What are the different plastic engraving technologies available to suit your business sector?
Discover our plastic engraving machines for signage, traceability, and product personalization.
Plastic is an essential material in the fields of part marking for traceability, signage, and object personalization. Its lightness, strength, and versatility make it an ideal medium for engraving, marking and cutting.
Thanks to Gravotech plastic engraving technologies: laser, mechanical and dot peen, it is possible to easily transform a plastic plate, component, or raw material into a finished product, or traceable part. Whether for professionnal plates, personalized objects, or industrial identification, engraving, marking and cutting plastic offers a solution adapted to all needs.
Our plastic engraving machines
Gravotech laser engravers for plastic offer fast, clean, and contactless engraving and cutting, ideal for transforming all types of plastic materials into nameplates, labels, personalized products, or simply for direct marking on plastic parts in industrial environments.
- Laser tables: LS100, LS100Ex, and LS900 are ideal plastic laser cutters and engravers for fast engraving and cutting of large plates and plastic objects (signage, pictograms, complex shapes).
- Laser stations: WeLase™, LW2, and LW3 are more compact and versatile laser engravers for plastic with a smaller working area dedicated mainly to marking. Laser stations provide precision marking on plastic parts, logo marking, fine text, datamatrix, and numbering.
Small CO2 laser engraver and cutter for personalization, signage and creative.
LS100
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Small laser engraver for all kind of engravings.
WELASE
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Medium CO2 or Fiber laser engraving and cutting machine for signage and small series.
LS100 EX
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Medium fully automated laser marking station.
LW2
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Large laser engraver and cutter that can do everything.
LS900
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Large fully automated laser workstation with Fiber, Hybrid or Green sources
LW3
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Mechanical plastic engraving machines are a reliable and precise technology, particularly suited to engraved plastic signs and industrial plates, offering durable results.
- M20 X: compact and easy to use, ideal for customizing products and small plastic plates.
- M40: flexible and precise, suitable for engraving professional plates, signage, and personalizing items.
- IS400: versatile machine for signage and industrial applications on technical plastics.
- ISx000: large-format CNC, perfect for cutting and engraving large plastic plates.
Small and custom engraving machine for all purposes, from perfume bottle to small industrial signage.
M20 X
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Medium multi-purpose rotary engraving machine for signage and gifts.
M40
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Medium CNC engraving machine for flat and cylinder engraving on metal and plastic.
IS400 – IS400 Volume
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Large and extra large format CNC engraving machines.
ISx000
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Integrables lasers can be easily integrated into a production line and enable permanent, legible marking at high speed, making them an ideal laser engraver for plastic parts traceability.
- Fiber Laser: fast, efficient marking on technical plastics and colored surfaces with crisp contrast.
- MOPA Laser: adjustable pulse control enables deep, high-contrast engraving on multipolymer plastics.
- Hybrid Laser: high peak power and ultra-short pulses yield sharp, clean marks on plastics without heat damage.
- Green Laser: “cold” marking for sensitive or pigment-resistant plastics, with micro-detail precision.
Integrated laser system to mark and engrave on all metals.
FIBER laser
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Integrated laser system for high-quality marking on metals and plastics.
MOPA Laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality marking on plastics and metals.
HYBRID laser
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Integrated laser system for high quality and cold marking on plastics and precious metals.
GREEN Laser
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Plastic marking is essential across industries, from automotive to electronics, where permanent, legible codes ensure reliable traceability. Gravotech’s dot peen solutions provide robust and cost-effective marking even on tough plastic components.
- Impact: standalone dot-peen station delivering fast, permanent marking on plastic parts.
- XF510p: ultra-fast integrable pneumatic system for high-volume plastic identification with no consumables.
- XF510m: electromagnetic integrable dot peen ensuring consistent, precise codes on plastic parts identification.
How to differentiate technologies for plastic engraving?
