The promotional items industry requires versatile and quality customization solutions on a wide range of materials: metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, and others. Choosing the most suitable laser technology is critical to achieving optimal results in terms of aesthetic quality, legibility, and durability.
The three main laser technologies used in this field-MOPA fiber laser, CO2 laser, and UV laser-have different characteristics and performance on each material. Knowing their potentials and limitations allows you to select the most effective solution for each promotional marking need.
Key features of laser technologies
MOPA fiber laser: versatility on metals and beyond
- Technical characteristics:
- Wavelength: 1064nm (near infrared)
- Modulated pulse duration: from 4ns to 200ns
- Frequencies up to 1MHz (adaptable according to application)
- 35µm spot diameter, for very fine details
- Strengths:
- Excellent on metals (steel, anodized aluminum, titanium)
- Unique ability to create colorful effects on stainless steel and titanium
- Good results on some dark plastics or with additives
- High-contrast permanent markings
- High process speed
- Typical applications in promotional:
- Metal pens and writing instruments
- Stainless steel tumblers and flasks
- Metal accessories (key chains, dog tags, badges)
- Removing colored layer on anodized aluminum
CO2 laser: the versatile solution for organic materials
- Technical characteristics:
- Wavelength: 10600nm (far infrared)
- Ideal for organic materials and plastics
- Excellent interaction with glass and ceramics
- Strengths:
- Excellent versatility on non-metallic materials
- Excellent results on plastics of all kinds
- Ideal for engraving on wood, leather, glass and acrylic
- Perfect for removing painted or rubberized coatings
- Low operating costs
- Typical applications in promotional:
- Transparent or colored PMMA (acrylic) items
- Glass or ceramic cups and glasses
- Colored plastic pens
- Items with soft-touch or rubberized coating
- Leather or leatherette accessories
- Wood or cork products
UV laser: precision on technical plastics
- Technical characteristics:
- Wavelength: 355nm (ultraviolet)
- “Cool” interaction with materials (minimizes thermal effects)
- Especially effective on clear or transparent plastics
- Strengths:
- Excellent results on clear or transparent plastics
- No yellowing or charring
- Highly accurate details
- Excellent results on ceramics and glass
- Gentle marking without thermal effects
- Typical applications in promotional:
- Transparent or clear plastic pens
- Tech accessories made of plastic materials (powerbank, stands)
- Precision promotional items made of polycarbonate
- Glass objects requiring the finest details
- High-quality ceramics
Performance and results on key promotional materials
Metals in the promotional sector
Comparison table: Stainless steel (tumblers, flasks, accessories)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MO-PA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High-contrast black marking, colorful effects | Unique possibili-ty of creating co-lors (gold, blue, green), resistance to washing | Higher initial cost | Tumblers, water bottles, metal pens, badges |
| CO2 | ⭐ | Insufficient, not suitable | None | Poor interac-tion with the material | Not recommen-ded |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐ | Fine surface markings | High accuracy, thermal control | Reduced speed, limited depth | Very fine details on small parts |
Comparison table: Anodized aluminum (pens, key chains)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Precise removal of anodized layer | Excellent contrast, high speed, permanent marking | None significant | Pens, key chains, nameplates |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Acceptable removal | Lower operating cost | Limited accuracy in fine details | Limited budgets, simple logos |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very fine and precise details | Superior quality for miniaturized details | Lower speed, higher cost | Micro-texts, complex logos |
Common plastics in the promotional sector
Comparison table: ABS (pens, gadgets, accessories)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐⭐ | Marking by carbonization | Good contrast on dark colors | Possible yellowing on light colors | Dark ABS pens and accessories |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Controlled vaporization | Good results on multiple colors, clean effect | Less accuracy in the smallest details | Standard promotional items |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sharp marking without thermal effects | No yellowing, high accuracy | Higher cost, lower speed | High quality pens, clear accessories |
Comparison table: PMMA (transparent acrylic – key chains, trophies)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐ | Unsatisfactory | None | Not suitable for the material | Not recommended |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crystal clear engraving, "icy" effect | Glossy edges, internal 3D effects, variable depth | None significant | Trophies, key chains, displays, plaques |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fine surface marking | Precise details, tiny texts | Limited depth | Micro-engravings, detailed logos |
Comparison table: Polycarbonate (tech accessories, keychain)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐ | Variable, scarce on transparent | Process speed | Possible microfractures, poor on clearcoat | Limited to dark colored PC |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good engraving, "frosted" effect | Good contrast, thermal control | Limited definition in tiny details | Colorful PC, standard accessories |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent on transparent and clear | No deformation, extreme precision | Higher cost | Premium tech accessories, transparent items |
Other promotional materials
