UV Laser Coder

Industry-First UV Laser Coder for the Food and Beverage Industry

KEYENCE UV laser coders for food and beverage packaging deliver high-contrast, durable marks that do not damage the packaging.

By eliminating consumables like ink ribbons or special films, our laser coders reduce operational costs and downtime. Cutting-edge internal packaging allows for a more compact laser head that can seamlessly integrate into existing packaging machines.

How UV Laser Coding Technology Works for the Food and Beverage Industry

UV laser coding for the food and beverage industry is highly valued for its ability to mark expiration dates and bar codes on packaging with precision and clarity. A UV laser beam creates high-contrast codes on materials like plastic and film without ink or labels. UV laser coders generate a non-contact mark with a method known as "cold" marking. This method uses a chemical reaction instead of a thermal burn like other laser types, making it perfect for heat-sensitive packaging.

The KEYENCE FP-1000 Series UV laser printer offers features like fine detailing, durable marks, and a compact design. Easily integrated into production lines, it reduces downtime while increasing production throughput. Expensive running costs of traditional TTO printers, such as part replacement, maintenance, and consumables are completely eliminated.

UV lasers are not affected by traditional causes of marking that fades away:

Oil

Powder

Alcohol

Heat sterilization

Conventional thermal printer

UV laser coder

* Results comparison after rubbing on the marked area of film exposed to powder before marking

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Applications of UV Laser Coders in the Food and Beverage Industry

UV laser coders in the food industry are used for accurate marking on:

Candy and Confectionary
Snacks
Packaged Foods
Baked Goods
Diary
Fruits and Vegetables
Beverages
Meat and Poultry
Pet Food and Animal Feed

Traceability and product identification are possible on a range of packaging types, including flexible films, cartons, pouches. UV laser coders are ideal for marking heat-sensitive substrates or materials that cannnot be damaged.

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Benefits of UV Laser Coding on Film in the Food and Beverage Industry

Reduce Downtime

Remove the need for ink ribbon replacements and head cleaning associated with traditional thermal printers. The reduction in downtime enhances Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and boosts production throughput.

No ink ribbon costs

No head replacement costs

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UV laser coders can mark more products in the same operating time
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Downtime due to ink ribbon replacement and thermal head cleaning

Easy to Use

The touch panel interface is designed for operators of all skill levels. Lack of consumables and maintenance leaves only minimal programming to be handled by users, reducing the risk of errors.

No periodic parts replacement required
No periodic maintenance/inspection required

Compatible with Various Packaging Machines

The compact head design enables hassle-free installation, easily replacing existing thermal printers. Use with horizontal and vertical pillow-type, bag feeding, and stick packaging machines.

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L-shaped mounting bracket OP-88709
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Ceiling mounting bracket also available

Eliminate Consumables

Since UV laser coders use light for marking, regular part replacements aren’t needed, allowing for the elimination of consumables and associated costs.

Disposal loss simulation:
For a facility that replaces four ink ribbons per day, operating at 25 days per month will lead to disposal of 1,200 ink ribbons per year. At 500 grams 17.65 oz per ink ribbon, 1,200 ink ribbons would equal 600 kilograms 1322.76 lb, or about 1.2 tons of CO₂ emissions upon disposal. UV laser coders, however, do not use ink ribbons, so the CO₂ emissions can be reduced to zero.

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Installation of UV Laser Coders on Various Packaging Machines for the Food and Beverage Industry

Easily update, integrate, and improve tracking and traceability on a wide variety of packaging machines. The FP laser head was designed as a drop-in replacement for HFFS, VFFS, Rotary, and more. UV laser code technology is extremely flexible and can be mounted anywhere on a packaging machine with open access to film regardless of machine type. Just mount the coder, align with packaging, configure software settings, and test. Once you are happy with the print results, it’s set and forget.

Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS)

Installing UV laser coder heads is easy on Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) pillow packaging machines. Securely mount the coder, align it with the film, and configure the software settings.

Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS)

Easily improve tracking and traceability of bags and pouches on vertical film packaging lines by adding UV laser coder heads to existing pillow-type equipment.

Rotary Bagger

Installing UV laser coder heads on rotary baggers involves attaching the coder, aligning it with the bags, configuring software settings, and testing the markings.

Stick Packaging

Long, narrow pouches can be marked by installing UV laser coders on stick packaging machines. Once the coder is attached, simply configure it to meet your needs.

Pouch/Bag Filling

Securely mount the UV laser coder heads on pouch/bag filling machines, align them with the pouch openings, and improve overall throughput.

Price

FAQs about UV Laser Marking and Coding for Food and Beverage Manufacturing

What Should Manufacturers Consider When Choosing UV Laser Coders for Food Packaging?

Manufacturers should consider coding speed, integration compatibility, marking durability, compliance with food safety standards, maintenance requirements, total cost of ownership, throughput, environmental impacts, and the ability to handle various packaging materials.

How Does UV Laser Marking Enhance Product Traceability in the Food and Beverage Sector?

Unlike ink-based systems prone to fading, UV laser marking ensures permanent, flawless codes that resist damage from contaminants, friction, heat, and transportation.

What Maintenance Is Required for UV Laser Coders Used in Food and Beverage Packaging?

UV laser coders require minimal maintenance, which typically involves regular lens cleaning and occasional inspection of cooling systems to ensure excellent performance and longevity.

Can UV Laser Coders Handle Various Packaging Materials Used in the Food Industry?

Yes, UV laser coders can effectively mark a wide range of packaging materials in the food industry, including plastics, films, and labels.

What Are the Key Advantages of UV Laser Marking in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Over Traditional Coding Methods?

Key advantages include permanence, high-speed performance, resistance to fading, minimal maintenance, super low running costs, compatibility with various materials, and easy installation on packaging machines.