Boost productivity with metallic laser engraving laminates

22. Mai 2023 •

For any business, time is money. Boosting your production efficiency is often key to remaining competitive, which is why laser engraving and cutting technology has continued to increase in popularity as a production tool. However 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 engraving laser 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. Featuring an authentic top layer and a contrasting acrylic core, the sheet materials are perfect for both 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 plastics with metallic finishes are not only a cost-effective solution to metal processing, they also offer unbeatable advantages that are 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 will 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, Anodised 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

TroLase Metallics and Metallics Plus can be laser cut and engraved by a CO₂ laser and require no pre-treatment or time-consuming cleaning afterwards. Combined with the price advantage, this is clearly the most cost-effective solution and an attractive alternative for many applications.

Discover TroLase Metallics Plus online

It's important to note that TroLase Metallic is a plastic material designed to resemble metals, and it 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