Which coding solution should I choose for my production line?

Inkjet printers or laser markers, UBS has analyzed both technologies.

When we are about to choose a technology for coding and marking our packaging, we must consider which solution best fits our project.

Are you hesitating between inkjet printing technology and laser engravers? One of the critical points in the decision making process is the price of the equipment, the initial investment to be made, but other aspects such as cost savings, speed and print quality required, as well as integration with the production line and the necessary maintenance of the equipment must also be taken into account.

The Inkjet printer has a lower price than a laser coder, however, it must be taken into account that printers have a cost associated with the ink they need. However, if after some time it is decided to change the product packaging, all that is required is to change the type of ink without having to purchase another equipment.

If we look at cost savings, aspects such as CPE (Contrast Per Element), incorporated in United Barcode Systems' APLINK HRX equipment, increasingly reduce the cost per print. The disadvantage of laser equipment in this respect is power consumption.

Regarding printing, for messages with barcodes, QR or images, inkjet equipment provides better print quality, while for alphanumeric text, expiration dates or batch numbers, laser can offer a higher cadence.

Laser coders do not require daily maintenance, but format changes may require a change of lenses or, in the worst case, the purchase of more powerful equipment. Inkjet printers do not require daily maintenance and format or message changes are not a problem.

As we have seen throughout the article, each technology has its advantages and these can be determining aspects to make the decision, know the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies by reading the full article on the United Barcode Systems website.