to burning or charring if parameters are not controlled.

Best practices:

• Add a laser marking additive to improve contrast and prevent burning.
• Keep laser power low — typically 10-30% on a standard fiber laser.
• Proper additives significantly reduce scorching while producing sharp, durable marks.

Q: What laser parameters should I use to avoid burning during plastic laser marking?

A: Optimal settings vary greatly by material and laser type. Here are proven starting points for a 20W Fiber laser:

• Black marking on PP plastic: Power 50-70%, Speed 2000-5000 mm/s, Frequency 20 kHz, Line spacing 0.03 mm.
• White marking on black PP parts: Power 5-15%, Speed 3000-5000 mm/s, Frequency 35 kHz, Line spacing 0.04 mm.

Key rule: Always perform multiple parameter tests. Lower power + higher speed usually prevents burning. Different laser machines (power, brand, MOPA vs standard) require their own fine-tuning.

Q: Are there special coatings or additives to improve laser marking quality on PC plastic?

A: Yes. Using the right laser marking masterbatch is the most effective and stable solution.

DOME Materials recommendations for PC:

• Black PC → White marking: DM-GB0081 or DM-PB0037
• Transparent PC → Black marking: DM-GB0030
• White or colored PC → Black marking: DM-PW0036 or DM-PW0026

These additives deliver high contrast, excellent durability, and minimal surface damage.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of different lasers for marking PC plastic?

A: For most PC laser marking applications in 2026, 1064nm Fiber lasers (especially MOPA) are the top recommendation.

Advantages of Fiber lasers for PC:

• Excellent versatility (works on transparent, black, white, and colored PC)
• High efficiency and low operating cost
• Good contrast when paired with proper additives
• Fast marking speed suitable for production lines

CO₂ lasers are generally less suitable for PC due to higher thermal impact, while UV lasers are ideal for ultra-precise, heat-sensitive applications but come at a higher equipment cost.

Q: Why is laser marking on PP plastic faint? How to improve contrast?

A: PP (Polypropylene) has low natural absorption of laser light, resulting in low-contrast or faint marks.

Solutions using DOME Materials masterbatches:

• White/Colored PP → Black marking: DM-GW0032S, DM-GW0082S, or DM-GW0042
• Black PP → White marking: DM-GB0141 or DM-GB0151
• Colored PP → White marking (with UV laser): DM-GG0043

Adding 1-3% of the appropriate masterbatch dramatically improves contrast and marking clarity.

Q: How to laser mark transparent PET/PMMA without white haze or frosting?

A: White haze (frosting) is caused by excessive heat leading to micro-melting and surface bubbling.

Best solutions in 2026:

1. Preferred laser: 355nm UV laser — delivers cold photochemical marking with almost zero haze.
2. Fiber laser option (more economical): Must combine with laser marking additives (0.15–0.3% loading).
3. Key parameters: Low peak power, high speed (≥2000–5000 mm/s), high frequency, multiple light passes instead of one heavy pass.
4. Recommended additive: DOME Materials DM-PW0026 (also alternative to Iriotec 8825).

This combination keeps the surrounding transparent area crystal clear while producing sharp black or dark grey marks.

Q: Is CO2 laser suitable for PVC? Will it produce toxic gas?

A: No, CO₂ lasers are not recommended for standard PVC marking or cutting.

PVC releases highly corrosive and toxic gases (HCl, chlorine, and trace dioxins) when processed with CO₂ lasers due to high thermal decomposition. This can damage the laser system and harm operators.

Recommended alternatives:

• 355nm UV laser (minimal heat, very low fumes)
• Fiber laser + DOME Materials DM-PW0026 additive (0.2–0.4% loading)

Q: What is the best laser for marking Nylon (PA6, PA66, glass-filled)?

A: Top choice: 1064nm MOPA Fiber Laser — best balance of performance, speed, and cost for production.

• Black Nylon → White marking: Use DOME Materials DM-GB201 (1–1.5% loading)
• White/Colored Nylon → Black marking: Use DM-GW0082S, DM-GW0032S, or DM-GW0042 (1–3% loading)

Premium option: 355nm UV laser for high-precision, medical-grade, or thin-wall Nylon parts (minimal thermal damage but slower speed).

Conclusion
Selecting the right combination of laser source, parameters, and laser marking masterbatch is the key to achieving high-quality, consistent results across different plastics in 2026.

DOME Materials offers a full range of proven laser marking additives specifically developed for ABS, PC, PP, PET, PMMA, Nylon, and more — helping manufacturers achieve excellent contrast while maintaining material properties.

Need help choosing the right additive or parameters for your specific plastic parts? Feel free to contact our technical team for formulation recommendations and application support.

Keywords: plastic laser marking, laser marking ABS, PC laser marking, PP laser marking, transparent PET marking, nylon laser marking, laser marking additives 2026.