SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

Laser Engraving in Polycarbonate ID Cards

Technical explanation of laser engraving in polycarbonate card structures, material requirements and secure credential applications.

What it is

Laser engraving personalizes compatible polycarbonate layers by creating controlled marks within the card body rather than applying surface ink.

HOW IT WORKS

Technical principle

A laser interacts with sensitized layers inside a laminated polycarbonate construction, producing durable grayscale data or imagery at selected depths.

Why it is used

It adds a distinct inspection method to the credential and complements material, printed, personalized or machine-readable controls.

Security benefits

  • Data integrated within the card body
  • Strong relationship between material and personalization
  • Support for tactile or multi-layer concepts
  • Compatible with variable identity data

MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY

Integration starts with the card stack

This method requires laser-responsive polycarbonate layers and a card stack designed for the intended personalization equipment.

MANUFACTURING CONSIDERATIONS

Control points

  • Layer sensitization
  • Laser wavelength and equipment
  • Image density and placement
  • CLI/MLI and window relationships

B2B PROJECT SUPPORT

Configure materials for your credential program

Share the card construction, equipment, security features, format and estimated volume for a project-specific review.