Tell us your need and we will take care of the solution.
Tell us your need and we will take care of the solution.
Tell us your need and we will take care of the solution.
Tell us your need and we will take care of the solution.
Tell us your need and we will take care of the solution.
Tell us your need and we will take care of the solution.
Non-contact marking technologies such as inkjet and laser marking are among the most frequently used methods in industrial production. Each of these technologies has its own advantages and limitations that must be considered when selecting a suitable solution. Inkjet and laser are used for different applications, they are not universal technologies that are interchangeable in all cases.
In this article, we offer a technical and economic comparison of the two methods, which can help in deciding on the appropriate marking technology for a particular operation.
Inkjet printers are an affordable solution, especially for basic applications. They are suitable where long life marking is not required.
Inkjet allows printing on a wide range of materials – paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, wood, foil. This makes it widely used in the packaging industry, logistics or pharmaceuticals.
Inkjet technology enables the printing of colour logos, pictograms and graphics, which is advantageous for marketing purposes or consumer packaging labelling, for example.
Ink marking is not permanent. It is susceptible to smudging, mechanical damage or degradation due to humidity and temperature. It is not suitable for marking products in harsh operating conditions.
The use of inks and consumables (e.g. cleaning fluid) increases long-term costs. The devices also require regular maintenance, including cleaning of the print heads.
The laser creates a permanent marking that is resistant to abrasion, chemicals and UV light. It is ideal for marking parts in automotive, mechanical or electrical engineering.
Laser systems do not require inks or toners. This significantly reduces operating costs and eliminates the need to handle chemicals.
The laser provides a high level of detail even with small characters, which is important for marking QR codes, serial numbers or datamatrix codes on small components.
Laser systems are more investment-intensive than inkjet. However, the return on investment is usually assured with long-term and regular operation.
The laser may not be suitable for marking certain types of thin plastics, dark films or heat sensitive surfaces. In these cases, the appropriate wavelength and technology (e.g. CO₂, fiber, UV) should be selected.
The choice between Inkjet or laser marikng should be based on the specific application, the type of material, the required marking lifetime, investment and operating costs. Inkjet is suitable for flexible and inexpensive marking of packaging materials, while laser is suitable for permanent marking of technical components and products.
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