Laser Marking PLA

Netherlands-based Colorfabb specialises in the development and production of filaments for FDM/FFF 3D printing. The company is constantly developing new materials, including special purpose filaments such as LW ASA, LW PLA, Laser Marking PLA and Varioshore TPU.

Due to the composition of some materials, they are not suitable for post-processing by laser marking or cutting. The process could generate gases, dusts or flames hazardous to the user or the laser cutting and engraving machine.

Laser Marking PLA is a PLA-based filament with additives to achieve a material optimised for safe laser engraving and optimum results. The composition of this material makes it possible to print 3D parts that can be engraved with a laser cutting and engraving machine.

Video 1: Laser Marking PLA. Source: ColorFabb.

Due to its composition, Laser Marking PLA filament has similar properties to conventional PLA.

PLA, polylactic acid, is a biodegradable plastic composed of starch extracted from corn, sugar beet and wheat. It is one of the most widely used materials in FDM/FFF 3D printing due to its ease of 3D printing, as well as the fact that it does not emit harmful gases.

Thanks to the additives added to the PLA base, Colorfabb has made this filament sensitive to laser light, optimised for a wavelength of 980 - 1064 nm. Parts 3D printed with this filament have been successfully tested with neodymium and fibre laser engraving, and are not compatible with CO2 lasers.

Image 1: Laser Marking PLA. Source: ColorFabb.

Laser engraving on Laser Marking PLA filament has numerous advantages:

• Laser-generated marks are permanent, waterproof, wear-resistant, UV-resistant and chemical-resistant.
• No design limitations.
• No post-processing or pre-treatment required.

Applications

Laser Marking PLA is an easy to use material that, together with a laser engraving machine, allows for a wide variety of applications, among them:

• Cases for electronic devices with drawings or engraved elements.
• Personalised key rings.
• Decoration pictures with images.
• Engraved cases or boxes with QR codes, to access the instructions of the contents inside.

The use of Laser Marking PLA filament allows parts to be manufactured with the ease of conventional PLA. It also has properties that allow long-lasting engravings to be made on 3D printed parts, with no risk of contamination for users or for the laser engraving machine.