Industrial identification planningRequest a marking review
Videojet laser marking cell coding containers on an automated packaging line

Laser coding application desk

Videojet laser marking, specified for the line you run

Compare CO2, fiber, and UV process windows against the substrate, required code contrast, line speed, available focal distance, extraction route, and inspection method before equipment is released for production.

Compare laser familiesPlan a sample test
CO2

10.6 µm class

Typical fit
Paper, glass, coated films
Verify
Absorption and thermal edge
Fiber

1064 nm class

Typical fit
Metals and selected polymers
Verify
Contrast, heat, and focus
UV

355 nm class

Typical fit
Heat-sensitive films and plastics
Verify
Mark durability and speed
10.6 µmCO2 process reference
1064 nmFiber process reference
355 nmUV process reference
1 sampleMinimum physical validation set

Process families

Start with how the material responds

These system families are application routes, not interchangeable boxes. A usable recommendation begins with representative production samples, the final artwork, the target line rate, and a defined acceptance method.

Enclosed CO2 laser marker over a packaging conveyor
Organic materials and coatings

CO2 laser marking systems

A CO2 source is often assessed for paperboard, glass, coated film, labels, and selected polymers. The sample trial should record wavelength, lens, focal distance, mark field, line speed, and extraction condition. Excess thermal input can deform thin film or create an unacceptable edge, so contrast alone is not a sufficient pass criterion.

Review CO2 and fiber categories →
Fiber laser marking a metal production component
Metal and selected polymer response

Fiber laser marking systems

Fiber processing is considered when the substrate absorbs near-infrared energy and the required mark can be achieved without weakening the part or damaging a functional coating. Evaluation includes pulse settings, scan speed, hatch strategy, lens field, fixture repeatability, and code grading after cleaning, abrasion, or the customer-defined downstream process.

See production-use criteria →
UV laser coding heat-sensitive flexible packaging
Low thermal load evaluation

UV laser marking route

UV is evaluated where a shorter wavelength may create the required contrast with a smaller thermal footprint. That does not make it universally safer for every polymer or ink system. Trials should check film strength, barrier integrity, rub resistance, migration requirements set by the packaging owner, and readable code quality at both nominal and worst-case line speed.

Prepare a sample-test brief →

Integration controls

Four decisions before a purchase order

The process must work as a guarded production station, not only as a bench demonstration. The handover record should distinguish confirmed test results from settings that remain conditional on the production line.

  1. 01

    Define the code and acceptance rule

    Supply final artwork, smallest character or module, contrast target, permanence test, and inspection standard. A visually dark mark may still fail machine vision.

  2. 02

    Measure the operating window

    Run representative samples across line-speed and material variation. Record the settings that pass, the settings that fail, and the margin between them.

  3. 03

    Check the physical cell

    Confirm enclosure class, interlocks, focal geometry, product handling, fume extraction, cooling, utilities, service clearance, and operator access.

  4. 04

    Prove data and inspection flow

    Exercise message selection, PLC signals, reject logic, inspection feedback, user permissions, recipe control, and recovery after an interrupted cycle.

Evidence package

A compact handover with traceable decisions

The deliverable is organized around four records. Values shown in a proposal remain application assumptions until they are confirmed against the customer sample, production geometry, and acceptance method.

01

Sample matrix

Material lot, artwork, trial settings, line-speed condition, photo record, and pass/fail reason.

02

Cell interface

Mechanical envelope, focal datum, guarding, extraction, utilities, communication points, and reject flow.

03

Acceptance protocol

Readable code rule, durability method, inspection setup, challenge samples, and responsible approver.

04

Handover list

Approved recipe, operator steps, maintenance tasks, spare-risk notes, escalation path, and open actions.

Application input first

Bring one real sample and one measurable pass rule

Share the substrate, code content, nominal and maximum speed, available marking window, downstream handling, cleaning exposure, and the inspection method. The review can then separate a feasible process route from a claim that still needs testing.

  • Representative material and artwork
  • Line drawing or clear installation photos
  • Acceptance test and code-quality threshold