Laser marking produces permanent high-resolution codes on nearly any color or type of glass. The permanent marks protect codes from being tampered with by unauthorized channels. Moreover, the high-quality marks enable clear coding and help instill brand confidence with customers.
Why Choose Lasers for Marking on Glass?
Laser marking offers five advantages in comparison to ink-based printing systems.
- Permanent and durable markings that withstand harsh environments.
- High precision and clarity ensuring legibility and quality.
- Non-contact process, reducing the risk of damage to the glass surface.
- Versatility in marking various shapes and sizes of glass surfaces.
- Cleanliness of the production environment.
On one hand, laser marking doesn’t degrade the overall cleanliness of the production environment provided a fume extractor is used to address any fumes and/or dust from the ablation process. On the other hand, the inks are never in use because they are not necessary for laser marking production. As a result, your production line and machine will be cleaner since you’re not using any inks and fume extractors are removing the smoke from your production space.
Secondly, the code permanence from using laser marking is helpful for producing high quality marks. The laser physically alters the substrate which preserves the marking until the lifetime of the product. As a result, your marking won’t be a subject for abrasion and fading with a laser marking machine.
Another advantage is cost saving because all lasers only use a steered beam, carbon dioxide beam, or any type of laser beam to create markings. Unlike industrial printers that use ink, laser markers don’t use any ink which can be cost saving in the long run.
Applications of Laser Marking on Glass
Videojet’s laser marking solutions are ideal for:
- Beverage bottles: Ensure clear and permanent date codes, batch numbers, and logos.
- Pharmaceutical containers: Enhance traceability with precise and durable markings.
- Cosmetic bottles: Achieve high-quality branding and product information.
Types of Laser Marking Machines for Glass
The best technologies to mark on glass are CO2 and fiber laser marking machines. For creating permanent and high-contrast marks on glass, laser marking machines can do the job. Nonetheless, there are several additional considerations to keep in mind when choosing a laser marker for your product.
First, the size and shape of the glass object should be considered. Some laser markers are better suited for flat surfaces, while others are more suited for curved or irregular shapes. Finally, the production volume and speed requirements are critical for choosing the right technology. With that information out, let’s dive into the two laser markers that are suitable for marking on glass.
CO2 Lasers on Glass
CO2 lasers deliver high-contrast codes along with variety of substrates including glass. For power source, CO2 lasers use a carbon dioxide laser to create high-contrast marks on glass. As a result, this machine is a clear front leader in innovation and is ideal for marking glass bottles and glass flat surfaces.
Fiber Lasers on Glass
As for fiber lasers, they work similarly to CO2 lasers but there are some differences with specs and power source. Firstly, the fiber laser emits a high-quality beam to create fine, intricate marks with excellent precision. In comparison, the fiber laser can achieve better mark contrast at faster speeds.
To breakdown the comparisons between CO2 lasers and Fiber lasers, table below perfectly Illustrates the two types of laser marking machines.
CO2 vs. Fiber Lasers
| Videojet CO2 Lasers | Videojet Fiber Lasers |
| Marking speeds of up to 2,100 characters/second | Marking speeds of up to 2,000 characters/second |
| Wattage: 10W, 30W, 60W | Wattage: 10W, 20W, 30W, 50W, 100W |
| Permanence of codes – The laser marks can survive the lifetime of the product. | Permanence of codes – The laser marks can survive the lifetime of the product. |
| High quality codes – provides unique marks through a diverse combination of marking heads, lenses, and wavelength options. | Higher intensity – 100 times higher intensity than CO2 lasers with similar power outputs. |
| No consumables and low carbon footprint – CO2 lasers don’t need any inks and other fluids helping you reduce cost and promote sustainability. | High contrast marks – ultra-fast speeds to mark on plastic and other industrial products. |
| Less maintenance – maintenance-free, leading to improved ease of operation. | Less maintenance – long-lasting reliability with virtually no maintenance and product life expectancy of up to 100,000 hours. |
| Maximum line speed of up to 900m/min | Maximum line speed up to 900m/min |
Once again, this information is only a glimpse of what a fiber laser and CO2 laser can do. Furthermore, it is always great to contact and speak to a product expert to learn more about the different user interfaces, beam outputs, and any limitations that can exist.
FAQs
Yes, most types of glass can be laser etched or engraved. However, the quality of the marking may vary depending on the glass composition.
The ideal power and speed settings depend on the type of glass and the desired depth of the etching. Our experts can help you determine the optimal settings for your specific application. Videojet offers a wide variety of wattages and lenses to create the best print possible utilizing one of our many Global sample labs. Videojet can sample your material free of charge.
The depth of the etching can be adjusted based on your requirements, ranging from surface-level markings to deeper engravings.
Yes, our laser marking systems are capable of engraving on curved or irregularly shaped glass containers with high precision.
Videojet has many different wavelengths that can produce desired effects. Typically customers prefer CO2 however our sample lab can provide a customized solution based on your specific needs.
Case Study
Videojet helps improve operational efficiency through innovative coding solution at World’s leading drinks business
Diageo Case Study
