laser Etching 1

[labone]

I need some insight into laser etching of painted plastic parts. In particular process parameters, any special types of paint and a an explaination of the "night & day" process.
can anyone help?

 

[Umhoefer]

I work for a company that molds paints then laser etches plastic parts for the automotive industry. Depending on the type of paint, we use a wide range, lasering should be fairly easy. Will you be etching down to a previous layer of paint I.E. the graphic color, or to the plastic part it self? Paint type is important but mil. thickness of the paint is critical. As far as night and day. We use a Luminace Colormeter for the night time back lite readings and a pin point style colormeter for the day time graphic color. Depending on what type of Laser you are using the manufacturer should be able to help you with detailed process parameters.