How Should Enterprises Correctly Select Laser Machine Types for Packaging Equipment?

14 Oct,2025

When enterprises select laser machine types for packaging equipment, they need to comprehensively consider various factors such as packaging materials, marking requirements, production efficiency, and costs. The specific analysis is as follows:

Packaging Materials

Paper and Cardboard: CO₂ laser machines are a common choice for marking on paper and cardboard packaging. They can create clear marks on these materials, such as production dates, batch numbers, and brand logos.
Plastics: Different types of plastics react differently to lasers. For ordinary plastic packaging (e.g., PET, PVC), CO₂ laser machines can perform marking well. For heat-sensitive plastics (e.g., medical-grade plastics, soft polymers), UV laser machines are more suitable, as they can prevent the materials from deforming or being damaged due to heat.
Metals: For metal packaging materials (e.g., aluminum foil, metal cans), fiber laser machines are a better option. They can create high-quality marks on metal surfaces, and these marks have excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
Glass: Both CO₂ laser machines and UV laser machines can be used for marking on glass packaging. CO₂ laser machines can create an etching effect on glass surfaces by controlling laser energy, while UV laser machines are more suitable for fine marking (e.g., marking brand logos on glass bottles).

Marking Requirements

Marking Precision: For packaging marks that require high precision (e.g., QR codes on pharmaceutical packaging, fine characters on electronic component packaging), UV laser machines are the first choice, as they can achieve high-precision marking with low thermal impact. If the precision requirement is not particularly strict, CO₂ laser machines and fiber laser machines can also meet general marking needs.
Marking Depth: If deeper marks need to be created on packaging materials (e.g., engraving patterns on wooden packaging), CO₂ laser machines can achieve this by adjusting power and scanning times. For deep marking on metal materials, high-power fiber laser machines are required.

Production Efficiency

Marking Speed: On large-scale packaging production lines, marking speed is a crucial factor. CO₂ laser machines and fiber laser machines usually have high marking speeds, which can meet the needs of high-speed production lines.
Online Integration Capability: It is also important to select laser machine types that can be easily integrated into existing packaging production lines. Laser machines should have flexible installation methods and control interfaces synchronized with the production line, so that marking operations can be carried out without affecting the normal operation of the production line.

Cost Factors

Equipment Purchase Cost: Generally speaking, CO₂ laser machines are relatively affordable and suitable for enterprises with limited budgets. Fiber laser machines are moderately priced and have high cost-effectiveness. UV laser machines are relatively expensive due to their high technical content.
Operating Cost: The operating cost of laser machines mainly includes power consumption and maintenance costs. Fiber laser machines and CO₂ laser machines have relatively low maintenance costs, while UV laser machines may have slightly higher maintenance costs. In addition, the higher the power of the laser machine, the greater the power consumption. Enterprises need to make a comprehensive consideration based on their own production scale and energy consumption.

Environmental and Safety Requirements

Environmental Performance: Laser marking does not use consumables such as ink, so it is more environmentally friendly compared with traditional methods like inkjet marking. However, different types of laser machines may generate different levels of heat and exhaust gas during operation. Enterprises should select laser machines that meet environmental requirements and equip them with corresponding heat dissipation and exhaust gas treatment equipment.
Safety Performance: Laser machines generate high-intensity laser beams during operation, which may cause harm to the eyes and skin of operators. Therefore, enterprises should select laser machines with good safety protection measures (e.g., equipped with protective covers and safety door locks) and provide strict safety training for operators.

The Benefits of Using an Industrial Printer for Can Marking in Your Business

Unlocking the Potential of Industrial Printers for Can Marking in Consumer Electronics

14 Oct,2025

Classification：

Information