How to choose a future-proofed laser coding solution
Choosing a future-proofed coding solution is essential for high-end coding applications, for example in the production of high value products or 24/7, high volume output., it’s essential to consider how your investment will be future proofed, for example by recuperating costs thanks to reduced downtime through increased reliability with no ongoing consumable costs.
However, the future-proofing of your coding solution is also highly dependent on choosing the right coder initially. Below, we’ll look at why choosing an adaptable laser coder ensures that you don’t have to reinvest when your coding needs change.
What will you be coding?
The first thing to consider is what your coder will be coding. It’s important to remember that your needs may change in the future. Will you be coding onto the same types of products and materials in the future, as you do now? Will your production line speed need to increase in future to meet demand? Or might your product packaging change in the future due to new consumer trends?
Some of these factors might not be wholly in your control. For example, your anti-counterfeiting measures may change in time, requiring new security measures to protect your brand, for example by etching more complex markings onto your products such as QR codes.
Similarly, consumer preferences may change in time, for example changes in attitudes towards confectionery, which has led to brands offering smaller portion sizes or single servings of products. Will you be coding onto the same packaging material in future: might packaging materials need to change in order to offer different serving sizes?
Linx has recently launched the Linx SLHP laser coder, which has been specifically designed for high quality coding in a wide range of applications, including FMCG, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals and more, for a wide range of purposes including traceability and anti-counterfeiting. As a result, the coder can adapt to new coding requirements with ease.
When choosing a laser coder, the power of its laser is of particular importance. The more powerful the laser, the quicker it can code. Quicker coding also means higher quality, as the laser has a shorter dwell time on the product, resulting in less opportunity for outside interference which can cause errors. A high powered laser is also capable of coding more complex messages while maintaining line speed, so if you need to code a lot of information, or QR codes and logos now or in the future, choose a powerful coder to ensure your line speed requirements can still be met.
The Linx SLHP has a 120 watt laser, making it the fastest on the market, ensuring you can keep up with your coding requirements no matter how they change!
Can your coder meet business growth targets?
Choosing the wrong coder can make it difficult to meet your business growth targets. While picking a laser coder with a low power rating may result in a smaller initial outlay, it can be detrimental to your production targets if it cannot keep up with other components of your production line.
The fact is, your coder shouldn’t slow your line down. As a result, to ensure future-proofed coding, it’s essential to pick a coder that can match the speed of your line. The Linx SLHP can code over 70,000 bottles per hour, making it the fastest on the market.
More importantly, efficient use of the laser source in the Linx SLHP means it doesn’t have to run at 100% power all the time – leaving you with extra power or speed in the bag for more demanding applications, but without additional investment.
Consider ownership costs
Linx laser coders are popular because they require no consumables. High power laser coders require cooling, in some cases requiring factory air or water cooling. Such cooling requirements can bring up the initial cost of installing a coder, as well as adding complications such as maintenance and leakage. The Linx SLHP has its own integral air cooling system, resulting in lower cost installation and lower ongoing cost versus other coding technologies.
The Linx SLHP also keeps operating costs down thanks to the efficient use of the laser’s power, which prolongs the life of the laser tube, again contributing to a lower total ownership cost.
The operating environment is also critical to total cost of your coder. For example, harsh production environments can cause excessive downtime if the coder’s casing doesn’t have an appropriate IP rating, bringing up ownership costs through lost productivity. The Linx SLHP marking head and supply units have an IP56 rating, ensuring reliable performance in even the harshest environments.
Integral air cooling, efficient laser power usage, and a high IP rating all contribute towards the Linx SLHP laser coder providing the ideal solution for 24/7 operations.
Linx Laser Coders
Learn more about how the Linx SLHP laser coder can provide your coding needs now and in the future, with lower operational costs than other technologies.