What is Laser Demetalization? High‑Precision Marking
Laser demetalization is a high‑precision marking technique that uses a focused laser beam to selectively remove the ultra‑thin aluminium (or other metal) layer from a holographic film, creating clear, transparent areas on an otherwise metalized background. This process can produce extremely fine text, logos, serial numbers, QR codes, or intricate patterns that are visible in both reflected and transmitted light. Unlike printing (which adds ink on top), laser demetalization subtracts the metal, leaving a permanent, non‑removable mark that is integrated into the hologram itself. The resulting clear areas are highly durable – they cannot be scratched off, chemically removed, or tampered with without destroying the hologram. Laser demetalization is widely used for serialization, track‑and‑trace codes, microtext, transparent windows, and high‑security brand protection features on hologram labels, tax stamps, and banknotes.
At Holoseal – a trusted hologram supplier with 15+ years of experience – we offer laser‑demetalized hologram labels, strips, and foils. Our high‑speed laser systems can produce variable data (unique serial numbers, QR codes) on each label, creating a powerful phygital security solution. We serve clients across India and worldwide in pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, and government sectors.
🔍 How Laser Demetalization Works
The process uses a pulsed fibre laser or a diode‑pumped solid‑state laser (typically with a wavelength of 1064 nm or 532 nm). The laser beam is focused to a tiny spot (20–100 microns) and scanned across the hologram surface. The intense energy ablates (vaporises) the aluminium layer in the desired pattern, leaving the clear PET film underneath intact. Because the metal is extremely thin, even a low‑power laser (20–50 watts) can remove it cleanly.
- Setup – A roll or sheet of metalized holographic film is loaded into a laser marking system.
- Programming – The desired pattern (text, barcode, QR code, logo) is designed in software and converted into laser scan paths.
- Laser scanning – Galvanometer mirrors steer the laser beam rapidly, removing metal in the shape of the pattern. Each label can receive unique data (e.g., serial number 000001 to 100000).
- Quality check – Vision systems verify the contrast and completeness of the demetalized area.
The result: clear, glass‑like text or graphics that shine brightly when held up to light, and appear as dark marks against a shiny background in reflected light.
🔐 Types of Laser Demetalization Patterns
- Serial numbers (human‑readable) – Consecutive numbers from 000001 to 999999, lasered in a clear font.
- 1D barcodes (Code 128, Code 39) – Demetalized bars for scanner reading.
- 2D QR codes / Data Matrix – High‑density codes for digital authentication.
- Microtext – Extremely small text (0.2–0.5 mm) created by demetalization, readable under magnification.
- Transparent windows – A completely clear area (e.g., a circle or brand logo shape) through which you can see the underlying product or background.
- Decorative patterns – Fine guilloche or geometric lines where the metal is removed.
🛡️ Advantages of Laser Demetalization over Printing
- Permanent and tamper‑proof – The demetalized mark is part of the hologram structure. It cannot be scratched off, washed off, or dissolved with solvents.
- High resolution – Laser spot sizes down to 20 microns enable very fine text and intricate patterns.
- No consumables – No ink, ribbons, or chemicals. Environmentally cleaner.
- Variable data at high speed – Change serial numbers instantly between labels without stopping the machine.
- Dual visibility – The mark is visible in both reflected light (dark) and transmitted light (clear). This helps authentication.
⚙️ Laser Demetalization vs. Inkjet Printing on Holograms
- Laser demetalization – Removes metal. Permanent, high contrast, durable. Slower, higher equipment cost.
- Inkjet printing – Adds ink. Lower initial cost, faster for simple codes. Ink can be scratched or dissolved. Not suitable for microtext.
📦 Laser‑Demetalized Products We Supply
- Laser‑demetalized hologram labels – Self‑adhesive labels with unique QR codes or serial numbers. Tamper‑evident VOID or destructible available.
- Laser‑demetalized holographic strips – Narrow rolls for banknotes, passports, or tax stamps with sequential numbers.
- Laser‑demetalized stamping foils – Hot‑stamped onto cartons or cards, with demetalized data.
- Custom demetalized windows – Clear logo or shape that reveals product information beneath the label.
🏭 Industries Using Laser Demetalization
- Pharmaceuticals – Demetalized serial numbers on medicine cartons meet traceability requirements and cannot be removed.
- Electronics – Permanent QR codes on laptop or phone boxes – survive shipping and handling.
- Automotive parts – Laser‑demetalized part numbers and barcodes on genuine spares.
- Government tax stamps (alcohol, tobacco) – Demetalized excise codes that are impossible to scrape off.
- Luxury goods – Transparent windows or logos within the hologram for an elegant, secure effect.
- Passports & ID documents – Demetalized microtext and machine‑readable zones on polycarbonate.
🕵️ How to Verify a Laser‑Demetalized Hologram
- Reflected light test – Look at the label under normal light. The demetalized areas appear as dark marks against the shiny hologram.
- Transmitted light test – Hold the label up to a light source. The demetalized areas become bright, clear windows (because the metal is missing).
- Magnification test – Use a 10x loupe to inspect microtext or fine details; edges of demetalized areas should be sharp, not ragged.
- Scratch test (destructive) – Attempt to scratch the demetalized code. It cannot be removed without destroying the label.
🌍 Holoseal’s Laser Demetalization Capabilities
We operate industrial fibre laser marking systems capable of processing rolls and sheets of holographic film. For clients in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Indore, Vadodara, Ludhiana, Patna, Guwahati, Chandigarh and worldwide, we provide laser‑demetalized hologram labels with variable data (sequential numbers, QR codes) at high volumes. With 15+ years of experience, we advise on optimal laser settings (power, speed, focus) to achieve clean, sharp demetalization without damaging the PET substrate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Demetalization
Does laser demetalization damage the hologram’s rainbow effect?
Only in the areas where metal is removed. The remaining metalized areas retain the full rainbow effect. The contrast between shiny rainbow and clear demetalized text is visually striking.
Is laser demetalization suitable for short runs (e.g., 1000 labels)?
Yes – laser systems can handle short runs economically because there are no printing plates. Setup time is minimal. For very high volumes (millions), inkjet may be cheaper, but laser offers better durability.
Can laser demetalization create coloured text on holograms?
No – the process removes metal, leaving clear film. The text appears as transparent (not coloured). If you need coloured text, you would print ink on top or use a coloured foil.
How durable is a laser‑demetalized code?
Extremely durable – it cannot be rubbed off, and most solvents do not affect it (the PET base is resistant). Abrasive scrubbing will damage the whole label, not just the code.
Can I combine laser demetalization with UV printing on the same label?
Absolutely – we can demetalize a QR code and then overprint a UV‑fluorescent logo. This creates multi‑layer security.
How to order laser‑demetalized hologram labels from Holoseal?
Specify your hologram design, the content to be demetalized (e.g., “serial numbers from 0001 to 5000” or “QR code with URL”), label size, and quantity. We will produce sample(s) for you to inspect the clear/dark contrast. Contact us for a quote.
