Why Laser Marking is Replacing CIJ Printing

For years Continuous Ink Jet printing (CIJ) has dominated the industrial sector for coding applications but laser marking is fast replacing this technology. Why? Let’s find out…

Laser marking vs cij printing

Laser Marking Technology

During recent years, laser marking technology has seen a significant improvement in both performance and reliability simultaneous to a lowering of prices. These advancements now make laser marking a viable alternative to CIJ.

In terms of the code itself, laser marking offers many advantages over CIJ…

 

barrel laser marked

Laser marking & CIJ

What are the Differences?

The CIJ process utilises ink, which as a consumable is costly to purchase over time and the printing heads of CIJ must be constantly cleaned and/or replaced too. A laser marker has no consumables, so running costs are far lower, as is the requirement for maintenance.


The low requirement for maintenance of a laser marking machine can mean that it’s a far more reliable method compared to CIJ and the fact that the laser uses no ink makes the laser marking process more environmentally responsible too.

Logo Application

The Better Solution

laser engraved car part

In cases where the mark requires the application of logos as well as simple coding, the laser is often a better solution. CIJ is very limited as to what type of mark it can produce and over what area but a laser marking machine can deliver a wide variety of graphic formats, from logos and barcodes to simple text and over a much bigger area than a CIJ can apply.


For the mark itself, a laser mark is permanent and difficult to counterfeit. CIJ is quite the opposite; for example, when coding milk cartons by CIJ, it is common for the mark to rub off as the carton is exposed to temperature changes, condensation and wear. A laser mark is resilient to such things.

laser marking 

For Production Lines

A laser marker can also be easier to integrate into production lines. With CIJ the head is commonly positioned close to the surface to which it is printing. With a laser marking machine it is possible to place the beam deflection unit (sometimes known as the scan head) several hundred millimetres away from the product being marked.

 

anti-counterfeiting

Increasing the Value

A laser mark can add significantly to the perceived value of the item itself. For example, for a recent project we configured a fiber laser marking machine to brand stainless steel razor blades. Historically the blades were marked by CIJ. The aesthetic of the laser mark was significantly better, raising the perceived value of the item itself and addressing the counterfeiting issue our customer was having with their product marked by CIJ.

Laser Marking vs CIJ

Better for Business

Industrie.6

CIJ is a single process solution; i.e. it is simply a surface print. In some cases it’s possible for the laser to code and produce other processes at the same time such as, for example, perforation of packaging or cutting of thin films. 


At Lotus Laser Systems we manufacture a wide range laser marking and engraving solutions ideally configured for laser cutting, laser marking and laser engraving all types of materials. Our experts would be happy to recommend which configuration best suits your application.

MACHINE

Recommendations

Whether you’re an industrial manufacturer or a small business, we have the laser marking solution to suit your needs. From laser etching glasses to marking suspension parts, our laser machines are designed to do it all.

First introduced in 2012 and now in it's 7th incarnation, the Meta-C MOPA fiber laser engraving machine is built for 24/7 use over decades, it has a track record of near zero failures over millions of flawless operations and features our latest 3D laser head (3-Axis).

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) MOPA Fiber 30-80

We are proud that our UV laser marking machine was amongst the first commercially available on the market. Since then, however the Meta-C UV has evolved so much! With 3D technology as standard, unmatched speed and accuracy it can mark anything. Designed to serve serious commercial to light industrial users, built with our time-tested Meta-C chassis, made for millions of operations, it's backed by up-to 10 years warranty.

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
3D (3-Axis) Ultraviolet 5-15

We know of no other MOPA fiber laser marking machine on the market today at this price point that delivers the performance and functionality of µMeta. Built using the same high-grade components as the rest of the Meta line, just more compact, boasting x17 waveforms making it ideal for colour marking and difficult materials.

Beam Delivery Laser Type Power (W)
2D (2-Axis) MOPA Fiber 30-60

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