Permanent, flexible and high-performance Laser Marking
Laser marking is a cutting-edge technology that enables permanent, high-contrast markings on plastic surfaces using an optically controlled infrared laser (1064 nm). In partnership with Gabriel-Chemie, De Monchy offers advanced laser additive and combination masterbatches designed for optimal performance across a wide range of thermoplastics.
By incorporating just 2-3% laser additive, materials can be optimized to achieve excellent marking contrast, without the need for inks, solvents, or pre-treatment.
About Gabriel-Chemie
Founded in Austria, Gabriel-Chemie is a leading European specialist in colour and additive masterbatches for the plastics industry. The company combines in-depth polymer expertise with regulatory knowledge and application-driven development. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Gabriel-Chemie delivers tailor-made solutions that meet the evolving needs of global markets.
Key Features
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Permanent and resistant marking
Laser markings are abrasion-, chemical-, and weather-resistant, ensuring long-lasting readability even in demanding environments.
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Contactless and clean process
Marking is performed without physical contact, inks, or solvents, resulting in a clean, sustainable, and low-maintenance process.
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High flexibility in design
Ideal for both small and large batch sizes, laser marking offers flexibility for rapidly changing layouts as well as consistent branding across high-volume production.
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Suitable for complex geometries
Laser marking works on soft, coarse, stepped, or curved surfaces, offering unmatched versatility in product design.
Applications
Laser marking offers versatile, permanent identification and decoration across a wide range of industries and product types.
Product Identification, Traceability & Compliance
Laser marking is ideal for applications where durability, legibility, and permanence are critical:
- Barcodes and QR codes for supply chain tracking
- Serial numbers, batch codes, and product identification
- Expiry dates and regulatory markings (food & cosmetics packaging)
- Safety seals and tamper-evident labels
- Security tags and forgery-proof markings
- Marking of cables, pipes, and technical components
- Animal identification (e.g. ear tags)
Thanks to its abrasion-, chemical-, and weather-resistant properties, laser marking ensures that critical information remains readable throughout the product lifecycle, even in harsh environments.
Branding, Design & Functional Marking
Beyond traceability, laser marking enables high-quality visual and functional enhancements:
- Company logos and brand elements
- Decorative designs and surface detailing
- Scales, symbols, and functional markings
- Promotion codes (e.g. inside beverage caps)
- Marking of keyboards and user interfaces
- Automotive interior and exterior components
- Consumer electronics and appliance housings
- Medical devices and laboratory equipment
With the ability to mark soft, curved, or complex geometries, laser technology provides unmatched design freedom. It also supports customization, individualization, and rapidly changing layouts, making it ideal for modern production environments and for both small and big batch sizes.
Technical Information
- Laser type: Infrared laser (1064 nm), commonly fibre lasers
- Additive dosage: Typically 2–3% laser additive masterbatch
- Marking types:
- Dark marking: Dark markings are achieved on light surfaces by locally carbonising the polymer matrix using a laser beam. This process creates a deep, high-contrast mark. Polymers such as PC, PET, PBT, ABS, PS, SAN, SB, TPE, TPU, as well as PA, PE, and PP are particularly suitable, enabling excellent marking quality.
- Light marking: Using specially developed laser additives, light markings can be created on dark surfaces through a controlled foaming process. This results in high-contrast, clearly visible markings, ideal for applications requiring strong readability and decorative requirements. The following materials are suitable for light markings: PA, PE, PP, as well as POM and PMMA.
- Coloured marking: Coloured markings on coloured surfaces remain technically challenging. However, coloured markings on black substrates open up new design possibilities, especially in materials such as PA, PE, and PP. The choice of colourants plays a key role in determining the achievable contrast.
- Product types:
- Laser additive masterbatches
- Combination masterbatches (colour + additive)
- Processing methods:
- Injection moulding
- Hollow body injection moulding
- Extrusion (including thick-walled products)
- Film extrusion (on request)
- Additional benefits:
- No pre-treatment required
- Contactless marking process
- Forgery-proof and permanent labelling
- Compatible with a wide range of thermoplastics
- Sustainability benefits: Laser marking supports more sustainable production and packaging processes:
- No inks, labels or sleeves required → reducing material usage and waste
- Improved recyclability → no contamination from inks, adhesives, or foils
- Laser additives remain neutral in the recycling process
- Simplified packaging structures → enabling mono-material solutions
- No inks, labels or sleeves required → reducing material usage and waste
Why choose De Monchy?
At De Monchy, we go beyond distribution: we provide technical expertise and tailored solutions.
- Strong partnership with Gabriel-Chemie, a pioneer in laser marking since 1995
- Access to testing facilities and application support
- Network of partners for laser equipment and contract marking
- Guidance from concept to realization
- Customized masterbatch solutions for your specific application
Whether you are looking to improve product traceability, enhance branding, or streamline your production process, our laser marking solutions deliver precision, durability, and efficiency.
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