CO₂ Laser Marking Systems

What are CO₂ laser marking systems?

CO₂ laser marking systems are a type of laser equipment used primarily for engraving, marking, or etching a wide range of materials. These systems use a carbon dioxide gas mixture as the laser medium, which is excited by electrical energy to produce a laser beam with a wavelength typically around 10.6 micrometers.

The CO₂ laser is particularly effective on non-metal materials and is commonly used for marking organic materials like wood, rubber, and plastics. It is also used on glass and ceramics. The versatility of the CO₂ laser makes it a popular choice for applications in industries such as packaging, fashion, manufacturing, and more.

The marking process involves directing the CO₂ laser beam onto the surface of the material to alter its properties or appearance. The high-energy beam interacts with the material, causing localized heating, melting, or even vaporization of the surface, which results in a permanent mark. The laser can be controlled with high precision, allowing for detailed graphics, text, and barcodes to be created.

CO₂ laser marking systems are valued for their speed, accuracy, and the ability to create clean, legible marks without contact with the material, which reduces the risk of damage or contamination.

Why choose Videojet CO₂ lasers?

A laser changes the material properties by engraving or ablating material, which generates a permanent mark that cannot be removed unless the product surface is damaged.

High-Quality Codes

CO₂ laser systems deliver precise, high-resolution marks that can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a product. This level of detail contributes positively to brand image and customer perception, offering a premium feel to the marked items.

Low Carbon Footprint

CO₂ laser marking aligns with eco-friendly practices by minimizing waste from limited consumables. This technology supports your business’s sustainability goals and can be a key component of green manufacturing initiatives.

Virtually No Consumables

With CO₂ laser marking, the ongoing costs of consumables are almost non-existent. This technology eliminates the need for inks, solvents, and other fluids, which not only reduces expenses but also decreases downtime associated with replenishing supplies.

Less Maintenance

The robust design of CO₂ laser systems ensures they operate with minimal maintenance. This reliability translates into uninterrupted production, reduced operational costs, and a simplified process that allows your business to focus on what it does best.

What materials can be marked by CO₂ laser marking systems?

• Cardboard: CO₂ lasers are adept at etching high-contrast, permanent marks on cardboard, making them ideal for creating barcodes, logos, and packaging information without the need for inks or labels.
  
  
• Paperboard: CO₂ lasers can precisely mark paperboard with intricate designs and text, providing a non-contact method that ensures clean, crisp results without compromising the material’s integrity.
  
  
• Wood: Including hardwood, softwood, plywood, and MDF, CO₂ lasers can create intricate designs and markings on wooden items.
  
  
• Glass: Despite its fragility, glass can be etched with CO₂ lasers for functional purposes, such as serial numbers or best before dates (BBD).
  
  
• Rubber: Commonly used to create custom stamps, CO₂ lasers can cleanly cut and engrave rubber.
  
  
• Plastics: While many types of plastics can be inscribed using a CO₂ laser, materials such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) are particularly well-suited for this process. The laser marking on PET plastics can result in a distinct color change, providing excellent contrast for easy identification and a premium finish.
  
  
• Ceramics: CO₂ lasers can etch permanent marks onto ceramic surfaces, often used for barcoding.

It is important to note that while CO₂ lasers can mark these materials, the effect of the laser will vary depending on the material’s properties and the settings of the laser system. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety data sheets when considering new materials for laser marking.

What should you consider when installing a CO₂ laser marking system

• Material Compatibility: Understanding the types of materials you will be marking is crucial for selecting the right CO₂ laser system. The laser’s wavelength and power need to be appropriate for the specific materials to achieve the best results.
  
  
• Marking Quality Requirements: The quality of marking required will determine the specifications of the CO₂ laser system you need, such as power, resolution, and speed.
  
  
• Integration with Existing Systems: The CO₂ laser marking system should be able to integrate seamlessly with your current manufacturing or production processes.
  
  
• Training: Operators need to be trained not only on how to use the CO₂ laser system safely but also on how to achieve the desired marking quality and efficiency. Adequate training ensures that the system is used to its full potential and maintains productivity.
  
  
• IP Configuration: IP54 and IP65 Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, are crucial for safeguarding CO₂ laser systems operating in diverse industrial environments. These ratings indicate the level of defence provided against the ingress of dust and water, which is vital for the longevity and reliability of the equipment.
  
  An IP54 rating signifies that the CO₂ laser is protected against limited dust ingress—enough to prevent any disruption in operation—and against water splashes from all directions. This ensures that the laser can function effectively in environments where dust particles and moisture are present, but not to an extreme extent.
  
  On the other hand, the IP65 rating provides a higher level of protection. It ensures that the CO₂ laser is completely dust-tight, offering total protection against harmful dust particles. Furthermore, it can withstand jets of water from any direction, making it suitable for more demanding conditions where equipment might be subject to more significant exposure to moisture or cleaning processes.

Each of these points is a piece of the broader picture when planning for a CO₂ laser marking system installation. They help guarantee that the system will perform as expected, maintain compliance with safety and industry standards, and deliver a return on investment through efficient operation and minimal downtime.

Before choosing a CO₂ laser, we always recommend speaking to an expert to ensure you are getting the right technology for your production requirements.

CO₂ laser marking systems by Videojet

As line speeds increase to cope with more demanding production targets, manufacturers need easier, more efficient laser marking systems to print high quality permanent codes consistently on their products.

Videojet’s high performance CO₂ laser marking machines deliver superior code quality along with reliability across a wide array of substrates including paperboard, plastic, PET, and glass. Videojet CO₂ lasers can handle a variety of applications, from simple date coding to printing larger, more complex messages.

With over 30 years of laser innovation, Videojet understands the importance of product configuration to achieve your desired mark. Through a diverse combination of marking heads, lenses and wavelength options, Videojet can deliver market leading 21 spot size options to match your unique application requirements. More spot size options allow a broader range of effects from fine to thick line marking.

See Videojet’s full range of CO₂ laser marking systems here

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