Thinking about using a laser engraver for plastic projects at home? Whether you’re customizing acrylic keychains, labeling plastic bins, or etching your logo on ABS or PET, it’s totally possible — if you use the right type of laser and settings.
In dit bericht, we’ll walk through:
- What plastics can be engraved safely
- Common beginner mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Laser settings that actually work
- Which laser engraver is best for clean, no-burn results
Let’s get into it.
What Plastics Can You Engrave with a Laser?
Before anything else — not all plastics are laser-safe. Some will burn, some will melt, en anderen (zoals PVC) can release toxic gas that damages your laser and your lungs.
Good plastics for laser engraving:
- Acryl (PMMA) – Great for signs, sleutelhangers, labels
- HUISDIER / Petg – Used in packaging, cards, display cases
- buikspieren – Good for prototypes, etiketten
- Polycarbonaat – Works, but may discolor (test first)
Avoid these:
- PVC / Vinyl – Releases chlorine gas when lasered
- Polystyreen – Melts and smells terrible
- HDPE / LDPE – May warp or give uneven burns
Voor de tip: Always check for “laser-safe” labels when buying plastic sheets.
My First Attempt Looked Burnt. Waarom?
Je bent niet de enige. The most common issues people run into when using a laser engraver on plastic are:
| Problem | What’s Going Wrong |
|---|---|
| Plastic melts or curls | Power too high or speed too slow |
| Burn marks / soot | Diode laser not ideal for clear plastic |
| Fumes or smell | Material is not laser-safe (likely PVC) |
| Edges look rough | Dirty lens, poor focus, or wrong speed |
Laser Settings That Work (Tested with ComMarker OMNI 1)
If you’re using a UV-lasergraveerder zoals de ComMarker OMNI 1, you’re in luck: UV beams don’t burn plastic — they break the surface photochemically. Dat betekent no melting, En no discoloration.
Here are some baseline settings I used for different plastics:
| Materiaal | Snelheid (mm/sec) | Stroom (%) | Frequentie (kHz) | Opmerkingen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acryl | 500 | 30 | 30 | Use masking tape for crisp lines |
| Petg | 600 | 20 | 40 | No assist air needed |
| buikspieren | 300 | 25 | 35 | Go lighter to avoid burn tint |
| Polycarbonaat | 200 | 20 | 20 | May need multiple passes |
Always test your settings on a scrap piece before starting a full project.
Which Laser Engraver Should You Use for Plastics?
If your goal is engraving plastic cleanly and safely, here are two real-world options I’ve used:
ComMarker OMNI 1 UV-lasergraveerder
- Waarom het werkt: Cold UV laser = no melting, geen brandplekken
- Great for: Acryl, clear plastics, fijne details
- Bonus: Very little smoke or smell
- Downside: Doesn’t cut deep — it’s for surface engraving
ComMarker B6 MOPA-vezellaser
- Waarom het werkt: Snel, great for colored plastics and coated metals
- Warning: Not ideal for clear acrylic unless it’s painted or masked
- Pro tip: Use grayscale mode for logos and patterns
Common Questions
Q: Why does my diode laser not engrave plastic well?
Diodelasers (blue light) often pass through clear materials like acrylic without engraving. Try painting the surface black or upgrading to a UV laser.
Q: Do I need air assist for plastic?
Not usually. It can blow fumes and melt residue around. Indien nodig, use it gently.
Q: How do I avoid ghosting or double images?
Make sure your material is taped down or secured with a jig — even a small shift will blur the design.
Q: Is plastic engraving dangerous?
Only if you use unsafe materials (zoals PVC) or engrave in a non-ventilated area. Always use a fume extractor or exhaust system.
Final Tips for DIY Plastic Engraving
✅ Use UV for clear plastics – no melting, no smell
✅ Secure your workpiece – especially on round or small pieces
✅ Clean your lens weekly – plastic vapor builds up fast
✅ Mask acrylic with transfer tape – cleaner edges every time
✅ Don’t guess your settings – run a material test grid first
Laser Engraving Plastic Is Easier Than You Think
With the right machine and safe materials, engraving plastic is one of the most rewarding DIY applications. Whether you’re making gifts, customizing parts, or launching an Etsy side hustle, A laser engraver for plastic can deliver sharp, Professionele resultaten.
If you’re just starting out, de ComMarker OMNI 1 UV is hands-down the best choice for precision, gebruiksgemak, and safety with plastic materials.
👉 Explore the OMNI 1 now and get ready to engrave cleaner, sharper plastic projects: Winkel omni 1 »