Comparison table: Glass (glasses, trophies)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐⭐ | Surface marking with microfractures | Process speed | Possible uncontrolled fracture propagation | Simple markings, not for premium products |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Deep engraving with frosted effect | Different depth levels, excellent aesthetic effect | Requires more power | Chalices, trophies, glasses, promotional items |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High-precision surface marking | Finest details, microtexts | Less depth, higher cost | Luxury items with intricate details |
Comparison table: Ceramics (cups, plates)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐⭐ | Permanent dark marking | Good resistance | Variable results depending on the type of ceramic | Simple markings on white ceramics |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Dark marking with good contrast | Excellent resistance to washing, rapid process | Limited accuracy in the finest details | Standard mugs, plates, promotional items |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Precise marking with very fine details | Excellent resolution for complex logos | Higher cost, lower speed | High quality ceramics, premium items |
Comparison table: Special coatings (rubberized flasks, soft-touch)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐ | Excessive removal | Speed | Risk of damaging the substrate | Not recommended |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Selective controlled removal | Excellent contrast, positive/negative effects | None significant | Rubberized water bottles, soft-touch products, coated accessories |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐ | Precise but limited removal | Very fine details | Slower process, less depth | Complex details on small areas |
Comparison table: Leather and leatherette (key chains, accessories)
| Technology | Evaluation | Results | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber MOPA | ⭐⭐ | Carbonization difficult to control | Rapidity | Risk of excessive burning | Not recommended |
| CO2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Different shades of brown, varying depth | Precise control of carbonization, excellent aesthetic effects | None significant | Key chains, diaries, wallets, leather accessories |
| UV | ⭐⭐⭐ | Surface marking with fine details | Precision in detail | Limited contrast, higher cost | Minute details on luxury accessories |
Specific applications in the promotional sector
Water bottles and Tumblers: optimal technology by material
- Stainless steel water bottles:
- Recommended Technology: MOPA Fiber Laser
- Advantages: Permanent marking, possibility of colored effects
- Results: Corporate logos with corporate colors, durable QR codes, customized designs
- Water bottles with rubberized/soft-touch coating:
- Recommended Technology: CO2 Laser
- Advantages: Precise removal of the coating by creating contrast with the underlying material
- Results: Elegant and durable two-tone effect
- Plastic water bottles (Tritan, PE, PP):
- Recommended technologies: UV laser for clear, CO2 for colored
- Advantages: Marking that does not compromise the quality of the container
- Results: Sharp and permanent customizations
Pens and writing instruments: solutions for different materials
- Metal pens:
- Recommended Technology: MOPA Fiber Laser
- Applications: Logos, text, custom codes
- Advantages: Permanent engraving, possibility of colored effects on steel
- Anodized aluminum pens:
- Recommended Technology: MOPA Fiber Laser
- Applications: Removal of colored layer to create contrast
- Advantages: Multicolor effect using the color of the underlying metal
- Plastic pens:
- Recommended technology: UV laser for clear plastics, CO2 for colored
- Applications: Corporate logos, promotional messages
- Advantages: Permanent marking without yellowing or carbonization
Tech accessories: quality customization
- Powerbanks and electronic gadgets:
- Recommended Technology: UV laser for technical plastics, MOPA fiber for metal parts
- Applications: Logos, technical information, aesthetic customization
- Advantages: Precise markings that do not compromise the aesthetics of the product
- Smartphone and tablet holders:
- Variable technology according to material: CO2 for acrylic, UV for polycarbonate
- Applications: Customization with company logo
- Advantages: Precise and durable engravings
- USB flash drives and metal accessories:
- Recommended Technology: MOPA Fiber Laser
- Applications: Metal or plastic surface marking
- Advantages: Permanent and wear-resistant customization
Advantages of laser marking in the promotional sector
Compared with traditional techniques
| Feature | Laser Marking | Tampography | Screen printing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Permanent | Limited | Media |
| Consumables | None | Inks, pads | Inks, frames |
| Setup times | Quick (minutes) | Long (cliché changes) | Very long |
| Flexibility | Maximum | Limited | Limited |
| Small series | Cheap | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Environmental impact | Minimum | Significant | Significant |
| Fine details | Excellent | Coupons | Medi |
Ecological and production benefits
- Zero consumables: No ink, solvent or consumables needed
- Dry process: No use of water for cleaning or washing
- Waste Reduction: Elimination of containers, ink residues and waste materials
- Production versatility: Immediate change from one design to another without setup time
- On-demand customization: Ability to produce even small batches economically
The LASIT advanced laboratory: quality assurance
LASIT has an advanced research laboratory equipped with 27 different laser systems and specialized instrumentation to ensure optimal results on any promotional material:
- Variety of laser systems:
- MOPA fiber lasers of different powers
- CO2 laser for every application
- UV nanosecond and picosecond lasers
- Instrumentation for quality testing:
- Colorimeter for objective verification of the shades obtained
- Salt spray chamber for corrosion resistance testing
- Abrasion test systems to verify durability
- Digital microscopes for detail inspection
This infrastructure makes it possible to guarantee optimal results on any promotional material, developing specific parameters for each application and ensuring the highest quality and durability of customizations.