Automotive Laser Marking Applications

Here, you can find a small selection of our laser marking work in the automotive sector. The examples shown are not exhaustive, so if you cannot see anything that directly meets your immediate needs, please call us to discuss how we can help you, with our extensive range of laser marking equipment and support expertise.

Backlit Switches

Laser Marking backiit switches
The image is of a motor vehicle electric window switch cover.
Process

This is a method of reproducing a vector image onto a translucent moulded plastic. The plastic is spray coated with multiple layers of colour and the laser marker is used to carefully remove the individual layers.

This will produce an image which can be seen during the day and is illuminated from the rear at night. The laser marking process can produce fine detail and does not use any harmful inks or chemicals conventionally associated with this process. The laser marker vaporises the painted layers, described as surface ablation.
Laser Electrox recommend the use of either the Raptor or Scorpion Rapide fibre laser markers with a 254, 330 or 410mm focal length flat field lens. This combination produces a relatively small spot size with lower energy density, which removes the coating but allows precise control of the process at the same time, so the moulded plastic remains glossy and undamaged.

Electrical Panel Cover

Laser Marked Electrical Panel Cover
The image is of a motor vehicle fuse box cover.
Process

Conventional fuse box covers had their ratings and positional information either moulded or printed onto the material surface. Laser marking is achieved by creating a program to vector steer the laser beam, melting the plastic in a controlled manner to produce the desired image and subsequent contrast colour change.

By changing the process to laser marking, you remove the need for multiple moulds or mould inserts and dramatically reduce the set-up time involved with other methods.
Laser Electrox recommend the use of either the Raptor or Scorpion Rapide fibre laser marker with a 410mm focal length flat field lens, this combination produces a large spot size with low energy density, enabling the laser to produce clean foamed marks and to achieve high marking speeds.