Success Story

CO2 Laser
Texturing andPolishing Plastic for a
High Quality Metal-Like FinishA major manufacturer of laser marking machines partnered with Novanta Application
Engineers to create a new laser marking system that delivers a “premium” metallic finish on
plastic cell phone frames. These cell phone frames have a gloss coating which is typically apolyurethane/acrylic hybrid like Alberdingk UC 90 or Primal HG 1000, which are subject tomelting and dis-figuration when exposed to common laser wavelengths. Finding a solution
could prove to be a significant cost reduction point for cell phone manufacturers while
potentially improving usability:
Material Cost Reduction - plastics are easier to source and molding cases is far lessexpensive than stamping and cutting
Weight Reduction - significant savings in users “feel-in-hand” to shipping costs frommanufacturer to retailer to end user
Improved Usability - adding a textured surface, increases the user’s grip to prevent slipping

Matching the quality appearance of a metal cell phone case with a plastic case required two
different finishes, a highly polished “chrome-like” edge and a brushed satin finish for the flat
surfaces. The plastic cell phone frames had a glaze coating and Novanta Application Engineers
determined that impacting the gloss coating without affecting the underlying base plastic bothincreases the metallic appearance of the mark and provides better durability.
The first technical challenge would be finding the right laser wavelength. Using a spectrometer
to measure transmission data Synrad Application Engineers plotted the data on a curve todetermine the best wavelength.
©2021 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved.

Novanta - Laser Texturing & Polishing Plastic for a High Quality Metal-Like Finish						2The transmission curve indicated that a laser at 9.3 μm had 25% less transmission than the morecommon 10.6 μm lasers available. The lower transmission rate would enable Novanta’s Synrad laser to lightly mark the gloss coating at high speed while avoiding any damage to the underlying
base plastic.

Identifying the 9.3 μm was key, however testing did not end here since Novanta offers
several Synrad brand lasers with the 9.3 μm wavelength, including low-power options.
To achieve higher production throughput Novanta Application Engineers recommended
the ti100p laser. The 100 Watts power combined with a 9.3 μm wavelength ensured
proper texturing and polishing of the gloss coating while delivering maximum
throughput speed. When finishing a plastic cell phone frame with a high-quality metallike finish the ti100p with a 9.3 μm wavelength and wide frequency range delivers both apolished, chrome-like finish and a soft, brushed metal finish.

Interested in speaking to one of ourknowledgeable representatives?
Americas & Asia PacificNovanta Headquarters
Bedford, USA
P +1-781-266-5700Photonics@Novanta.com

Europe, Middle East,Africa
Novanta Europe GmbH
Garching, Germany
P +49-89-31-707-0
Milan, Italy
P +39-039-793-710

China

Japan

Novanta Sales & Service Center Novanta Service & Sales OfficeShenzhen, China
Tokyo, Japan
P +86-755-8280-5395
P +81-3-5753-2460
Suzhou, China
P +86-512-6283-7080
Photonics.China@Novanta.com

Photonics@Novanta.com©2021 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved.

Photonics.Japan@Novanta.
com