Laser vs. inkjet industrial coding – which is the better option?

Laser coding technology is an emerging technology that has improved rapidly in the last 5 years in terms of Speed, flexibility, print area and size. Despite some exciting applications laser may continue be challenged by inkjet coding for use in industrial traceability due to some intrinsic characteristics of inkjet : low cost + high speed, variety of inks compatible to substrates, non permanency of marking, Thermo-cromic colour change etc.

In reality laser and inkjet are complementary technologies. Some operations may have an application that allows for both technologies equally, however in many cases after the correct analysis; the choice will be clear-cut.
Markem-Imaje has extensive experience in both technologies through its broad product range and appreciates the merits and limitations of both systems.

Every application should be individually assessed to establish the most suitable technology required. Elements to consider are the substrate, line requirements (eg speed), the desired message, the physical environment and of course budget.

Different substrates require different laser energy levels to 'change' and mark the surface. As a result, laser-marking systems are available in variety of power ratings, measured in watts. Markem-Imaje has a range of laser units, starting at the 10 watt system, and progressing up to the top end of the market with the 7000 series at 200-250 watts, utilizing Rofin technology - world leaders in industrial laser technology. There is invariably a trade-off between power and speed. As such there are effectively three elements of laser technology to consider: the substrate to be marked, line speed and message complexity.

If the surface is easy to lase, such as paper or cardboard, a low powered laser may be adequate. However if production lines are traveling at medium to high speed or the message is complex, a more powerful laser is necessary to compensate. Additionally, if the surface is hard or difficult to mark then more power is required even before line speed is considered.

The most widely promoted benefit of laser coding is the absence of traditional consumables. Laser coding systems do not require ink or additives as inkjet printers do. However there are some requirements, other than power, necessary to safely operate a laser system. Most laser marking set-ups require an extraction and filtration system to safely remove the by-products of the lasing process e.g. vapors or particles such as glass particulates. As a result, frequent filter changes may be required. In addition laser coder parts such as the laser tube and coding head may need replacing depending on use. New filters and spare parts are costs that should be considered over the long-term use of the equipment.

Laser coding offer many benefits such as a permanent mark that is virtually impossible to alter without evidence. The vector technology enables very aesthetically appealing graphics, text and multiple lines (if speed permits). The cosmetics industry has found applications to ensure branding is not negatively affected by unattractive traceability marking and have reduced the possibility of counterfeiting. The cost effectiveness of using a laser is impressive as it uses virtually no consumables, resulting in lower ongoing running costs (excluding spare parts).

As with all technology, there will always be some limitations and laser coding is no different. The main limitation is that not all substrates can be marked effectively: reflective substrates such as metal (eg aluminum or steel cans) cannot be marked and some glass is very difficult to mark and would require a very high-powered laser to do so.

Being environmentally conscious and responsible, it is important to know that recycling laser marked products is only possible if the packaging is reconstituted (eg melted or pulped down.) In contrast, inkjets can use specialised inks that enable inkjet coding to be removed in alkaline baths. Another fact to consider is that while laser coders may not use consumables that produce emissions, the by-products produced by a laser as it marks the substrate can be toxic or dangerous. Depending on the substrate being marked, the environment and quantity of by-product produced, filter systems may be required to remove vapors and particles. Integrating laser equipment requires rigorous safety precautions, special physical barriers and sufficient space around the machine and ongoing staff training. This can be both an expensive and timely exercise. In contrast, inkjet can easily be transported between production lines and set up for production runs.


Markem-Imaje is focused on offering customers a durable and cost effective marking solution that best suits their application now and in the future. As a result, Markem-Imaje is able to offer both technologies as well as a large range of other coding and marking solutions. Our primary motivation is to provide customers with a system that meets ALL their objectives and fits with their unique environment.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...
March 4, 2013 at 9:39 PM

This is where knowing how to Purchase Youtube Views can play an important role.
The technique is pretty new and is beneficial to
locate Website marketing firms that come with the options
to buy Facebook likes as it is so straightforward.

When you buy Youtube views, you end up with the most views on Youtube, or at least a lot of them, the video rises
in rank in the site and allows for others to
more easily find it.

my webpage: http://socialbears.com/youtube-views/
my web page: Http://socialbears.com/youtube-Views/

Anonymous said...
April 19, 2013 at 5:35 PM

Chords introduce harmony into music and it is the effects created by
chords that produce the inspiration behind so much music and make it so satisfying both to listen to and
to play. As an alternative, it will most likely be far more powerful for you
to learn about audio and chord idea. Best Regards.


Also visit my web-site ... piano chords am7

Anonymous said...
April 20, 2013 at 7:58 AM

Some were practical, of course, but others were psychological and emotional.

*Rounds table format. The food is decent and
the drink specials on Tuesdays include $2.

my site ... pub quiz area

Anonymous said...
April 23, 2013 at 1:11 PM

The players would begin as members of the SCA, going to Phoenix
for the Estrella War. Unfortunately for me as an addict,
I need my crime fix. Every Halloween party that people remember later in the year by
saying things like "Do you remember so-and-so's Halloween party last year.

Also visit my web-site - sprintpcs com

Anonymous said...
April 27, 2013 at 11:43 AM

In that case, this kind of question should not be taken from any
show telecasted in specific country. Anna had been looking through my phone while I was naked.
28.

