InkJet, Inc’s Solutions for Coding and Marking on Food Packaging
In a field as multifaceted as food packaging, there is no "one size fits all" marking solution. Packaging materials, output requirements, facility conditions, and other key production elements vary from one company to the next. To meet the diverse needs of the food packaging industry, InkJet, Inc. carries a variety of printers, laser marking systems, and secondary packaging equipment.
This table displays the general specs of our different food packaging coding technologies. Additional information on each option can be located further below. To jump to a specific solution’s information, click the hyperlinked title in the table’s leftmost column.
InkJet, Inc’s Food Packaging Marking & Coding Options
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Coding Technology
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Operating Method
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System Options
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Maximum Resolution and Print Height
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Maximum Marking Speed
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Cost Factors
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Compatible Materials
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Continuous Inkjet Printer
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Propels pressurized ink droplets towards the substrate
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DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, & Pigment
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70 DPI at 15 mm height
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320 m/min.
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Low to moderate unit cost, low consumable cost
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Cardboard, paper, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, flexible packaging
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Thermal Inkjet Printer
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Uses heat to pressurize and eject ink droplets towards the substrate
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Anser U2 Models
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400 x 300 DPI (height varies by model)
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76.2 m/min
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Low unit cost, moderately consumable cost
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Varies by model
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Anser A1
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600 x 600 DPI at 1” height (2” height with stitched print heights)
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300 m/min with HP cartridges, 150 m/min with IUT cartridges
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Moderate unit cost, moderate consumable cost
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Cardboard, paper, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, flexible packaging
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Anser X1
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600 x 600 DPI at 1” height (2” height with stitched print heights)
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300 m/min
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Moderate unit cost, moderate consumable cost
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Cardboard, paper, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, flexible packaging
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Laser Marking Solution
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Creates a concentrated light beam to mark or engrave the substrate
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F8100F Fiber, F8100C CO2, LDR 7100, & F8100U UV Laser Marking Systems
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Lenses up to 300mm x 300mm
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2,000 characters per second
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High unit cost, little to no consumables
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Varies by model
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Hi-Res Case Coder
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Propels oil-based ink droplets to create stark codes
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Precision Series 18mm & 72mm
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180 DPI at 18mm height or 72mm height
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Low to moderate speed
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Moderate unit cost, low consumable cost
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Cardboard, paper, wood, and other porous materials
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Print-and-Apply Label Machine
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Auto-prints and applies labels to passing materials
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Evolabel
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300 DPI (height varies by printer model)
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60 m/min
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High unit cost, moderate consumable cost
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Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, cardboard cartons, plastic bags
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Continuous Inkjet Printers: DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, and Pigment
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are non-contact production line printing systems designed to mark substrates moving at 300 m/min and above. Built with powerful ink circulation systems, CIJ printers can operate up to 24 hours daily without downtime. The wide ink compatibility and versatile printheads of CIJ printers equip users to mark diverse food packaging materials, including:
InkJet, Inc. carries three CIJ systems:
- DuraCode Keyboard
- DuraCode Touchscreen
- DuraCode Pigment Printer
All DuraCode systems can mark porous and non-porous substrates at speeds up to 320 m/min. Equipped with an IP55 outer structure and able to operate in temperatures ranging from 41-113° F, the DuraCode CIJ can withstand potentially hazardous environmental elements to deliver consistently excellent results.
The DuraCode Keyboard and Touchscreen offer the same specifications and compatibility with ink formulas. The only difference between them is their input medium. The DuraCode Pigment has the same specifications as the DuraCode Keyboard and Touchscreen but uses pigmented ink instead of dye ink.
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See the chart below for a closer look at the DuraCode models’ most important specifications.
Specification
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DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, & Pigment CIJ Printers
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Nozzle
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40, 50, 60, 70 μm
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Print Height
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1.2-15 mm
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Maximum Print Speed
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Up to 1,050 ft./min (320 m/min)
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Print Distance
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1-3 in. (25.4-76.2 mm)
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Input System
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Touchscreen or Standard Keyboard / WYSIWYG
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Print Font
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5x5, 7x5, 9x6, 11x8, 16x11, 24x17, 32x22
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Operating Environment
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- Temperature: 5-45° C (41-113°F)
- Humidity: 0%-90%, no condensing
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User Defined Field
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Bar Code, QR Code, Logos, Clock, Counter, Classes, etc.
