The LightJet CO2 laser marking machine creates permanent, high-resolution codes on paper, corrugated board, glass, wood and selected plastics. Specifically, the F8100C uses a sealed CO2 laser and high-speed beam control to mark products without physical contact. As a result, manufacturers can improve traceability while eliminating ink drying time and many recurring coding-fluid costs.
The LightJet CO2 supports high-volume production environments that require fast, repeatable coding. Moreover, its air-cooled laser source allows continuous operation without a separate water-cooling system.
Because laser marking changes or removes material at the product surface, the resulting code resists smearing and routine handling. Therefore, the system works well for expiration dates, lot numbers, production codes, machine-readable codes and permanent product identification.
A sealed laser source also reduces routine maintenance requirements. In addition, published source life reaches approximately 30,000 operating hours under suitable conditions. Actual service life, however, depends on the selected laser, operating environment and production demands.
The LightJet CO2 commonly marks organic and nonmetallic materials, including:
However, material color, additives, coatings and surface finish can affect the result. Consequently, Ameripak recommends testing the actual product before finalizing the laser wavelength, power and focusing configuration.
A standard CO2 laser generally does not mark every bare metal effectively. Therefore, applications involving uncoated metals may require a fiber laser or a laser-sensitive coating.
The LightJet CO2 can create text, numbers, graphics, logos and symbols. Furthermore, the control system supports automatic date, time, lot, batch and sequential-number coding.
Available machine-readable formats include:
These formats support inventory control, regulatory coding, supply-chain traceability and anti-counterfeiting programs. However, code readability depends on contrast, marking size, substrate consistency and production speed. Therefore, validation should include both visual inspection and scanner testing.
The LightJet CO2 can mark up to 2,000 characters per second with a suitable high-speed scanner. In addition, published line speeds reach up to 200 meters per minute, or approximately 656 feet per minute.
Actual output depends on the message length, font, code complexity, marking field and substrate response. For example, a short date code requires less marking time than a large logo or detailed Data Matrix code. Consequently, application testing should establish the expected production speed.
Digital high-speed galvanometer scanners steer the laser beam across the marking field. As a result, the machine can create detailed codes without touching or stopping the product.
The standard F160 focusing option provides a 100 × 100 mm marking field, or approximately 3.9 × 3.9 inches. Meanwhile, optional lenses support smaller or larger fields:
A smaller marking field generally provides a finer focal point. Conversely, a larger field accommodates bigger graphics, codes or multiple marked locations. Therefore, the required code dimensions and working distance should determine the focusing option.
Available LightJet CO2 wavelengths include 10.6, 10.2 and 9.3 micrometers. Because different materials absorb these wavelengths differently, the correct selection can improve contrast and marking quality.
The touchscreen interface supports message creation, product setup and operating adjustments. Furthermore, UDP, TCP/IP and RS232 communications help connect the laser with production controls.
Encoder and product-detector inputs synchronize marking with moving products. Additionally, four inputs and four outputs support start and stop signals, alarms and safety interlocks. Flexible beam-delivery components can also simplify installation around existing conveyors.
Maximum marking speed, source life and code quality depend on the application. Therefore, Ameripak will confirm the substrate, wavelength, marking field and integration requirements before specifying the complete system.
The LightJet CO2 provides an effective solution for permanent marking on paper, corrugated, wood, glass and many packaging materials. However, delicate plastics and applications that require minimal heat transfer may benefit from the LightJet UV laser marking machine.
Alternatively, operations that need ink-based codes without changing the material surface can consider the DuraCode Touchscreen continuous inkjet printer. Therefore, the substrate, desired mark, production speed and operating costs should guide the final technology choice.
Ameripak helps integrate the LightJet CO2 into new or existing production lines. First, the team reviews the substrate, product shape and required code. Next, Ameripak evaluates line speed, marking time, focal distance and communication requirements. Finally, sample testing confirms contrast, readability and permanence before installation.
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