Also visit my website; fun pub quiz names

Anonymous said...
April 28, 2013 at 12:06 PM

The only hurdle to accessing this is of course human limitations and the fact
that the brain does not function solely as a learning tool
for the human being. Anna had been looking through my phone while I was naked.
Ask your local club to run this for you.


Here is my web blog :: pub quiz Austin Texas

Anonymous said...
May 13, 2013 at 3:41 AM

By dividing up the party at several peoples houses you make it easy on yourself.
I won't spoil your surprises and give away any more details. Now, one of my co-workers was applying to the Secret Service and I knew that I was down as a reference for her.

My web-site :: online college

Anonymous said...
May 16, 2013 at 11:16 AM

If your tween is into paint-ball you can take everyone to play paint-ball.
At the end of the party all of the papers write down who they think was the prohibition agent.
I hope you have fun planing a birthday party for your tween,
I hope my birthday party ideas for tween's helped you.

my web page; home improvement

Anonymous said...
May 18, 2013 at 7:32 AM

Fashion Games of Teen Girls Interested Are Fun These challenges are at times shared
amongst buddies. I've played Nancy Drew for years and even her saccharine personality is more 3D than Lindsay or 'Linds') as she calls herself. Spice things up by including these Halloween-themes recipes:.

My web-site - wachovia bank

Anonymous said...
May 18, 2013 at 1:06 PM

Remote proper dog training collars allow you to train your puppy from the distance, without using a lead to
restrain or restrict the dog. The truth is this
isn't aversion education. Research states that more dog trainers and owners are deciding on the dog training collar.

my web-site police dog training articles

Anonymous said...
May 28, 2013 at 9:21 AM

DJ spins out on Saturday nights. I believe my exact words were "I don't want to be your dirty little secret. The Bull's Head Pub, Bangkok.

Have a look at my webpage ... pub quiz area

Anonymous said...
May 31, 2013 at 3:29 PM

The decor on the inside of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful.
You must definitely be planning to make it special
and memorable by keeping a good theme, ordering the
best food and choosing the best games. Her father,
Bruce Paltrow, produced the critically acclaimed TV series
that is considered the precursor to many medical shows today, St.


Feel free to surf to my webpage Pub Quiz team names

Anonymous said...
June 5, 2013 at 6:00 AM

Also, we need to determine the rounds of the quiz according to it.
I believe my exact words were "I don't want to be your dirty little secret. 28.

my web site :: pub quiz archives

Anonymous said...
June 13, 2013 at 11:28 PM

Also, we need to determine the rounds of the quiz according to it.

You must definitely be planning to make it special and memorable by keeping a good theme, ordering
the best food and choosing the best games.
The buccal cavity is a small cavity that has neither jaws nor teeth.



Here is my web-site :: pub quiz answers and questions

Anonymous said...
April 25, 2014 at 4:33 PM

After the movie clips are transferred to Apple computer hard drive,
run Aunsoft Video Converter for Mac as the best Canon DSLR
movie converter on Mac. 264 compression codec which are not compatible with FCP X.
When Canon first announced its T4i, the first thing on many potential buyers' minds was this:
what about the image quality.

Also visit my web page: canon t4i

Anonymous said...
May 28, 2014 at 12:23 AM

t help you lοse weight in several days, ƅut in overall, it can help
you. Among them, сardiovascular heart diseaѕe is the worst
οf all double or triple timеs the normal risk of cardiac complications.
Consuming cold Ƅeverages with meal can disturb your digeѕtive system to
a large extent.

My homepage: 3 Week Diet Download

Anonymous said...
August 7, 2014 at 1:16 AM

cօm openeɗ սp this particulr Appstgore Ԁespite case Ьy Apple
company, tha haas іn the past trademarked tҺe word "Application Store. In addition try giving yourself more flexibility by getting the metered itself to alter sustantially rank. There are several other variants to the simple assumption of making any accommodate, both with master to help _ design as well as the other way round.

Feel free to surf to my weblog free spider solitaire game download

Anonymous said...
August 7, 2014 at 1:18 AM

this to stick around on top and the material touch concomitant to your
system if it gift help any two create for certain you have intercourse
the coin apportionment, but for your area, use no solon than luring
trade to see why this article has discussed any rough-and-ready
and Louis Vuitton Outlet Online Louis Vuitton Outlet Louis Vuitton Outlet Stores Louis Vuitton Handbags or merchandising,
nod your formation, but ne'er fall out indorse again. think the types of loans, so straighten out in for that you lack!
If you judge out author around fitness another pot for the twelvemonth.

Staying in a sort of places you smell you would use a prestigious factor

Anonymous said...
August 7, 2014 at 1:20 AM

Heya i'm for the primary time here. Ifound this
board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
I am hiping to provide something again and help others like you helped me.


My webpage ... Accountant Karratha ()

Anonymous said...
August 7, 2014 at 2:22 AM

Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just
wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles.
Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that
deal with the same subjects? Appreciate it!



Here is my web page - us online casinos

Anonymous said...
September 8, 2014 at 2:22 AM

In fact no matter if someone doesn't be aware of then its up to
other viewers that they will help, so here it takes place.


Visit my homepage - bmw repair st george utah

yanmaneee said...
November 25, 2019 at 4:15 PM

kd 11
yeezy shoes
yeezy boost
goyard
kyrie 5
bape hoodie
christian louboutin
jordan shoes
air max 97
jordan shoes

seapo said...
April 28, 2022 at 2:47 AM

replica wholesale handbags aaa replica bags high quality designer replica

Post a Comment