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IP Rating
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IP55 Industrial Protection
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Gross Weight with Complete Package
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45 kg / 99 lbs
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Standard Features
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Font library - Multi-language support - Traverse printing - 90-degree vertical printing - Special counter Counter replacement - Clock replacement - Encoder port - USB port - Ink recovery pump - Solvent flush pump - Micro print
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Optional Add-Ons
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Serial port - Network LAN connection - Positive air pump
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Thermal Inkjet Printers: Anser U2, X1, and A1 Models
Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers are smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than CIJ systems. While CIJ systems typically weigh around 100 lbs and can cost well over $10,000, most TIJ models weigh 5-10 lbs and cost as low as $1,499.00.
Although thermal inkjet systems are compact and lightweight, they offer impressive coding specifications. For example, the Anser U2 Smart can create 400 x 300 DPI codes up to 0.5” tall (1” tall with the Anser U2 SmartOne). Higher-end TIJs like the Anser X1 can create 600 x 600 DPI codes up to 2” tall with stitched printheads. These qualities enable TIJ operators to complete product marking tasks as well as case coding applications
TIJ printers are often designed for slower speed lines and intermittent coding tasks, but some TIJ models offer high-speed capabilities as well. InkJet, Inc. carries numerous TIJ printers of varying specialties and price points. Our current options include:
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The Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne Thermal Inkjet Printer: The Anser U2 Smart is InkJet, Inc’s most affordable printer option. Available for $1,499.00, the Anser U2 Smart is compatible with porous and semi-porous packaging such as cardboard boxes, paperboard cartons, and wood. The system’s max speed is 76.2 m/min, and the max resolution is 400 x 300 DPI. The stock U2 Smart has a max 0.5” print height, while the Anser U2 SmartOne has a max 1” print height.
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The Anser U2 Pro-S Thermal Inkjet Printer: Compact and cost-effective, the Anser U2 Pro-S is a great choice for operations that don’t require CIJ-level marking speeds. Like the Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne, the Anser U2 Pro-S has 76.2 m/min max speed and 400 x 300 DPI max resolution. However, the Anser U2 Pro-S is compatible with more materials, for the printer can mark porous, semi-porous, and non-porous substrates.
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The Anser A1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: The first all-in-one TIJ that offers 2” printing and mid-message DPI adjustments, the Anser A1 is both powerful and affordable. Built with 2 cartridge slots, the A1 can create 2” tall markings with varying DPI elements (e.g., 300 DPI QR code with 150 DPI text). These qualities make the A1 an excellent case coding printer. For product marking applications, the A1 maxes out at 300 m/min with certain cartridges. Users control the A1 through a large touchscreen interface.
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The Anser X1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: Even though the Anser X1 is a thermal inkjet printer, you wouldn’t know that from its spec sheet. With printing speeds up to 300 m/min, the Anser X1 is one of the most powerful TIJs on the market today. Beyond industrial speed marking, the Anser X1 offers a 600 DPI max resolution, a 3.87” max print height (with stitched printheads), IP66 protection, and the ability to simultaneously control two production lines.
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See the chart below for a closer look into how our TIJ options compare to one another:
InkJet, Inc’s Thermal Inkjet Printer Options
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Specification
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Anser U2 Smart &
SmartOne
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Anser U2 Pro-S
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Anser A1
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Anser X1
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Max Printheads
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1
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1
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2
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2
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Display
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3.5” Color LCD with LED backlight
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3.5” Color LCD with LED backlight
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5” Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen 480x800 (portrait)
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7-inch Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen (800 x 480 px)
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Input Device
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Pocket-sized IR remote keypad
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Pocket-sized IR remote keypad
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Pocket-sized IR remote keypad
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Pocket-sized IR remote keypad
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Print Height
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0.5” with Smart 1” with SmartOne
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0.5”
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1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads
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1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads
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Print Resolution
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400 x 300 DPI
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400 x 300 DPI
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300 DPI
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600 x 600 DPI
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Print Speed
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76.2 m/min
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76.2 m/min
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121 m/min
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300 m/min
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Print Distance
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0.25” (6mm)
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0.25” (6mm)
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0.25” (6mm)
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0.25” (6mm)
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Operating Temp.
