By 2030, all packaging in the European Union must be 100% recyclable or reusable. This means that mixed materials, such as PET or aluminum foil used in food applications, will no longer be allowed. The new packaging materials are not compatible with the traditional laser coders used by many food manufacturers to print QR codes and other information. Domino has designed the U510 UV laser to provide a laser coding solution for these new packaging materials.
The U510 printer codes directly on white and colored plastics and monomaterial films, without the need for additional laser developer on the substrate, thanks to a photochemical reaction on the surface layer of the plastic.
Integrating into existing flexible food film production lines for horizontal and vertical bagging applications (HFFS and VFFS), this coder reproduces high-contrast text, graphics and 2D codes at very high speeds.
In addition, its laser head and controller are protected from dust and water with an IP55 rating.
Initial feedback on Domino's U510 laser is very positive
Approached by one of the world's largest food manufacturers, Domino tested these new laser coders on a large production line.
Dennis Gesellgen, global business manager at Domino, reports: "The trial was more than successful. Thanks to the compact design of the U510 encoder, we were able to replace the competitor's laser very easily and the customer was delighted with the performance of our laser. He particularly appreciated the high IP rating for protection against dust and water, which is a special feature of Domino's laser."
The customer also noted that Domino's U510 outperformed competing lasers on every test, with significantly better code quality and no laser-related downtime during the entire test.
"We know that upcoming regulations requiring the use of recyclable plastics will be a real headache for our customers from now on. So we're excited to be able to offer them a reliable UV laser coding solution for these new packaging materials." says Stefan Stadler, team leader at the Domino Laser Academy.
The manufacturer invites all companies working with new packaging materials to contact it in order to design solutions adapted to these substrates.
