CO2 Laser Coders

Domino Printing Sciences launches CO2 laser coders, the Dx-Series, are positioned to help beverage manufacturers prepare for future high-resolution coding requirements with no loss in production performance. Dx-Series lasers deliver up to 30% faster coding than previous generation CO2 coders, with no reduction in code quality, and are optimized for harsh environments typical of beverage applications.

“The global laser market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% between 2023–2029; this growth can be attributed, at least in part, to increasing demand for high-definition on-pack 2D codes, including QR codes powered by GS1. This is driven by the GS1 Sunrise initiative to see 2D codes accepted at the retail point of sale,” says Felix Rief, Head of Laser and Extraction, Domino. “These new code requirements are driving the need for reliable, high-resolution on-product printing solutions that won’t compromise production speeds.” 

In the beverage sector, it’s common for bottling lines to require coding and marking equipment capable of running at 70-90,000 bottles per hour, depending on the material and code requirements. 

Reliably printing 2D codes at high speeds can be challenging, and historically, manufacturers may have had to significantly slow down production line speeds to achieve the required quality. However, Domino’s new Dx-Series laser coders have been optimally designed to help beverage manufacturers meet these evolving code requirements, with a new coding algorithm that facilitates up to 30% faster coding, with minimal stress on the substrate and no reduction in code quality.

The full Dx-Series range encompasses the 20-watt Dx260i, 30-watt Dx360i, and 60-watt Dx660i, providing options for a vast range of materials and code requirements. The 20- and 30-watt solutions are suitable for printing on labels, pouches, and cork, while a stronger 60-watt solution is available for high-speed coding on PET and glass, as well as large-format, complex code requirements (e.g., replicating the contents of entire labels to support a move to labelless bottles). 

“We are very pleased to be able to offer our Dx-Series laser coders to all global beverage brands,” said Tony McNulty, Chief Product Officer, Domino. “We recognize that the global transition to 2D codes will pose specific challenges for industries such as beverages, which require extremely robust, reliable, and high-speed solutions. We are thrilled to be able to offer such a future-proof solution with our new Dx-Series, which is optimized for harsh environments, high speeds, and code quality.”