The world of products and packaging is evolving towards improved standards for the variable data required on products with a focus on enhanced traceability, compliance, and consumer engagement. The ambition is to supply large amounts of data in a user friendly, machine readable format.
A key element is the move from 1D barcodes to 2D codes. Global standards organisation GS1 is at the forefront of the initiative introducing QR codes powered by GS1. The challenge for manufacturers is to print these larger, more complex codes at the speed needed to maintain current production rates.
To offer a future-proof coding and marking solution that can meet the industry's needs, Domino has introduced the Dx-Series CO2 Laser coder range. The Dx-Series state-of-the-art laser coders are optimised for high-speed, high-resolution, advanced variable data printing for a wide variety of packaging types. Dx-Series lasers deliver up to 30% faster coding than previous generation CO2 coders, with no reduction in code quality, making them ideal for complex advanced variable data code requirements, including high-resolution 2D codes such as QR codes powered by GS1.
Growing interest in laser technology
Interest in laser technologies in the coding and marking industry is booming, with global market growth predicted at rates of almost 10% CAGR until 2029. This growth has been driven in part by global government policies and regulatory frameworks driving the need for high-resolution, on-product 2D codes.
Manufacturers are increasingly looking for advanced laser solutions to satisfy these requirements – for this reason, we have launched our Dx-Series CO2 laser coders, for reliable, fast-paced, advanced variable data printing across a broad range of product and packaging types, and manufacturing environments.
says Frauke Schroeder, Senior Product Manager – Laser, Domino.
Proven performance and versatility
Manufacturers participating in enhanced customer trials of the Dx-Series were pleased with the machine’s capability to outperform previous generation CO2 coders in terms of code quality and speed. A US-based bottling company trialed a 30-watt laser against their incumbent laser on a PET water bottling line and were delighted with the results, with the Dx-Series far surpassing the older laser, even when applying codes through condensate.
Dx-Series laser coders have proven to be up to 30% faster than previous generation CO2 Laser coders thanks to a new coding algorithm that enables faster, more exact coding of high-resolution codes, including machine-readable codes, while minimising stress on the substrate. The full Dx-Series range encompasses the 20-watt Dx260i, 30-watt Dx360i, and 60-watt Dx660i, to satisfy the variable data printing requirements of manufacturers across industries, and on a diverse range of substrates from paper to glass.
Built for challenging environments
The laser coders are designed to be integrated easily into existing production lines and can be adapted to meet the challenging demands of hot, dusty, or wet production environments. Dx-Series laser coders are optimised for consistent performance at ambient temperatures of up to 45°C and come with the option of an IP65-rated printhead and an IP55-rated controller for dust and moisture protection. Domino has also developed a range of advanced laser extraction solutions to remove fumes and particles from the laser coding process, ensuring optimal coding quality and increasing the lifetime of the laser equipment.
As with all Domino’s advanced variable data printing technologies, Dx-Series lasers can be integrated as part of a fully automated code and check system to reduce risk, waste, and stress. Complete solutions encompass automated code deployment from Domino Automation, machine vision from the R-Series, and remote monitoring from Domino’s cloud-based services.
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