The food industry is increasingly relying on laser technology for product labelling. This is why the system provider GEA is now integrating corresponding laser labelling systems into the GEA thermoforming machines of the PowerPak series in order to apply complex product information reliably and with high resolution.
The laser marking systems are integrated on a customised basis in cooperation with various suppliers. The technology experts at GEA design and support the customised solution approach: from the selection of the laser provider with an initial film test to the optimal positioning of the laser in the packaging system.
„The demand for laser labelling systems is increasing significantly. On the one hand, the end customer needs to be provided with more and more product information on the packaging.g be made available. On the other hand, the Traceability and traceability be ensured at all times. A QR code, which is applied by laser, offers numerous advantages here.“ Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming at GEA
Large amounts of data apply
The complex codes can be Large amounts of data encrypted in a very small space represent. They can be applied to the packaging by laser at high printing speeds. The focussed light creates markings on the top film that are durable and resistant to external influences such as heat, abrasion and water. Lasers are also impressive in terms of sustainability, as they do not require any consumables such as labels or ink. Laser labelling systems are ideal for applications in the packaging food or beverage industry as they are also suitable for operating environments with high levels of dust and moisture.
Laser labelling systems: Flexibility in placement
Different packaging processes require different different solution approaches. Depending on the batch size to be produced, labelling is already possible on the top film supplied or behind the sealing station of the thermoformer before the individual finished packaging units are cut apart.
A customer from the food industry has a new GEA thermoforming packaging machine for example, a laser labelling system from the company Videojet set. The CO2-The laser system was placed on the sealing station of the GEA PowerPak and prints the top film before it is joined to the bottom tray. The additional processing step has no influence on the production time, as the clocking is part of the cycle of the integrated production process.
Increase efficiency with fewer film changes
Machine efficiency when packaging similar products can be significantly increased by using a laser, as only the variable recipe data is changed during the labelling process via the stored database, without having to change the film with pre-labelled films. Set-up times can be reduced accordingly due to the reduced number of film changes. According to GEA, the provision costs for the consumables are also reduced as they can be ordered in large quantities.
„The efficiency of a packaging machine is created in the Interaction of all components. The laser labelling system and our thermoformer are perfectly matched to each other and thus meet the high demands on throughput, quality and product safety,“ summarises Volker Sassmannshausen.
Source: GEA
