06
Consumable-free line codingCO₂ laser marking for packaging and non-metals
Mark packaging and non-metal substrates at speed with a clean, permanent process engineered around the material and line.
Application-led specification
Designed around the process that must work.
CO₂ laser marking can deliver clear, permanent codes without ink consumables on suitable packaging and organic materials. Good results depend on the substrate, coating, wavelength, focal distance, product control and extraction.
What this deliversPermanent packaging codes with no routine ink or ribbon changeover where the substrate is suitable.
06 / Oxford TraceabilityCore capabilities
What the solution can include.
- 01High-speed text, date, lot and 2D code marking
- 02Static and on-the-fly line applications
- 03Substrate, coating and wavelength trials
- 04Guarding, extraction and line interlocks
Typical applications
Where it earns its place.
Selected films, foils and plastics
Glass, wood and organic materials
Food, beverage, personal-care and pharmaceutical packaging
A complete project scope
From feasibility to a supported production system.
The precise work package is shaped around the application. These are the four areas we normally resolve.
Mark contrast and damage assessment
Establish the evidence needed to select and size the technology.
Speed, field and focal-distance study
Turn the proven application into a clear technical specification.
Beam enclosure and extraction design
Engineer safe, maintainable presentation and production control.
Code data and verification integration
Connect, commission and prove the agreed operating sequence.
Build verification in
Identification should close the loop.
Where the process demands it, the system can check that the correct identity was created, confirm it is readable and associate the result with the production event.
- Presence and content checks
- Barcode, RFID or DPM read-back
- Reject, rework and exception handling
- Result and audit-record capture
Frequently asked questions
CO₂ laser marking: practical questions.
Every application is different, but these answers cover useful starting points.
Will a CO₂ laser mark every packaging material?+
No. Results vary by polymer, pigment, coating and layer structure. A mark trial is the right way to confirm contrast, permanence and whether the pack remains acceptable.
Can CO₂ laser code products while they move?+
Yes. On-the-fly systems can synchronise with moving production, provided line speed, code size and available marking time are correctly assessed.
Is extraction required?+
Often. Marking can release fumes or particles, so extraction and filtration should be assessed for the substrate and process.
Related production outcomes
Explore the application behind the equipment.
Discuss your application
Planning a CO₂ laser marking project?
Share the product, material, speed, code requirement and the result you need. We’ll identify the right next step.