Today, traceability, quality control and brand protection are very important in production processes. For this reason, inkjet coding and laser marking technologies are widely used in many industries. However, there are some critical differences in which technology should be used in which sector. In this article, we will examine the usage areas of inkjet coding and laser marking in detail.
1. What is Inkjet Coding?
Inkjet coding is a technology that prints dates, lot numbers, barcodes and other information on surfaces using liquid ink. It offers flexibility, often on fast production lines, and has the ability to print on different materials.
Advantages:
- Fast print capacity
- Low-cost investment
- Ability to print on different surfaces
Disadvantages:
- Print quality may degrade over time
- Ink consumption may incur additional costs
2. What is Laser Marking?
Laser marking is a technology that uses laser beams to leave permanent marks on surfaces. No ink or additional materials are used and it usually creates more durable markings.
Advantages:
- Permanent and clear printing
- Compliance with Turkish and European Union legislation
- No need for chemical consumables
Disadvantages:
- High initial investment cost
- May have limited efficacy in certain materials
3. Inkjet Coding Usage Areas
3.1. Food and Beverage Sector
Inkjet coding is widely used in food packaging and beverage bottling. Expiry date, batch number and barcode information are usually printed with inkjet printing.
3.2. Pharmacy and Cosmetics
In the pharmacy and cosmetics industry, especially lot numbers and expiration dates are printed with inkjet coding to ensure traceability of products.
3.3. Plastic and Packaging Industry
Product information can be easily added with inkjet coding on flexible packaging and plastic products. It offers the advantage of flexibility and fast application.
4. Laser Marking Application Areas
4.1. Electronics and Automotive
Laser marking is used for permanent marking on electronic components and automotive parts. Information such as serial numbers, barcodes and logos can be engraved with laser marking.
4.2. Metal and Medical Devices
Laser marking is highly preferred due to sterilization requirements in medical devices. Permanent marking can be done on metals such as stainless steel and titanium.
4.3. Packaging and Logistics
Laser marking is used for permanent coding on cardboard and wooden packaging. It is also preferred because it is an environmentally friendly solution.
5. Which Technology is More Suitable?
| Sector | Inkjet Coding | Laser Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Beverage | Yes | No. |
| Electronics and Automotive | No. | Yes |
| Plastic Packaging | Yes | No. |
| Medical Devices | No. | Yes |
| Logistics | Yes | Yes |
Inkjet coding and laser marking technologies are used in various sectors, offering different advantages. Factors such as production speed, cost and print permanence should be taken into account when making a choice. The right choice both optimizes costs and increases the efficiency of businesses.
