A CODING AND MARKING SYSTEM FIT FOR USE
plastic predecessor . It is this factor which can ultimately stand in the way of commercial adoption .
A CODING AND MARKING SYSTEM FIT FOR USE
A change in packaging material can pose some challenges to laser marking technology . Because of this , having the ability to understand how different substrates respond and react to light enables companies – depending on what the process uncovers – to select an appropriate laser setting for testing .
Post-laser , evaluation of the code quality as well as how the material has withstood the process needs to be measured through a range of scientific technologies . Code quality is analysed using barcode systems and camera validation , and powerful 3D microscopes determine how the laser has impacted the substrate . This will ultimately dictate whether it is a material which can be used in production .
Currently , code-ability and printability do not form part of the material ’ s specification for
packaging suppliers and , due to this , there have been instances where the material composition has been slightly changed . From compound unavailability to simply being a cost-saving measure , there can be many reasons for this change ; but to omit coding and marking from any material specification change conversation is to put production in jeopardy . This decision will be reflected within the coding , which can ultimately lead to downtime . However , by working with a trusted coding and marking partner , organisations will be able to access the information they need . This way , companies will know which substrates allow for the creation of clearer , higher quality codes and , more importantly , they will have the security of knowing that , if a setback is on the horizon , it can be identified and resolved before it becomes a
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