Methods for transferring colored markings onto plastic surfaces

Method for transferring colored markings or labels onto plastic surfaces by means of a laser beam, wherein a multilayer planar transfer medium, having at least

• one carrier layer (1) containing at least one material which absorbs energy emitted by the laser beam,
• one metal layer (2) consisting of a sublimable metal and arranged directly on the carrier layer (1), and
• a labeling medium (3*) arranged directly on a side of the metal layer (2) facing away from the carrier layer (1) and containing at least one color component,
• is contacted from the side of the carrier layer (1) on a defined surface unit with a pulsed laser beam,
• wherein the metal of the metal layer completely sublimates in a locally selective manner and the labeling medium (3*) is simultaneously detached from the carrier layer in a locally selective manner, and
• wherein the labeling medium detached from the carrier layer is transferred to the plastic surface in an adherent manner.