A laser marking system is made up of different methods suitable for marking different materials under any capacity. These methods are accurate, and they produce permanent markings.
Laser marking methods are popular industrially and are suitable for marking different products. One form of marking popular nowadays is coding, and it involves inscribing codes such as barcodes, dates, serial codes, etc., on products. This procedure, when used via a laser marking system, is called laser coding. It is a little different from the normal laser marking process, you know, even though it makes use of the same machines. This article will introduce laser coding, what a laser coder is, and how to choose the right laser coding machine. Intrigued? Continue scrolling down.
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Designed forthe engraving of large items, a battery version is available, more portable.
It is used for batch labeling of products in production lines, serial numbers, batch numbers, dates, etc.
Industry Applications of Laser Coding Machines
Laser coding is now established across diverse industries, each with unique regulatory requirements, materials, and application demands. Below, we outline key sectors, target objects, process challenges, compliance standards, and solution recommendations.
Industry | Typical Applications & Coding Objects | Process Challenges | Key Regulatory Standards | Recommended Laser Coding Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Food & Beverage | Date/lot/batch codes, expiry, QR/barcodes on bottles, cans, cartons, flexible packaging | High throughput, wide range of packaging materials (PET, glass, foils), humidity, and food safety restrictions | Food traceability (EU EC 178/2002, US FDA FSMA, China GB standards), GS1 barcode compliance | CO₂ laser for paper/plastic/foil; fiber laser for glass/metal; integrated with “on-the-fly” systems for high-speed lines |
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices | Serialization, lot/expiry codes, barcodes (DataMatrix), tamper-evidence on blister packs, vials, cartons, devices | Strict traceability, UDI (unique device identifier), counterfeiting risk, particulate control, and small object coding | US FDA 21 CFR Part 11/Part 820 (UDI), EU FMD/GS1 Standards, ISO 14644/ISO 11607, China Drug Traceability | UV laser for plastics/blisters; fiber or green laser for metal instruments; CO₂ laser for cartons/paper; serialization-ready, validated software |
Electronics | PCBs, component marking, trace & batch codes, logos, serial numbers on plastics/metals | Small coding area, high legibility, ESD safety, contrast on dark/clear plastics | RoHS/REACH (material labeling), US Dodd-Frank (traceability), IPC/JEDEC standards | Fiber laser for metals/PCBs; UV/green laser for plastics and chips; marking depth control to avoid component damage |
Automotive & Aerospace | Parts traceability (VIN, DMC/QR codes, serials), safety-critical coding on metal and engineered plastic parts | Abrasion/chemical resistance, permanent marks, large part variety, throughput, and harsh environments | ISO/TS 16949 (auto QM), SAE AS9132 (aero DPM), US TREAD Act, IATF 16949 | Fiber laser for metallic parts/labels; green laser for delicate coated surfaces; high-contrast, deep engraving for durability |
Packaging & Labeling | Barcodes, batch/lot/date info on flexible films, cartons, shrink sleeves, labels | Varying substrates, print contrast, seal integrity, and production speed | GS1 barcode guidelines, EU Packaging Waste Directive, FDA CFR 21 (food), CODEX | CO₂ laser for films/labels/cardboard; vector/dot-matrix mode for speed; easy integration with conveying lines |
Machining & Tooling (Industrial) | Tool IDs, batch numbers, wear indicators on tools, dies, and metal parts | Hardness of substrate, oil/coolant contamination, tiny/curved surfaces | ISO 9001 (traceability), CE machinery directive (Europe), Customer-specified standards | Fiber laser (metals), deep engraving mode for abrasion resistance; portable lasers for large/fixed tools |
Marking and Coding: Advent of the Laser Coding Machines
The first marking/coding techniques were developed to show expiration dates on foods and pharmaceutical items. However, nowadays, almost every product has a marking to show identification or traceability. Aside from the identification, coding ensures a form of security. Consequently, marking/coding is an important quality program in many industries.
Coding Techniques Before the Advent of Laser Coders
Before the advent of laser coders or laser coding machines, other techniques were being used for coding. Examples of top techniques used include:
· Thermal Transfer Coding
This technique involves using a thermal transfer coder to print information on the product package using heat. The heat leads to the transfer of the ink on a ribbon that marks the package. With a thermal transfer coder, you can code date, manufacturing line information, barcodes, serial codes, etc., on a product’s surface.
· Mechanical Embossing Systems
This technique involves creating a mark on a product by stamping the code on the package. It is a slow technique and not popular with those who value production efficiency.
· Ink-Jet Printing Systems
This technique involves creating a mark on a product package by passing ink at high speed using a printer. Marks created ranged from simple date coding to logos, barcodes, and serial codes. After the advent of laser coding machines, inkjet printing was relegated to second place. Nevertheless, it is worth comparing with laser coding machines.
