Laser Machines Used in Packaging

Application of Laser Machines Used in Packaging

1. Laser Marking:

Laser machines are extensively used for marking on packaging materials such as cardboard, paper, plastic, and metal. Laser marking machine provides permanent, high-quality codes that withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring product traceability and authenticity. Additionally, laser coding eliminates the need for ink or labels, reducing production costs and environmental waste.

Laser marking technology is an innovative choice in the packaging industry. It is not just a technology but a key to improving packaging quality and safety. Laser marking machines are increasingly favored in the packaging industry, meeting various consumer needs for product packaging, such as labeling, decoration, and anti-counterfeiting. These machines are designed for marking various packaging materials and can quickly and accurately engrave logos, production dates, batch numbers, barcodes, QR codes, and anti-counterfeiting marks on surfaces like packaging boxes, bottle caps, and labels. Cost-effective laser marking machines can bring more value to the packaging industry over long-term use. With their efficient marking capabilities and clear marking results, they are becoming the new favorites in the packaging industry.

2. Laser Cutting:

CO2 Laser Cutting Machine offers precise cutting and perforation capabilities, allowing manufacturers to create intricate designs, custom shapes, and perforations on packaging materials with ease. Whether it's creating unique window displays on boxes or perforated lines for easy opening, laser cutting packaging ensures clean, smooth edges without any tearing or fraying. This enhances the overall visual appeal of the packaging while maintaining functionality.

Additionally,  CO2 laser cutting machine can be applied to plastic packaging to extend the shelf life of perishable foods by punching holes. It can also be used to pre-cut tear strips in paper packaging, cardboard, and plastic packaging. These applications not only improve the practicality of the packaging but also enhance its aesthetic appeal.

3. Laser Engraving:

Laser engraving is commonly used for branding and personalization purposes in packaging. It allows manufacturers to etch logos, serial numbers, or customer-specific information on packaging materials, providing a distinct identity for their products. This customization not only enhances brand recognition but also adds value and exclusivity to the packaging.

Laser engraving technology has a wide range of applications in the packaging industry, covering everything from sales packaging to transport packaging. By using computer-controlled machines to direct a focused beam of light onto the surface of various materials, this technology can engrave on glass, wood, plastic, stone, rubber, and other objects. In the packaging industry, laser engraving can be used for hollowing out, carving, and perforating paper and wood products, meeting the creative customization needs of the printing and packaging industry. For example, laser hollow carving on packaging boxes can achieve personalized designs, enhancing the beauty and uniqueness of the packaging. 

Advantages of Laser Machines Used in Packaging

1. Laser processing is pollution-free and more environmentally friendly. 

Traditional packaging often uses printing, while laser engraving machines and laser marking machines, widely used in the packaging industry, act on the surface of packaging materials through the conversion of light and heat. The entire process does not require any paint or pigments, and the noise level during processing is low. Weihua laser engraving machines are equipped with a conical funnel and drawer below the platform for easy cleaning of debris and waste. Each laser engraving machine is equipped with 1 to 3 fans and a 150mm diameter exhaust duct, depending on the power, to effectively remove smoke generated during engraving and cutting. Additionally, a smoke purifier can be optionally equipped to remove odors generated during material processing. The complete equipment and scientific structural design achieve zero pollution.

2. Laser processing is widely used in the packaging industry. 

CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines and laser marking machines are widely used in the packaging industry. For example, laser engraving machines mainly process non-metals and can engrave on the surface of wooden boxes and cardboard boxes, cut wood, cardboard, corrugated board, and also cut foam and velvet linings for packaging, providing a cushioning effect that better ensures product safety. As a small laser machine, laser marking machines are also widely used for metals and some non-metals, such as soda cans, wooden wine boxes, and cosmetic cases.

3. Laser processing has excellent effect. 

In the packaging industry, wooden boxes, cardboard boxes, acrylic crystals, and bamboo packaging are very common. CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines can engrave and cut MDF, acrylic, cardboard, etc., with smooth, burr-free edges, delicate and beautiful engravings, wear-resistant, non-fading, and non-deforming. The edges of sponge linings in packaging boxes are cut without black edges, and the exquisite packaging better highlights the quality of the product. Laser marking machines have finer beams and more precise marking effects, mostly used for small-area marking, such as keychains, wooden wine boxes, and phone cases.

