Pad printing, screen printing or laser marking for plastic parts?
Define the artwork, surface, material and durability requirements before choosing a decoration or identification process.
Begin with what the mark must do: display a logo, communicate a fixed label or carry variable identification. Then review surface geometry, resin and colour, required appearance and how the mark will be checked after use. Ask for trials on the intended material and finish.
Define the mark and its surroundings
Provide the artwork at the required size, its position on the part and any alignment features. Identify viewing direction, colour references and the surfaces that must remain unmarked. For codes, provide the data format and the intended reading method.
Describe the complete surface: moulded texture, coating and cleaning or handling conditions. Treat the marking operation as part of the finished component’s process sequence, so upstream finishes and downstream assembly are considered together.
Use a comparison to frame the trial
| Process | Useful questions |
|---|---|
| Pad printing | Can the pad and fixture reach the print area and hold the required position? How will the ink and finish be qualified? |
| Screen printing | Can the screen and part fixture support the intended artwork and surface? How will colour and coverage be checked? |
| Laser marking | Does the intended resin, colour and coating respond to the proposed laser process? Can the mark meet contrast and readability requirements? |
Laser response depends on the material and its interaction with the selected laser. Resin formulation, pigments or additives can affect the result. A successful mark on one plastic sample should be confirmed on the production material.
Agree a sample-approval plan
- Confirm position, dimensions, colour or contrast and visual acceptance criteria.
- Define the cleaning, abrasion or exposure checks relevant to the application.
- For readable codes, agree the reader and verification requirements.
- Check the finished part after any later coating, assembly or cleaning step.
- Retain approved samples and record the material, artwork revision and processing route.
Avoid a generic request for a “permanent” mark without an agreed test. Define the conditions the mark must withstand, how the result will be assessed and who approves it.
Bring the marking requirement to Nagoya
Nagoya offers printing, laser processing and component-marking discussions within its secondary-processing scope. Share the part, artwork, material and acceptance criteria to review the available route and trial requirements.
Explore secondary processing and assembly or discuss your marking project.