Application

On-the-fly laser coding for packaging lines: replacing inkjet without slowing down

How encoder-synced CO2 and UV markers put batch and expiry codes on cartons, bottles and pouches at line speed — with no ink.

30 July 20263 min readPhotonik engineering team

Inkjet coders are cheap to buy and expensive to run: ink, solvent, nozzle blockages and smudged codes. A laser coder has no consumables and marks permanently.

How on-fly works

An encoder on the conveyor feeds the marking controller, which shifts the galvo pattern in real time so the code lands straight on a moving product. Line speeds of 60–120 m/min are routine.

Which source

  • CO2 for cartons, labels, coated board, PET bottles and glass.
  • UV for white and clear plastics, blister packs, pharma pouches.
  • Fiber for metal cans, tubes and caps.

Our On-fly format mounts on a height-adjustable stand and integrates with a product sensor and your line PLC. A 30 W CO2 unit codes a 20-character batch line in under 100 ms.

Have this material?

Send a part — we test it on the right source and send photos back.