4. Fast speed. 

The engraving speed of CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines can reach 60,000 mm/min, and the cutting speed can reach 30,000 mm/min. The marking machine is even faster, with speeds up to 7,000 mm/s, sometimes completing the marking of a single product in less than a second. Especially when equipped on production lines, such as marking production dates or batch numbers on outer packaging, Weihua laser marking machines are equipped with powerful marking software that can automatically sort batch numbers, further demonstrating marking speed and achieving efficient operations.

What Materials Can Be Used For Laser-Cut Packaging By Weihua Laser?

Acrylic: Acrylic (PMMA or organic glass) has a wide range of applications in the packaging industry, mainly due to its transparency, durability, and aesthetics. It is widely used for displaying and protecting high-end products, such as jewelry, watches, and electronic products. High-end gift boxes and packaging bags often use acrylic materials to enhance the overall grade and visual effect of the product. Acrylic billboards and display stands are very common in shopping malls and exhibitions. Acrylic is also used to make food display cabinets and storage containers. Weihua laser cutting machine can cut 0.5mm-30mm acrylic.

MDF: Also known as fiberboard, MDF has a uniform structure, fine material, stable performance, and is easy to process. The main applications in the packaging industry include high-end packaging boxes, such as gift boxes and electronic product packaging; packaging trays, providing sturdy support and protection; partitions and padding used inside packaging boxes; and display racks. MDF is also used to make display racks and display boxes, widely used in stores and exhibitions. The CO2 laser cutting machine forms MDF in one go without sticking during cutting.

Cardboard: Common applications of cardboard in the packaging industry include corrugated cardboard boxes, honeycomb cardboard boxes, folding cardboard boxes, paper bags, and paper packaging. Laser cutting of cardboard and cardboard box linings does not cause yellowing of the cutting edges. Cardboard packaging not only effectively protects products but also enhances brand image through printing. In addition, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the demand for cardboard packaging is also constantly growing, so the demand for laser cutting will also continue to grow.

Plastic: PP plastic, PVC plastic board, ABS board. Traditional cutting and punching machines cut PP materials, and the edges may crack. Laser cutting belongs to thermal cutting, and the edges are smooth and delicate, without the need for secondary processing. For example, when cutting a part of a plastic cup, laser cutting will not damage the structure and appearance of the plastic cup.

Wood: Wooden boards have a wide range of applications in the packaging industry, mainly due to their durability, environmental friendliness, and customizability. MDF, solid wood, birch, cherry wood, maple wood, etc., are easily vaporized by laser and are relatively easy to be laser carved. If it is hardwood, a large laser power is required for carving or cutting. For example, wine bottle packing boxes, wooden cases, wooden pallets, and wooden crates. Use a 180W laser cutting machine to cut 5mm solid wood, with a speed of 10mm/s and a power setting of 65%-70%. The cutting effect is good.

EVA: Foam inserts are used to protect fragile products, provide cushioning and protection for electronic products and precision equipment, and fill packaging boxes to prevent damage during transportation. Weihua CO2 laser cutting machine can cut 50mm thick EVA.

Rubber: Rubber is used for seals and gaskets, protective packaging, rubber bands, and rubber coatings. Cutting 5mm thick rubber gaskets generally requires a 300W CO2 laser power. The speed can reach 15mm/s. Rubber gaskets with adhesive properties can also be laser cut.

Leather and genuine leather: Leather has unique applications in the packaging industry, mainly due to its high-end texture, durability, and environmental characteristics. Leather is commonly used for high-end gift boxes and packaging bags, packaging boxes and bottle covers for high-end alcoholic beverages, protective covers and packaging boxes for high-end electronic products, and stationery and book packaging. It is also used for high-endnotebooks, folders, and book covers. In addition, CO2 laser cutting machines can also cut genuine leather to make leather bags and belts. The cutting surface is very smooth and neat, with edges that are not burnt, curled, or yellowed.

Thin films: TPU film, PI film, PET film, PE film, PVC film, reflective film, etc. For example, PET film is used to stick on the surface of electronic products to prevent scratches and provide protection