· Print-And-Apply Label Systems
This technique involves applying pressure-sensitive labels on packages. These labels operate based on thermal transfer technology and contain barcoded tracking and content information.
The above methods have huge advantagem, makingg them useful in different scenarios. However, technological advancement led to the development, use, and preference for laser marking machines in coding.
What is Laser Coding?
Laser coding involves the use of laser marking methods such as ablation, engraving, etching, etc., to inscribe codes on an object. The technology involved produces accuracy and permanent markings, making it superior in many aspects to the methods listed above.
Laser ablation involves using a laser marking machine to remove materials from a package surface. For example, ablation is the removal of ink by first converting it to vapor and removing it from the product surface. Laser engraving involves using laser beams to remove part of the surface of a material for the inscription of codes. All the laser marking processes used for laser coding are of high quality and will produce a highly readable and quality code.
How Does a Laser Coder Work?
There are two common types of laser marking in the laser coding system: vector and the dot matrix concept.
· Vector marking
Vector marking is a concept that produces codes of high quality. However, you have to sacrifice speed and energy efficiency when working with it. It involves the creation of graphics using two rotating mirrors and a focusing lens. The lens is turned on and off, and the beam slowly creates the image.
· Dot-matrix marking
Images produced by this concept have lower resolution. Due to this, the marking method is faster. Codes created using this concept are created by a laser going through a spinning polygon, which then passes the laser beam to a water-cooled dump.
Advantages of the Laser Coding Technique
If you compare laser coding to the previous techniques used before, you will notice something special about its nature. This special thing makes many people prefer using laser coding over others. Below are a few advantages of the process:
· Ease of Operation
Machines used for laser coding are easier to operate than other techniques. For example, technology has allowed manufacturers to reduce the size of laser marking machines. Therefore, we now have portable laser marking machines that are industrially capable while being easy to carry about and mark.
· Permanent and High-Quality Markings
Laser coding leads to permanent and high-quality markings. Therefore, many industries, for example, the food and automotive industries, use it for digital data entry and permanent coding. The markings are suitable for coding as it does not require a contrast for visibility.
· Compatibility with a Wide Range of Materials
Laser coding machines are also compatible with a wide range of materials. This adds to the versatility of the coding solution. Currently, they are suitable for inscribing codes on paper labels, printed cardboard, painted metal, ABS, glass, etc.
· Easy Integration
Laser coders are easy to integrate into assembly lines. This is based on the size of the machine, the cost of integration, and the environmental effect of such a decision. When compared to other techniquess such as the CIJ system, laser coding has a lowerer cost of operation. This is because of the absence of consumables cost and low maintenance evident in the CIJ system.
· Coding Efficiency
Laser coders also have other technical benefits. For example, there iis a ariable dot-matrix coding density and size, adjustable and programmable pixel size, etc. You can also print code at 900 degrees from the direction of motion. You can also code on stationary or moving packages.
· Maintenance
Unlike the CIJ system, laser coders are easy to operate and require low maintenance. For example, unlike the CIJ print systems, there are no ink leaks or splashing. Also, there is no dependence on their parties for ink and parts, with a concern for the originality of ink and compatibility with products.
Types of Laser Coding Machines
Laser coding machines are the same as laser marking machines. Although, by coding, there is a way laser coding machines are used. For effective laser coding processes, there are four types of laser marking machines you could use for laser coding.
· Fiber Laser Marking Machine
Fiber laser marking machines are suitable for coding on several materials. They are compatible with materials such as metals, plastics, and glass. They are the typical laser coders used not only because of their wide material compatibility, butalso also their cost-effectiveness and quality markings.
There are many types of fiber laser marking machines, e.g., the HS-FL10, HS-FL20, and HS-FL30A. You could check our page on how they work, their advantages, and the best one to use.
· CO2 Laser Marking Machine
CO2 laser marking machine is a powerful laser coder suitable for coding on non-metallic materials. Examples of CO2 laser marking machines you could use are the HS-CL20, HS-CL30, and HS-CLY30. You could check our page on how they work, their advantages, and the best one to use.
· UV Laser Marking Machine
The UV laser marking machine is a good laser coder for plastic products. It is also suitable for coding metals and glasses.
· Green Laser Marking Machine
The green laser marking machine is also suitable for marking heat-sensitive materials such as plastics. This is because it operates at 532nm, which reduces the tendency of its burning to heat-sensitive materials.