Plastic engraving, cutting, and marking can be achieved using several technologies. Each has its own advantages. The following table compares the solutions offered by Gravotech.
| Technology | Available machine types | Result obtained | Compatible plastics | Cutting possible | Application sectors links |
| CO2 laser | Laser tables, stations and integrables | Contrasted engraving and clean cutting, good precision on logos and text | Acrylic, two-layer plastics, PP, and ABS (cutting not recommended) | ✅ Yes (up to 10 mm) | Signage Identification Personalization |
| Fiber laser | Laser tables, stations and integrables | Precise marking in very short cycle time | PC, ABS | ❌ No | Identification |
| MOPA Laser | Laser stations and integrables | High-contrast marking on various plastics | HDPE, PP, PPT, PA, PPS, PET, PPE | ❌ No | Identification Personalization |
| Hybrid Laser | Laser stations and integrables | High quality at the highest speed | PC, HDPE, PVC | ❌ No | Identification |
| Green Laser | Laser stations and integrables | Ultra-precise engraving without heat | PBT, PMMA, PA, PC-ABS, TPU, PPA, PETG | ❌ No | Identification |
| Mechanical engraving | Engraving stations and CNC tables | Deep and durable engraving, no contrast (except two-layer), standard precision | Two-layer plastics, Acrylic, ABS, and others | ✅ Yes | Signage Personalization |
| Dot peen | Stations and integrables | Engraving by micro-impacts, legible marking but less fine than laser | ABS, PP, rigid and compact plastics | ❌ No | Identification |
In industry, laser marking often depends on the composition of the plastic. To test marking on your own parts, please contact us!
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Discover a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and finishes. |
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Plastic marking in Identification
Many plastic parts must be marked to ensure traceability and compliance. Marking can be adapted to flat or curved surfaces, small or large.
- Electrical boxes and switches.
- Plastic connectors for industrial wiring.
- Automotive parts (covers, buttons, interior and engine components, sensors, bumpers).
- Components for household appliances or technical equipment.
| Are you interested in laser marking your plastic part? Discover our introduction to laser marking plastics, or our deep dive in thermoplastic marking. |
Plastic marking is essential for the long-term identification of products and equipment. Engraved plastic plates ensure reliable reading of essential information, whether for traceability, compliance, or instructions for use.
- Plastic plates with alphanumeric codes, barcodes, or QR codes.
- Manufacturer plates with technical references and CE logo.
- Standard plates for regulatory compliance (safety, CE marking, certifications).
- Machine operating plates (“ON/OFF” controls, pressure instructions, voltage, capacity).
Plastics are ubiquitous in electronics and IoT. Marking allows each component to be accurately identified, even small ones.
- Miniature sensors and connectors.
- Plastic casings for electronic devices.
- Internet of Things control devices and plastic cards (remote controls, badges, access keys).
- Components for telecommunications and networks.
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| Are you interested in laser marking your plastic part? Discover our introduction to laser marking plastics, or our deep dive in thermoplastic marking. |
Plastic identification is ubiquitous in a multitude of sectors, ensuring traceability, compliance, and safety. Gravotech offers solutions tailored to each industrial environment.
- Parts for the aerospace and rail industries (identification of critical components or internal elements).
- Plastic accessories for energy, telecoms, or consumer goods.
- Medical devices and plastic consumables (syringes, instruments, cases).
- Laboratory equipment and transparent plastic parts.
Plastic cutting and engraving in Signage
Engraved plastic, and particularly double-layer engraving materials, are widely used to organize and identify interior spaces. They enable the production of clear, legible signage that is suitable for all types of environments.
- Pictograms for offices, restrooms, or public spaces.
- Personalized door plates (names, functions, room numbers).
- Directional signs for businesses, schools, or hospitals.
UV-resistant and weatherproof plastics ensure durable and attractive outdoor signage. They are suitable for both public spaces and private sites.
- Welcome signs for buildings or industrial areas.
- Information signs in parks, gardens, or urban spaces.
- Institutional signage for businesses and government agencies.
- Professional signs for independent professionals.
Engraving and plastic cutting enable the design of clear and durable directional signage, ideal for guiding visitors in large spaces.
