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Laser Tips & Tricks

How to Engrave Single-Color Plastics with a Fiber Laser:
A Step-by-Step Guide

Engraving Plastics
with a Fiber Laser

Engraving plastics with a fiber laser is a highly effective way to create high-contrast, permanent marks without removing material. Whether you are creating livestock identification tags (cow tags), serial number plates, or branded promotional items, the process relies on a chemical reaction within the plastic’s additives.

In this tutorial, we explore two different methods: using a high-speed Galvo system and a high-capacity Flatbed fiber laser.

Precision Engraving with a Galvo Fiber Laser System

The Galvo laser uses high-speed mirrors to move the beam, making it the ideal choice for quick, precise projects like single or small groups of cow tags.

Step 1: Alignment using the Iris™ Camera

Using the Epilog Laser Dashboard, capture a background image of your laser bed. Copy this image and paste it into your graphic software (like CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, or AutoCAD). This allows you to “see” exactly where your tags are placed on the table for perfect graphic alignment.

Step 2: Graphic Placement

Drag your names, logos, or serial numbers over the images of the tags in your software. Once aligned, select only the graphics (not the background image) and send the job back to the Laser Dashboard.

Step 3: Material Settings for 100W MOPA Fiber Laser

For a crisp, black mark on light-colored plastics, using a 100W MOPA Fiber laser source, use the below settings. 

  • Speed: 100%
  • Power: 60%
  • Frequency: 1%
  • Waveform: 4
  • Spacing: 0.0003
  • Angle: 45°

To experiment on your material, you can use the settings generator in the Epilog Job Manager. The generate button is located in the upper right corner as indicated by the red rectangle in this image.

generate function in the Epilog Laser Job Manager

High-Volume Production on a Flatbed Fiber System

If you need to engrave dozens of items at once, the flatbed system is the better choice. While it uses a flying optic system (which is slower than Galvo mirrors), the larger work area allows for “set it and forget it” bulk production.

Step 1: Use a Laser-Cut Jig for Alignment

To maximize efficiency, create a jig out of taskboard or acrylic to hold your tags in place. Because the jig ensures every piece is in a fixed position, you don’t need to use the camera for every job. Simply place your tags in the slots and run your file.

Step 2: Settings for 60W MOPA Fiber Flatbed Laser System

On a 60W flatbed system, your settings will differ slightly to achieve the same high-contrast black mark:

  • Resolution: 400 DPI
  • Speed: 90%
  • Power: 100%
  • Frequency: 1%
  • Waveform: 10

Galvo vs. Flatbed: Which Fiber Laser is Right for You?

FeatureGalvo Fiber SystemFlatbed Fiber System
Speed
Ultra-fast (approx. 30 seconds per full design tag)
15 min for full design on 24 tags
Work Area
Up to 6″ x 6″
Up to 24″x24″
Best For
Small batches and rapid prototyping
High-volume bulk production and large batches

Understanding the Science: Why Fiber Lasers Mark Plastic

Fiber lasers don’t typically deep engrave plastic like a CO2 laser might. Instead, the beam reacts with internal additives in the material.

  • Light Plastics: The laser creates a chemical change that turns the plastic black.
  • Dark/Black Plastics: The pigments often react to turn white or light grey.

Pro Tip: Always run a grid pattern test when working with a new plastic. Because every manufacturer uses different additives, your “perfect” black mark might require a slight adjustment in frequency or waveform.

FAQ

What types of single-color plastics work best with a fiber laser?
Not all plastics respond the same way. Fiber lasers work best with engineered plastics that are specifically formulated for laser marking, like certain acrylics, ABS blends, and laserable laminates. Standard plastics may melt, discolor, or produce weak contrast.
Can I engrave any plastic with a fiber laser?
No, and this is important. Fiber lasers interact with materials differently than CO2 systems. Many clear or light plastics won’t mark well unless they’re engineered for fiber absorption. Conversely, the depth you can achieve with a CO2 laser may be a better option. Always test or confirm the material is fiber-compatible.
Do I need a galvo or flatbed fiber system?
Both can get the job done. Galvo systems are ideal for high-speed marking and production runs. Flatbed systems offer more flexibility for larger items or mixed materials. The right choice depends on your workflow and part size.
Is ventilation important when engraving plastics?
Adequate ventilation is required when engraving any material, not just plastics. Some plastics can produce fumes or residues when marked. Proper ventilation keeps your workspace safe and helps maintain clean engraving results.

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