How to Choose a Suitable Laser Coding Machine
As we mentioned before, high-speed coding and marking equipment are used in numerous ways. For example, the high-speed laser engraving machine, fiber laser, and CO2 laser engraving are suitable for mass production coding and marking. They are suitable for high-speed engraving and marking auto parts, medical tools, packaging, and electronics. Most of them are portable laser marking machines with industrial attributes. Below are factors that are important when choosing a laser coder.
· Stable And Flexible Design
The laser coding machine must have a stable and flexible design. Therefore, it will be easy to adapt to different product sizes and deliver an efficient marking.
· Batch Code Support
The chosen laser marker must have an integrated software system that supports the creation of codes in a batch coding system. For example, the Online Flying Fiber Laser Marker HS-FLY30/HS-FLY5 is an efficient batch coding machine that a laser coder must emulate. This will reduce human error in the creation of multiple codes and improve the production efficiency of the project.
· Cost
This is an important question that you must answer before choosing a laser coder. The right laser coding machine must provide optimum performance at an optimum cost. Do note that when choosing a laser coding machine, you must not sacrifice quality for cost.
· High-Speed Marking
The ideal laser marker must code at a very high speed without compromising speed for quality. As one knows, regular-type laser engraving machines usually have moving heads attached to a guide rail. Normally, the construction of this sort allows one to cover a large working area. However, this design often makes machines work slowly and inefficiently.
As a solution to the matter, one might introduce a high-speed laser marker that adopts a galvo laser head to output a laser. This system is popular as it can deliver high-speed marking effectively and efficiently. Benefits of using a high-speed marking machine include;
- A quality and durable laser source can stabilize and improve output while it continues to work for a long time.
- The product has much more effective cooling and boasts longer operation
- Highly focused beams that produce better mark contrast
- The appliance consumes less power compared to the older product’s variations
- High-speed communication provides faster data delivery and guarantees tmproved character formation
- Easy-to-operate software can support good image marking by this machine
- The LED indicator lighter support setting of a focal distance
- Offers big area content marking
- Automatic marking process
Get the Best Laser Coding Machine for Your Project
Laser coding machines offer a lot of benefits. For example, with them, you can easily print your codes. They are also highly durable and easy to operate. This article introduced laser coding machines and the benefits of using one. Are you looking for a laser coding machine that can deliver quality markings? Why not go through our recommended machines or contact us? We at HeatSign are your best bet against the uncertainty in the market.
FAQs
The guide describes two laser coding concepts: 'Vector' and 'Dot-matrix.' What is the main trade-off between them?
The main trade-off is between quality and speed. Vector marking is a concept that produces codes of very high quality, but you have to sacrifice speed to achieve it. Dot-matrix marking creates images with a lower resolution, but the process is significantly faster.
Before laser coders, what was a common method for coding on packages, and why is laser coding superior?
A common method was using a thermal transfer coder, which used heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the package. Laser coding is considered superior because it creates a permanent, high-quality mark directly on the material without the need for consumables like ribbons, and it is generally a faster and more reliable process.
Why is a UV laser specifically recommended for coding in the pharmaceutical industry?
A UV laser is recommended for the pharmaceutical industry because of its ability to mark sensitive materials without heat damage. This is critical for marking on items like plastic blister packs and vials, where maintaining the integrity of the packaging and the product inside is essential for safety and compliance.
What makes a laser coder a lower-maintenance option compared to a continuous inkjet (CIJ) system?
A laser coder is a lower-maintenance option because it is a cleaner, more self-contained system. The guide notes tha,t unlike CIJ systems, there are no ink leaks or splashing to deal with, and there is no dependency on third-party suppliers for inks and parts.
The text mentions 'batch code support' as a key feature. Why is this important for a laser coding machine?
Batch code support is important because it allows the integrated software system to automatically create and update codes for an entire batch of products. This is crucial for production efficiency as it reduces the potential for human error that can occur when creating multiple codes manually.
For marking on food and beverage packaging like PET bottles or cartons, which laser type is recommended?
For marking on the various packaging materials used in the food and beverage industry, the guide recommends a CO2 laser. It is the ideal choice for organic and non-metallic materials like paper, plastic, and foil, and can be integrated with “on-the-fly” systems for high-speed production lines.
How does a laser coder's 'non-contact' nature make it a versatile tool?
The non-contact nature of a laser coder means it can mark products without physically touching them. This makes it highly versatile because it can be used on a wide range of materials, including delicate surfaces, and can be easily integrated into moving production lines where contact would be difficult.
What specific automotive and aerospace compliance standards can laser coding help meet?
The industry applications table highlights that laser coding helps meet several key standards. For the automotive industry, it helps with IATF 16949 for quality management. For the aerospace industry, it is used for Direct Part Marking (DPM) compliance as required by the SAE AS9132 standard.
Que me recomiendan para codificar blister de tabletas
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Thanks for sharing the useful information!