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FRP-material processing

Grabado y corte por láser de plásticos reforzados con fibra de vidrio

FRP: ligero y flexible

Natalie Eichner
3. März 2025 • 3 min

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is one of the most important construction materials today. FRP (colloquially known as fiberglass) is a fiber-plastic composite made of plastic (e.g. polyester-epoxy resin or polyamide) and glass fibers.  

This high performance material is attractive not only because of its price, but also because of its properties: High strength combined with low weight, corrosion resistance, flexibility, etc. make this lightweight material a popular choice for a wide range of applications, such as:

  • Automotive: body parts, bumpers, chassis parts 
  • Construction industry: Facade elements, Reinforcing bars, Roof structures 
  • Aerospace: aircraft structures, rotor blades, interiors  
  • Marine: boat hulls, decks, masts 
  • Energy: wind turbine blades, solar panel frames, insulators 
  • Sports and recreation: Bicycle frames, skis, LARP weapons, fishing rods 
  • Model making: prototypes, airplane models 
  • Buses and trains: cladding systems, body parts, interiors   
  • Sanitary: Bathtubs and shower trays, sinks 

Difference between FRP laser engraving and cutting over the mechanical processing.

FRP is ideally suited for laser marking and, depending on the type of material, laser cutting with a 10.6 µm CO2 laser. The non-contact laser technology enables a wear-free process with maximum material utilization thanks to a narrow kerf. Trotec laser systems are efficient, quiet and have an enclosed design.  

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During the mechanical processing of FRP components (grinding, cutting, sawing), fine dusts and chips with glassy filaments as well as sticky dusts are generated in considerable quantities. These affect the health of people and the functionality of machines and systems.  

Learn how platics can be marked

Fiber lasers outperform Inkjet marking for FRP components.

Trotec fiber lasers, operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm, are perfectly suited for high-precision marking applications. When marking FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic), the laser achieves results by either foaming or carbonizing the material, ensuring a durable and permanent mark. The non-contact technology, Trotec fiber lasers are wear-free and require minimal maintenance. Additionally, these advanced systems are capable of marking complex 3D surfaces with exceptional accuracy. 

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When FRP components are marked using inkjet printing, the markings often lack durability and can peel away over time. Additionally, ink-based markings are typically vulnerable to solvents, acids, and alkalis, compromising their longevity. Beyond these limitations, inkjet methods come with recurring expenses for ink replenishment and system maintenance, making them less cost-effective in the long run. 

Learn about laser marker

Exhaust system is essential for clean and precise laser marking.

To prevent the smoke and fumes produced during the laser process from settling on the material or escaping into the environment, an exhaust system is always required. This ensures clean processing and perfect results.  

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