New Technology Provides Alternative to Labels and Ink-Based Marking

The materials handling industry is going through a revolution of technology. It seems like every month there is new equipment introduced that uses new technology to make warehouse operations more

and more efficient.

One of the latest technology innovations that is affecting packaging is Laser Reactive Marking (LRM) Systems. The technology does away with the need for labels or ink-based marking equipment for the application of addresses, codes or other text to boxes.

To achieve the ability to mark boxes using LRM, preprinting laser reactive coating is performed at the box converter segment of the shipping department. CO2 lasers can then be used in place of inkjet printers or labelers to print an address, code, text, graphic or brand mark. When the laser beam of a Laser Reactive Marking Machine contacts the treated surface of the box, it creates a thermal reaction that leaves the printed text, graphic or code on the box.

LRM creates high-resolution marks that are visually comparable to those made by case coders or labelers. Moreover, the cost of coating the boxes is competitive with the cost of labels. So the process is said to be very cost effective.

Depending on the application, the pre-treated space on the box can range in size from 4-inches x 2-inches to 7-inches x 5-inches or larger.  However, the laser can creates an image as large as the size of the box, but the more complex the image, the more time necessary for creating the mark.

Workers who run the machine can produce translucent clear and opaque white coatings according to the need for contrast against the type of corrugated material used to construct the box including white, Kraft brown or white mottled.

So packaging an order can be performed at production line speed depending on the code content and other variables.

Downtime on the packaging production line is reduced and there is no need to store and maintain an inventory of labels or printing inks or printer ribbons.

The only maintenance necessary on the machine is the occasional cleaning of the lens, which takes less than a minute to perform. Moreover, the laser tube, which directs the laser, has a lifespan of 45,000 hours under normal use.

Videojet Technologies and International Paper have announced a partnership to promote this type of technology, which they call Reveel. Reveel is a water-based coating that enables laser imaging directly on corrugate and paperboard. Videojet demonstrated the technology at a recent Pack Expo.