Plastics are used in all industries. The material's versatility, relatively low cost, and constant new developments make it a versatile material. Plastics are proving to be very effective, especially in medical technology and automotive engineering, and technology trends are being established. The choice of plastic used depends on its functional use and intended use. Depending on the nature of plastics, so do the requirements for their weather resistance. The quality of the marking depends not only on the type of laser etching system chosen and the marking parameters used, but also on the choice of special additives in the plastic mixture.
Plastics for the medical technology industry
Patient safety, hygiene and biocompatibility, versatility and robustness or ease of patient care – these are just a few buzzwords that illustrate the many advantages of plastics in medical applications. In addition to patient care and treatment, its main areas of application include the use of plastics as raw materials for the manufacture of medical instruments and equipment, as well as implants.
The relatively low cost of materials has allowed for the emergence of single-use (single-use) plastic products. This improves patient safety and hygiene, and simplifies and speeds up the work of hospital staff. No more time-consuming cleaning procedures. In the case of multiple uses, the plastic used must be resistant to some aggressive cleaning agents and must not cause discoloration due to aesthetics during cleaning.
In order to protect our health, plastics used on or in the body cannot release any harmful substances. Suppliers of raw materials are obliged to comply with the relevant regulations for the protection of patient health. For example, bisphenol A (the source material for polycarbonate and epoxy resins) and phthalates (slow-evaporating PVC softeners) have harmful effects on hormones and are banned.
In particular, tubes used for the body must meet certain characteristics: they must be sliding, flexible and bend-free, and suitable plastics, such as silicone, can meet these criteria. In addition, in an ideal world, plastics can be compatible with human tissue. Plastic implants can even serve as a long-term replacement for human tissue if they have elasticity and stability comparable to natural tissue.
All of these requirements also affect the labeling of plastic products. The marking process must not affect the surface so that the product does not release any harmful substances. This is where laser marking comes in, as the marking usually does not affect the biocompatibility of the product.
Plastics in the automotive industry
In automotive engineering, design, functionality, and technological innovation are key. The possible applications of plastics seem limitless and are constantly evolving. Safety, driving pleasure and power, weight reduction, heat resistance, display solutions or surface structures are driving innovation. Although car interiors are made almost entirely of plastic, the material is also increasingly being used in the body sector.
Between 15% and 50% of cars are made of plastic. While the material is still being tested in the body structure area, the interior is almost entirely equipped with it. Tactile and visual influences the "ambience" and driving experience. Glossy surfaces - not even painted--、 permanently dust-proof paneling, different colors or even noise-reducing elements – are interior designs that can be achieved with plastic.
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