- Signage in shopping malls, train stations, or airports.
- Modular traffic signs for hotels or hospitals.
- Location of technical or production areas.
Engraved plastic guarantees standardized safety signage, which is essential for effectively protecting and informing users. The contrasts achieved ensure perfect legibility.
- Prohibition and mandatory signs.
- Fire safety instructions, evacuation procedures, and safety plans.
- Warning pictograms visible from a distance.
In industrial environments, plastic signage is essential for identifying, securing, and organizing workspaces. It withstands demanding conditions while remaining legible.
- Identification of machines, production lines, or storage areas.
- Warning signs specific to industrial environments.
- Technical labels for maintenance or instructions.
Plastic engraving and cutting in Personalization
Engraved plastic allows for quick and large-scale customization of promotional items. It is an economical and sustainable solution for promoting a brand.
- Pens, lighters.
- Customized key chains or badges.
- Goodies for trade shows and events.
Plastic engraving transforms a standard object into a unique gift or commemorative trophy. The result is attractive, durable, and highly customizable.
- Sports or corporate trophies.
- Commemorative plaques and honorary plaques.
- Customized plastic boxes or accessories.
Plastic engraving adds a personal and distinctive touch to practical, everyday objects.
- Name tags for luggage or mailboxes.
- Plastic cases, covers, or accessories.
- Decorative items and small personalized series.
Customization on plastic is particularly well suited to the cosmetics industry. It allows standardized packaging to be given a unique, high-end identity.
- Engraving plastic caps and lids.
- Marking makeup cases.
- Customizing cosmetic samples or miniatures.
| FAQ: the 8 questions most frequently asked of our experts |
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🔽 Which plastics can be engraved or cut?
The most commonly engraved plastics are ABS, Acrylic, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, and two-layer plastics specially designed for engraving (such as Gravoply™). With a CO2 plastic laser cutter, it is also possible to cut Acrylic to obtain plates with clean edges.
🔽What is the difference between laser engraving and mechanical engraving on plastic?
Laser engraving is fast, contactless, and produces high-contrast markings or precise cuts, ideal for identification, signage and customization. Mechanical engraving physically removes material, offering a certain depth and improving durability. But to obtain contrast with mechanical engraving, appropriate materials must be used: such as double-shot plastics or two-layer plastic sheets, which are perfectly suited to industrial parts or professional plates.
🔽Is engraving on plastic durable?
Yes, plastic engraving is permanent. Durability depends on the marking depth or the environment in which the plastic is used: harsh conditions or chemicals can degrade the plastic and the engraving.
🔽Which machine should be used to cut plastic?
The recommended machines to cut plastic are CO2 lasers and mechanical plastic engraving machines. Acrylic is particularly suitable for laser cutting.
🔽 Is it possible to engrave logos, pictures or detailed drawings on plastics?
Yes, Gravotech machines can reproduce logos, text, and detailed designs. Laser engraving is recommended for very fine markings, while mechanical engraving is recommended for technical plates requiring high durability.
🔽Which technology should be chosen for engraving plastic?
The choice depends on the application and the desired contrast:
- CO2 laser: signage, plexiglass cutting, and object customization.
- Fiber/MOPA lasers: industrial identification and traceability, or gift personalization.
- Hybrid/Green lasers: industrial identification of heat-sensitive or fragile components.
- Mechanical: outdoor and industrial signage, durable plates, and object customization.
- Dot peen: quick and robust marking for industrial identification.
🔽 Which plastics are recommended for signage?
Gravotech's two-layer plastics (Gravoply™, Gravoglas™, Flexilase™) are specially designed for signage. They guarantee immediate contrast and excellent resistance to UV rays and weathering. PMMA is also widely used for transparent or colored panels.
🔽What precautions should be taken for plastic cutting or engraving with a laser?
It is important to adjust the parameters (power, speed, frequency) and use an effective extraction system, as some plastics can give off fumes. Gravotech always recommends carrying out tests and prototyping before production to ensure the best result.