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0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
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0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
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5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)
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5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)
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IP Rating
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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IP66
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Dimensions & Weight
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(L/W/H) 4.5″ x 3″ x 2.5″
0.49kg (1.08 lb) – excluding cartridge and bracket
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(L/W/H) 4.5” x 3” x 2.4”
0.49kg (1.08 lb) – excluding cartridge and bracket
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(L/W/H) 6.7” x 5.4” x 4.9”
1.8kg (3.97lb) w/o guide plate
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(L/W/H) 11.5” x 5.6” x 2”
2.7kg (6lb)
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Compatible Materials
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Porous and semi-porous materials
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Porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials
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Porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials
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Porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials
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Laser Marking Solutions: Fiber, CO2, and UV Laser Models
Laser marking systems are perfect for food packaging companies that require high coding speeds, reliable accuracy, and exceptional code appearance. For example, large-scale operations frequently use laser systems to meet demanding quotas, minimize coding errors, and enhance their products’ visual appeal. As laser marking systems have become more affordable, they have become increasingly popular with smaller-scale companies as well.
Laser systems are more expensive than TIJ and CIJ printers upfront, but they do not use any consumables. Moreover, they have minimal maintenance needs and do not require annual servicing. Depending on your product output, these factors can actually make laser marking more cost-effective than inkjet printing.
Inkjet Inc. offers four laser models:
- F8100F Fiber Laser Marking Machine
- F8100C CO2 Laser Marking Machine
- LDR 7100 Laser Marking System (CO2 System)
- F8100U UV Laser Marking Machine
Our laser systems offer similar specifications and benefits. The F8100F, F8100C, LDR7100, and F8100U provide:
- Marking speeds up to 2000 characters/sec.
- 24/7 uninterrupted coding
- Reliable ingress protections
- Long laser tube life
- Enhanced high-resolution mark quality
- Plug-and-play laser module for easy line replacement
- User-friendly control panel via computer or smartphone app
Material compatibility is the main difference between our laser options. Fiber, CO2, and UV lasers produce beams of different wavelengths. Beam wavelength significantly influences material compatibility, so it’s important to understand which laser technology is best suited for your substrates as you consider your system options.
This chart illustrates the material compatibility of fiber, CO2, and UV laser systems:
Laser Marking Material Compatibility
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Material Category
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Specific Material
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Fiber Laser
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CO2 Laser
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UV Laser
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Wood, Paper, and Board
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Wood
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✔
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✔
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✖
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Thermal Label
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✔
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✔
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✖
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Paper
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✔
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✔
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✖
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Board
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✔
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✔
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✖
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Metallized Board
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✔
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✔
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✖
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Glass
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Glass
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✖
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✔
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✔
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Glass Fiber
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Ceramic
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Ceramic
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Plastics
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Polypropylene (PP)
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
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✔
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✔
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✔
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
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✔
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✔
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✔
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ABS
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✔
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✖
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✔
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Polyacetal (POM: polyoxymethylene)
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Polyamide (PA)
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Polycarbonate (PC)
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✔
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✖
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✔
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
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✖
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✔
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✔
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Metals
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Steel
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Galvanized Steel
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Aluminum
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Titanium
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✔
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✔
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✔
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Copper
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✔
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✖
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✔
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Brass
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✔
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✖
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✔
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- ✔ = Full compatibility
- ✔ = Limited compatibility
- ✖ = No compatibility
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See the chart below for a closer look into our laser systems’ most important specifications.
Specification
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F8100F, F8100C, LDR7100, & F8100U Laser Systems
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Marking Speed
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Up to 2,000 characters/second
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Line Speed
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Up to 200 m/min
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Wave Lengths
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- Fiber: 1,055 - 1,070nm
- CO2: 10.6um, 10.2um, and 9.3um
- LDR: 10.6um, 10.3um, and 9.3um
- UV: 355nm
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Marking Formats
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- Standard industrial fonts (Windows TrueType®) and single line font
- Machine-readable codes (OCR, 2D matrix, etc.)
