What is the difference between Videojet SmartFocus™ technology and 3D laser marking?
As laser technology has evolved over the last 30 years, laser marking has become the main alternative to the inkjet printing of codes and other information on primary and secondary packaging. To achieve a desired mark, a laser beam is diverted by two motor-driven and computer-controlled mirrors and then focused on the product surface with a focal/scan lens. As with a magnifying glass, the product surface must be positioned at a certain distance, i.e., focal distance, from the laser marking system to produce a code with good contrast and sharpness. If the size of the package and the distance from the marking system changes, the focal distance must be adjusted to make sure the product surface is in focus. Generally, this is done by mechanically or manually moving the laser marking system closer or farther away.
3D laser technology for parts marking
Featuring additional capabilities over standard laser systems, 3D laser marking was developed to code on uneven surfaces, such as the parts of a product that are not in the usual focal distance to the marking system. The 3D systems can vary the focal distance within a certain range without moving the laser system.
The primary application for the first generation of 3D marking systems was in coding on metal parts with a given geometry. These laser systems adjust the focal distance correctly for each spot of the product surface. This is done by loading 3D data (e. g., STEP files) into the system. With 3D marking, the products are not moving while being coded. As a result, production speed is quite limited when achieving high-quality engraving and marking, and 3D lasers’ usefulness in CPG marking is minimal.
Videojet SmartFocus™ technology for CPG
Videojet has taken laser marking technology a step further and optimized it for CPG applications. Unlike existing 3D marking systems, Videojet SmartFocus™ technology is designed to code both moving and stationary products at the highest production line speeds. Without sacrificing code quality, Videojet SmartFocus™ technology can deliver consistent codes on more than 100,000 products per hour, depending on factors like the code complexity, substrate, and line configuration. Product changeovers become as quick and easy as selecting a different marking job.
3D laser marking
- Designed for marking on non-moving products
- Targeting 3D surfaces, e. g., tooled metal parts
- Adjustment of focal distance is slow
Videojet SmartFocus™ technology
- Designed for high-speed CPG marking on moving and non-moving products
- Targeting CPG product shapes, such as film and foil packages, cardboard boxes and bottles
- Adjustment of focal distance happens in milliseconds, allowing for highest throughput and production speeds
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Benefits of Videojet SmartFocus™ technology
- No manual or mechanical adjustments are required for different product sizes. The focal distance information is stored in the marking job and adjusted automatically.
- Product changeover is quick and easy. Since the focal distance information is defined during setup, operators simply select a job without making any additional adjustments or manual entries. This process can even be automated, e. g., via a PLC to select the right marking job automatically without operator intervention when changing products.
- Changing focal distance happens in milliseconds, therefore focal distance changes can happen from product to product, if required, even at highest production speeds.
- The laser system can adjust the output power of the laser beam source and control the focal distance. Doing both can reduce the risk of damage considerably because the beam is in focus and operating with a constant power at any point in the marking-field. This is especially important on substrates with an enhanced potential for recyclability, such as thin single-layer packaging materials.
- Exceptional print quality is maintained with a uniform spot-size marking across the entire marking field and no degradation at the edge.
- While Videojet SmartFocus™ technology controls the focal distance, a side benefit is that the contrast and line width of a code can be adjusted by moving the beam either in focus or slightly out of focus. A code’s appearance can be adjusted within a certain range to be darker, bolder, lighter, or thinner.
- Using Videojet SmartFocus™ technology, 2D code quality can be optimized by adjusting contrast and spot size to deliver consistent and readable codes.
Videojet SmartFocus™ technology represents a significant advancement in CPG marking. With the ability to automatically adjust focal distances and maintain high-quality codes at high speeds, it can help save time, boost safety, and improve productivity. Easy product changeovers and the capacity to handle a diverse range of product shapes and materials help Videojet SmartFocus™ technology meet the evolving needs of today’s packaging operations.
