Laser Coders
Industrial, high-speed Laser marking machines for permanent coding
Linx laser coders deliver reliable industrial coding for global production lines.
Our laser marking machines are ideal for high print volumes, such as food, beverage and pharmaceutical products, and provide reliable, permanent coding for batch numbers, date codes, expiry dates, logos, 2D codes and product marking on plastics, glass, metal, coated card and more.
What is Laser coding?
Laser coding creates codes directly on products or packaging by deflecting a concentrated beam of light through a lens to form characters. Laser coding is achieved by removing material or a coating from the product or packaging, or by changing the surface of the substrate. In each case, the code is permanent.
On painted card, the top microns of paint are removed to reveal the contrasting bare card beneath. On plastic, the chemical nature is either changed by the laser to cause a colour change, or melted to leave a visible mark. On glass, the laser code consists of micro cracks which create a clear, permanent code but which do not compromise the integrity of the product.
Learn more about how laser coding works
Benefits of Lasers
Linx lasers are versatile because they can code in any orientation, and can be integrated into small spaces on existing production lines
They are cost-effective solutions as they require no consumables and have low maintenance costs
Linx lasers are easy to use as the LinxVision® touch screen makes it easy to create, update and revise codes and view job status
Linx lasers are suitable for many industries including high-speed production, washdown environments and contract packing facilities where products and codes change regularly
Linx Laser Coders
Linx CSL Series
Flexible options for high-speed marking
Features
Suitable for 24/7 operations | Data Matrix and QR codes | High-speed production | Batch and date coding | Print unlimited lines of text | Ideal for glass, rubber and plastics
Key Benefits:
- High-speed coding up to 900m/min
- Over 20,000 configurations to meet complex code requirements
- Quick to deploy and transfer to new lines
- Multiple beams allow for coding at any orientation
- Easy setup, with touchscreen message management
Linx UVG5
Fast coding on delicate substrates
Features
Suitable for 24/7 operations | Data Matrix and QR codes |GS1 compliant 2D codes | High-speed production | Batch and date coding | Easy to integrate
Key Benefits:
- Code on a range of materials including delicate mono-recyclable films and difficult to mark rigid plastics
- Code up to 2000 characters/second, up to 600m/min
- Reduced risk of damage to packaging, minimal thermal stress on substrates
- High contrast codes
Linx SL3
30W compact and robust laser coder
Features
Suitable for 24/7 operations | Data Matrix and QR codes | Print unlimited lines of text | Batch and date coding | IP54 stainless steel enclosure | Ideal for glass, metal, plastic and card.
Key Benefits:
- Single unit installation with multiple mounting positions
- 2 year laser tube warranty
- Code up to 360m/min
Linx FSL Series
Precision marking on many materials
Features
Suitable for 24/7 operations | Data Matrix and QR codes |GS1 compliant 2D codes | High-speed production | Choice of 4 lenses | Internal cooling system | Up to 360m/min
Key Benefits:
- Very fine spot size for quality codes, lots of information in a small space or small products
- Ideal for metal, rubber, plastic, and packaging foils
- Over 100,000 hours laser tube life
- Compact marking head for easy integration into moving and static lines
Linx SLHP
Superior quality codes at fastest speeds
Features
Suitable for 24/7 operations | Data Matrix and QR codes |GS1 compliant 2D codes | High-speed production | IP56 |
Key Benefits:
- Suitable for glass, rubber and PET
- High power of the laser means a shorter dwell time on the product
- Air-cooled, no factory air or water required
Linx laser coders provide a cost-effective and reliable solution, backed up by our product advice and support teams.
The Linx range of lasers ensures we can find a solution to any coding requirement and we will also provide safety advice for use of lasers in the workplace such as protetcive guarding and fume extraction depending on your application.
Not sure which laser coder is right for your needs? Contact us to find the best solution for your marking and coding
Applications for Laser coders
Laser and GS1 codes
Linx coding and marking solutions support the application of GS1-compliant 2D barcodes across a wide range of production environments, from high-speed lines to flexible packaging and permanent marking applications.
Designed for reliability, ease of use and consistent code quality, Linx technologies help manufacturers implement traceable, scannable GS1 codes with confidence.
Linx Laser Coders, including the CSL Series, FSL Series, SL3 and UVG5, provide permanent GS1-compliant marking for applications requiring durability, precision and minimal maintenance. Non-contact laser marking ensures consistently scannable 2D codes without consumables, making it a reliable long-term option for manufacturers.
Linx’s official partnership with GS1 UK reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted, standards-compliant coding solutions. As a GS1 UK-approved provider, all our laser products are validated to print GS1-compliant 2D codes with precision and reliability.
FAQ
A laser coder is an industrial machine that uses a focused laser beam to permanently mark products with information like dates, batch numbers, barcodes, or logos—without using ink or physical contact. These systems are widely used in high-speed manufacturing environments such as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries. The laser alters the surface of the material, by engraving, etching, or changing its colour, to create clear, high-quality codes without adding inks or other consumables.
Laser coders can mark a wide range of variable and static information, including batch numbers, date codes, barcodes, QR codes, logos, and traceability data. Many systems can also handle high-density codes such as Data Matrix or GS1-compliant formats.
Yes. Laser coding creates permanent marks that are resistant to smudging, fading, or removal. This makes it ideal for applications where durability and long-term traceability are essential.
Laser coding offers several advantages for manufacturers:
No consumables – no ink or solvent requirements
Low maintenance – fewer parts to replace or service
High-speed operation – suitable for fast production lines
Permanent, high-quality codes
Laser coders can mark a wide range of materials, including plastics, glass, paper, cardboard, metal, rubber, and films. The most suitable laser type (CO₂, fibre or UV) will depend on the material and the mark required.
The best laser coder depends on several factors:
The material being marked
The type of code needed (text, barcode, 2D code)
The production speed
The production environment
Different laser technologies are suited to different applications—for example, fibre lasers for metals and small components, CO₂ lasers for packaging materials, and UV lasers for delicate substrates.
Yes. Laser coders are designed for high-speed production environments and can deliver consistent, high-quality codes at fast line speeds without compromising readability.
Laser marking can be carefully controlled to suit the substrate. For example, UV lasers minimise thermal impact, making them ideal for delicate materials, while other laser types can mark more robust surfaces effectively without damaging them.
Laser coders are typically designed for straightforward integration into production lines, with flexible mounting options and features that allow for quick setup and product changeovers.
While the initial investment may be higher than some alternatives, laser coders can deliver lower total cost of ownership due to: No consumables, Reduced maintenance, Less downtime and Longer service life
Laser coders typically require less routine maintenance than ink-based systems because there are no fluids or printheads involved. This helps reduce downtime and simplify operation.
Learn more about Linx Lasers
Linx Laser compatibility