Boost productivity with metallic laser engraving laminates

22. Mai 2023 •

Time is money for any business, and boosting your production efficiency is often key to remaining competitive. Laser engraving and cutting technology have continued to increase in popularity as a production tool because of this. Alongside the laser, materials also play an important part in production efficiency. Metals are common materials for many laser marking and engraving applications, including dataplates, signage and more, but is there a more cost and time efficient alternative? Read on to find out.

Two-ply laser materials with metallic finishes

A plastic laser engraving material with a metallic finish is the ideal alternative to metals for laser engraving and cutting. Trotec's TroLase Metallic and Metallic Plus engraving laminates are an example of this. With an authentic top layer and a contrasting acrylic core, these materials are perfect for laser cutting and engraving. Laser engraving the material reveals the contrasting core colour, while the acrylic core allows the material to be laser cut to any size requirement with no treatment pre-processing. TroLase Metallic Plus also features the benefit of being fully UV stable, allowing you to create outdoor applications with ease.

But why are metallic plastics the perfect metal alternative? Read on to find out more.

Discover TroLase Metallic and Metallic Plus

TroLase Metallic Plus vs. real metals: a comparison

Laserable plastic laminates with metallic finishes are not only a cost-effective solution to metal processing, but they also offer unbeatable advantages not possible with metals. Some of the benefits include:

Designed for laser cutting and engraving
Thin top layer enables detailed results even at high laser engraving speeds
Special composition reduces dust and debris when laser engraving
TroLase Metallic/Metallic Plus do not tarnish or corrode like metals
Suitable for UV printing
Available in a range of thicknesses and colour combinations

Video: Laser engraving in action

In the following video you can see how TroLase Metallic Plus compares to three different types of metals. Using the Speedy 400 flexx laser engraver, we process metallic plus and anodised aluminium, followed by coated and uncoated stainless steel. Throughout the video we discuss the different stages of the process, including any pre-and post laser processing requirements followed by accurate processing times.

What does that mean in numbers?

In the following table you can see how TroLase Metallic Plus compares to three different types of metals. Using the Speedy 400 flexx laser engraver, we processed TroLase Metallic Plus, Anodized Aluminium, coated and uncoated stainless steel. That’s the result:

	TroLase Metallic Plus	Anodised Aluminium	Stainless Steel (fiber laser)	Stainless Steel (CO₂)
Material cut time	Can be laser cut in seconds	45 minutes cutting*	45 minutes cutting*	45 minutes cutting*
Pre-processing application	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	3 – 4 mins for solution to dry
Laser processing time	2 minutes 28 seconds	2 minutes 29 seconds	4 minutes 34 seconds	2 minutes 29 seconds
Post-processing time	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	39 seconds per piece
Total processing time per piece	2 minutes 28 seconds	2 minutes 29 seconds	4 minutes 34 seconds	7 minutes 7 seconds
Costs raw material	Save with 1.6 mm TroLase Metallics Plus : more than 30 % on Anodised Aluminium 1.0 mm and Stainless Steel in 0.8 mm and more than 40 % on Anodised Aluminium in 1.5 mm

Conclusion TroLase Metallics vs. Metals

Both TroLase Metallic and Metallic Plus are suitable for laser cutting and engraving with a CO₂ laser with no pre-treatment or time-consuming cleaning. Combined with the price advantage, this is clearly the most cost-effective solution and an attractive alternative for many traditional metal applications.

Discover TroLase Metallics Plus online

It's important to note that TroLase Metallic and Metallic Plus are plastic materials designed to resemble metals, and may not provide the same authentic feel or properties as genuine metals. The choice between TroLase Metallic and real metals ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the application and the desired aesthetic outcome.

Discover our Metals range