How UV Laser Marking Works on Plastic
UV lasers operate at 355 nm — a wavelength that interacts with plastics through a fundamentally different mechanism called photochemical decomposition (often called "cold marking"): Absorptio...
Industry Insights & Technical Guides
Stay updated with the latest in laser marking technology, industry trends, and product innovations
Expert insights on laser marking technology, application guides, industry trends, and product updates from IDEEDA's engineering team with over a decade of laser expertise.
How CO2 Laser Marking Works on Plastic
CO2 lasers emit at 10.6 µm (infrared), which is strongly absorbed by most organic materials. On plastics, the marking mechanism is primarily thermal: Absorption: The infrared energy is…
The Challenge: Why Plastic Marking Is Different
Metal is straightforward — almost any fiber laser will mark it. Plastic is a different beast entirely. Here's why: Polymers absorb different wavelengths differently. The chemical bonds in…
The Equipment Decision: Fiber vs CO2 vs MOPA
Here's a quick decision framework: If your focus is... Buy this... Because... Metal parts, tools, industrial marking Fiber laser (20–50W) Best mark quality and speed on all metals…
Building Your Laser Marking Business Plan
You don't need a 40-page document, but you do need clarity on these points: 1. Executive Summary What service do you provide, to whom, and why you? 2.…
Common Mistakes That Kill Laser Marking Startups
Mistake 1: Underpricing Your Work This is the silent killer. New operators price to "be competitive" without accounting for labor, overhead, or profit. The result? You're busy all…
Marketing Your Laser Marking Business
Great equipment and fair prices mean nothing if nobody knows you exist. Here's how to get customers: For B2B Industrial Clients Direct outreach to machine shops and manufacturers.…
Pricing Your Laser Marking Services
Pricing is where most new laser marking businesses fail. They calculate material cost, add a small markup, and wonder why they're working 60-hour weeks for minimum wage. The…
Choosing Your Laser Marking Business Model
Your business model determines everything — what equipment you need, who you sell to, and how much you can charge. Here are the three proven models: Model 1:…
Startup Costs: What You’ll Actually Spend
Let's cut through the vague estimates. Here's what it really costs to start a laser marking business, broken into two tiers: Entry-Level Setup: $1,250–$3,700 This tier works for…