Laser date coding machines
How an inline laser applies use-by, best-before, batch, lot and traceability codes—and when it is the right alternative to ink.
Read the date-coding guide →Industrial laser coding knowledge
Practical laser marking guides for production teams.
Straight answers on applications, technology choices, operating trade-offs and the information needed to specify a dependable marking system.
Start with the application, not the wattage.
The best industrial laser coder is the one proven on your exact substrate, code and production line. Material formulation, coating, product movement, available marking time, focal distance, guarding and extraction can all affect the result. These guides help you narrow the options before a representative sample trial.
Buyer and application guides
Find the answer closest to your project.
CO₂ laser coding for food packs
What to assess on cartons, labels, films, trays, bottles and jars, including code content, hygiene, extraction and sample testing.
Explore food packaging →Laser coding plastic bottles
Why PET, HDPE, colour, wall thickness and bottle control influence contrast, permanence and readable codes at line speed.
Explore bottle coding →CO₂ vs fibre vs UV laser
A clear comparison of the three common industrial laser sources by material response, mark style and production application.
Compare laser types →Laser marking vs inkjet coding
Compare permanence, consumables, substrate flexibility, integration, maintenance and total operating considerations.
Compare laser and inkjet →CO₂ laser machine cost
Understand what drives project price, from source and optics to handling, guarding, extraction, controls and commissioning.
Understand project cost →9.3, 10.2 or 10.6 µm?
See why wavelength changes material response on PET, flexible films, paperboard, glass, wood and coated packaging.
Choose a wavelength →QR and Data Matrix marking
Plan substrate contrast, module definition, data, handling and verification for permanent GS1 2D codes.
Plan 2D code marking →Guarding and fume extraction
Understand enclosure, interlocks, risk assessment, extraction, LEV commissioning and operator access.
Review safety requirements →Laser coding for film and pouches
Compare laser with TTO on VFFS, HFFS, flow-wrap, sachets and pouches, including film integrity and web integration.
Explore flexible packaging →Direct coding on cardboard
Assess cartons, sleeves, labels and corrugated cases for permanent text, barcode and Data Matrix marking.
Explore carton coding →Bottles, cans and cartons
Select technology for PET, glass, aluminium, caps, labels and secondary packs at demanding production speeds.
Explore beverage coding →Flying laser marking machines
Understand triggers, encoders, scan fields, product handling and the real factors that set inline marking speed.
Explore online marking →A useful first brief
What should you send to a laser supplier?
A good enquiry contains more than a material name. Send representative products or packaging, the exact code artwork, the smallest and largest formats, line speed, product spacing, conveyor information and the available marking window.
Include photographs or a short line video where possible. Note washdown, dust, condensation, temperature or space constraints, plus any requirement for recipe control, serialisation, barcode verification or connection to line systems.
- Actual substrate, colour, coating and surface finish
- Required text, date, logo, QR or Data Matrix code
- Products per minute and conveyor speed
- Marking position and acceptable code area
- Guarding, extraction and control interfaces
BETTER INPUTA clearer brief produces a better trial.