New Laser Additive from Finke Colors: Hologram-Like Effects Directly in the Plastic
Finke Colors is expanding its portfolio of laser-active masterbatches with a new solution for high-quality marking of transparent plastics. The new laser additive enables optical effects that stand out clearly from traditional laser markings—precise, durable, and visible directly within the material.
Instead of altering the surface, the marking is created inside the polymer. Especially in transparent applications, the effect acts like a delicate hologram that reveals its full depth depending on the angle of light and the viewer’s perspective.
A New Type of Laser Marking—Without Surface Damage
Conventional laser markings rely on foaming or carbonization. In this process, the surface is intentionally damaged by the laser to create a visible contrast. The new laser additive from Finke Colors takes a different approach.
The laser energy triggers a targeted reaction within the plastic. The surface remains intact, smooth, and unchanged, while the optical properties change locally within the material. The result are clean, highly detailed markings without material removal or structural changes to the surface.
Ideal for colored transparent plastics
The hologram-like effect is particularly striking in colored transparent plastics or those containing colored filling material. Excellent results are achieved in, among others:
• PET
• PETG
• PC
• PMMA
High-contrast, high-resolution structures with great visual depth are created, especially in transparent, colored components. This makes the additive suitable for both functional markings and design-oriented applications.
Compatible with Standard NIR Lasers
Another advantage for users: The effect can be achieved using standard NIR and green laser systems. No special laser sources or costly retrofits are required. This simplifies integration into existing production lines and makes the technology economically attractive for mass-production applications.
Recyclability Is Preserved
Despite the visual change in the material, the recyclability of the plastics remains fully intact. The additive does not affect either recyclability or established recycling processes, thereby supporting sustainable product concepts and material cycles.
Typical Applications
The new laser additive is particularly suitable for applications that combine high optical requirements with permanent marking, for example:
• Medical technology
• Electronics and housing components
• Greenhouses
• Optical and transparent components
• Packaging with design or security features
• High-quality consumer goods
Label-free marking—consistently taken to the next level
Like all marking solutions from Finke Colors, this new laser additive is consistently designed for label-free marking. Information, designs, or security features are integrated directly into the component—permanently, tamper-proof, and without additional materials.
With this development, Finke Colors underscores its commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and practical solutions for the plastics industry—and demonstrates how functionality, design, and sustainability can be combined at the highest level