- Bar codes: code 128a, code 128B, code 128c, code39, code93, QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec-Code, Han Xin-Cod
- Graphics, logos, symbols, etc.
- Linear, circular, angular, reverse, rotate sequential, and batch numbering
- Automatic date, layer and time code, real-time clock
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Laser Tube
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- Fiber: Ytterbium (YT) pulsed fiber laser
- CO2: Sealed CO2 laser
- LDR: Sealed CO2 laser
- UV: Solid-state UV laser
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Beam Deflection
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Steers beam with digital high-speed galvanometer scanners
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User Interface
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Personalized touch control screen with an easy-to-learn interface
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Communication
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- UDP, TCP/IP, and RS232
- Inputs for encoder and product detector triggers
- 4 inputs/4 outputs for start/stop signals, machine/operator interlocks, and alarm outputs (in addition to safety circuits)
- Customer-specific solutions are available
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Integration
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Flexible beam delivery options (beam extension unit/beam turning unit)
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Cooling System
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Air-cooled
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Operating Environment
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- Temperature: 5-40° C (41-104°F)
- Humidity: 0%-90%, no condensing
- Inputs for encoder and product detector triggers
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IP Rating
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Cabinet: IP54 standard
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Weight
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Approx. 40 kg
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High-Resolution Case Coders: Precision Series 18mm & 72mm
High-resolution case coders (hi-res) excel at placing high-quality images and codes on porous substrates.
Slower than CIJ, TIJ, and laser marking systems, hi-res systems like InkJet, Inc’s Precision Series 18mm and Precision Series 72mm are ideal for secondary and tertiary packaging tasks. High-resolution case coders use powerful piezoelectric printheads to create large messages, intricate graphics, and stark images. Hi-res ink is oil-based and thicker than CIJ or TIJ ink, making hi-res codes more durable and visually appealing.
As case coding solutions, Precision Series systems enable users to replace physical shipping labels with printed codes, text, and images. Direct printing holds numerous benefits over manual labeling, including:
- Faster coding times
- Fewer material costs
- Lower risk of coding errors
- Better code durability
- Improved print quality
By streamlining the case coding process and minimizing errors, Precision Series printers can enhance your secondary and tertiary packaging processes.
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See the chart below for a closer look into the Precision Series’ most important specifications:
Specification
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Precision Series 18mm & 72mm Hi-Res Case Coder
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Dimensions and Weight (Including Bracket)
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- (L/W/H) 322 x 183 x 480 mm / 12.7” x 7.2” x 18.9
- 3.35 kg / 7.38l bs
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Line Speed
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Up to 200/min
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Print Area
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53.7mm x 500mm per print head
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Print Speed
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0 - 60 m/min
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Print Head
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180 DPI
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Operating Environment
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- Temperature: 5-38° C / (41-100.4°F)
- Humidity: 10% – 90% (non-condensing)
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Internal Memory
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42 MB for fonts, images, and labels. The number of labels depends on the size.
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Barcode Options
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EAN8, EAN13, CODE 39, CODE128, ITF, and QR with adjustable height and module width. Multiple barcodes are possible in one label.
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Automatic Shift Codes
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Up to 25 shift codes, definable over a maximum of 7 days. Multiple shift codes are possible in one label.
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Print-and-Apply Label Machine: Evolabel Systems
Print-and-apply labeling machines (PALM) streamline the labeling process by continuously creating labels and applying them to passing products or shipping cartons. Predominantly used to label shipping cartons, PALM systems can complete primary, secondary, and tertiary applications with the right equipment.
Users can customize their print-and-apply labelers to complete specific tasks. PALM systems are made of multiple components, with two of the most important being:
- The printer module, which prints labels on-demand
- The label applicator, which dispenses and applies each label to a product, carton, or pallet
By selecting the ideal printer/applicator combo, you can use a PALM system to efficiently label most popular food packaging substrates, including:
The Evolabel Print-and-Apply Labeler is InkJet, Inc’s PALM option. Evolabel systems are compatible with three different printer modules:
We offer numerous applicators to fulfill diverse packaging requirements. Available applicators include
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By investing in an Evolabel system, you can simplify your package labeling process, reduce the risk of error, and maximize packaging efficiency.