Automotive
Discover the different methods for processing plastics for the automotive sector.
Laser made in Germany
The development and production of our laser systems and the CEPHEUS laser beam source is located exclusively in Germany.
Our experts have more than two decades of experience in the field of sophisticated laser applications.
Laser processing of plastics
- A large number of plastics are used in the automotive industry. The reason for this is the significantly lower weight and the resulting lower energy consumption when driving. Nowadays, around a quarter of modern cars are made of plastic parts, which are easy to process and therefore offer a wide range of design options.
Industry requirements
- In the automotive sector, plastics are used for seats, interior trim and wheel trims, for example, as well as for parts in the engine compartment itself. The plastic parts and their markings must be both hard-wearing and resistant to heat and substances such as petrol, coolant or oil at their respective places of use.
Process requirements
- In this context, laser marking is an ideal process for meeting the requirements for markings on plastics. Laser marking or laser engraving can be used to create permanently legible, abrasion-resistant and durable markings.
Applications
Resistant to chemicals and heat
Laser marking of technical plastics for the automotive sector
In addition to standard plastics, engineering plastics are also used in the automotive sector. This category of plastics is used in the engine compartment, for example, where high heat resistance is required. Others, on the other hand, must have a high chemical resistance to fuel or oil. Laser marking provides a method of permanently marking these engineering plastics, which enables the requirements of the automotive industry to be met.
Day-night design
Selective ablation by laser irradiation
A common type of coating removal is the so-called day-night design, which is mostly used for switch consoles and control elements in the automotive industry.
For this purpose, a layer of paint is removed from the translucent material underneath to make it visible. Subsequent backlighting makes only the laser-cut symbols or texts visible.
Flexible laser marking systems
Individual customer solutions
Our experienced development department is happy to work in partnership with you to develop your specific solutions in the fields of optics, mechanics, electronics and software.