| Laser coding technology is an emerging technology | | | | system. Most laser marking set-ups require an |
| that has improved rapidly in the last 5 years in terms | | | | extraction and filtration system to safely remove the |
| of Speed, flexibility, print area and size. Despite some | | | | by-products of the lasing process e.g. vapors or |
| exciting applications laser may continue be challenged | | | | particles such as glass particulates. As a result, |
| by inkjet coding for use in industrial traceability due to | | | | frequent filter changes may be required. In addition |
| some intrinsic characteristics of inkjet : low cost + high | | | | laser coder parts such as the laser tube and coding |
| speed, variety of inks compatible to substrates, non | | | | head may need replacing depending on use. New |
| permanency of marking, Thermo-cromic colour change | | | | filters and spare parts are costs that should be |
| etc. | | | | considered over the long-term use of the equipment. |
| In reality laser and inkjet are complementary | | | | Laser coding offer many benefits such as a |
| technologies. Some operations may have an | | | | permanent mark that is virtually impossible to alter |
| application that allows for both technologies equally, | | | | without evidence. The vector technology enables very |
| however in many cases after the correct analysis; the | | | | aesthetically appealing graphics, text and multiple lines |
| choice will be clear-cut. | | | | (if speed permits). The cosmetics industry has found |
| Markem-Imaje has extensive experience in both | | | | applications to ensure branding is not negatively |
| technologies through its broad product range and | | | | affected by unattractive traceability marking and have |
| appreciates the merits and limitations of both systems. | | | | reduced the possibility of counterfeiting. The cost |
| Every application should be individually assessed to | | | | effectiveness of using a laser is impressive as it uses |
| establish the most suitable technology required. | | | | virtually no consumables, resulting in lower ongoing |
| Elements to consider are the substrate, line | | | | running costs (excluding spare parts). |
| requirements (eg speed), the desired message, the | | | | As with all technology, there will always be some |
| physical environment and of course budget. | | | | limitations and laser coding is no different. The main |
| Different substrates require different laser energy | | | | limitation is that not all substrates can be marked |
| levels to 'change' and mark the surface. As a result, | | | | effectively: reflective substrates such as metal (eg |
| laser-marking systems are available in variety of | | | | aluminum or steel cans) cannot be marked and some |
| power ratings, measured in watts. Markem-Imaje has | | | | glass is very difficult to mark and would require a very |
| a range of laser units, starting at the 10 watt system, | | | | high-powered laser to do so. |
| and progressing up to the top end of the market with | | | | Being environmentally conscious and responsible, it is |
| the 7000 series at 200-250 watts, utilizing Rofin | | | | important to know that recycling laser marked |
| technology - world leaders in industrial laser technology. | | | | products is only possible if the packaging is |
| There is invariably a trade-off between power and | | | | reconstituted (eg melted or pulped down.) In contrast, |
| speed. As such there are effectively three elements | | | | inkjets can use specialised inks that enable inkjet |
| of laser technology to consider: the substrate to be | | | | coding to be removed in alkaline baths. Another fact to |
| marked, line speed and message complexity. | | | | consider is that while laser coders may not use |
| If the surface is easy to lase, such as paper or | | | | consumables that produce emissions, the by-products |
| cardboard, a low powered laser may be adequate. | | | | produced by a laser as it marks the substrate can be |
| However if production lines are traveling at medium to | | | | toxic or dangerous. Depending on the substrate being |
| high speed or the message is complex, a more | | | | marked, the environment and quantity of by-product |
| powerful laser is necessary to compensate. | | | | produced, filter systems may be required to remove |
| Additionally, if the surface is hard or difficult to mark | | | | vapors and particles. Integrating laser equipment |
| then more power is required even before line speed is | | | | requires rigorous safety precautions, special physical |
| considered. | | | | barriers and sufficient space around the machine and |
| The most widely promoted benefit of laser coding is | | | | ongoing staff training. This can be both an expensive |
| the absence of traditional consumables. Laser coding | | | | and timely exercise. In contrast, inkjet can easily be |
| systems do not require ink or additives as inkjet | | | | transported between production lines and set up for |
| printers do. However there are some requirements, | | | | production runs. |
| other than power, necessary to safely operate a laser | | | | |