Domino Printing Sciences’ (Domino) newly launched, next-generation CO2 laser coders, the Dx-Series, are positioned to help beverage manufacturers prepare for future high-resolution coding requirements with no loss in production performance. Dx-Series lasers deliver up to 30% faster coding than previous generation CO2 coders, with no reduction in code quality, and are optimised for harsh environments typical of beverage applications.
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“The global laser market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% between 2023–2029; this growth can be attributed, at least in part, to increasing demand for high-definition on-pack 2D codes, including QR codes powered by GS1. This is driven by the GS1 Sunrise initiative to see 2D codes accepted at the retail point of sale,” says Felix Rief, Head of Laser and Extraction, Domino. “These new code requirements are driving the need for reliable, high-resolution on-product printing solutions that won’t compromise production speeds.”
As with all Domino’s variable data printing solutions, the Dx-Series was subject to enhanced customer testing during product development. A prominent North American bottling plant was one of the first to trial the product:
“The customer lines are very fast paced, running at speeds of over 70,000 bottles per hour, and environmental conditions present an additional challenge, with high humidity and moisture creating on-product condensate,” says Jon Hall, Senior Product Marketing Manager – Laser, Domino North America. “Needless to say, speed, code clarity, and product reliability were all in focus, and the Dx-Series did not disappoint. The trial has been very successful with over 30 million codes successfully delivered, and one very happy customer.”
In the beverage sector, it’s common for bottling lines to require coding and marking equipment capable of running at 70-90,000 bottles per hour, depending on the material and code requirements.
Reliably printing 2D codes at high speeds can be immensely challenging, and historically, manufacturers may have had to significantly slow down production line speeds to achieve the required quality. However, Domino’s new Dx-Series laser coders have been optimally designed to help beverage manufacturers meet these evolving code requirements, with a new coding algorithm that facilitates up to 30% faster coding, with minimal stress on the substrate and no reduction in code quality.
Dx-Series laser coders are designed to be robust and hard-wearing, suitable for extreme temperatures, humidity, and condensation often found on bottling lines. The laser coders are equipped to operate at temperatures of up to 45 °C, with an IP55-certified controller and an optional IP65-certified printhead variant (standard IP54-certified) for extra protection against dust and water ingress. CO2 laser coding removes the need for inks and consumables, supporting coding in moisture-laden environments, including through condensate on the product. The full range of laser coders is available with a new range of extraction products for the removal of dust and fumes to safeguard coding quality and maximise the life of the laser equipment.
“We are committed to ensuring that our customers in the beverage industry are equipped to handle new on-product coding requirements, including high-resolution variable data 2D codes,” says Frauke Schroeder, Senior Product Manager – Laser, Domino. “The quality, speed, and harsh environment capabilities of our Dx-Series laser coders make them the obvious choice for beverage manufacturers looking to get ahead of the game and prepare for the GS1 Sunrise initiative.”
To further support manufacturers updating existing lines with new coding solutions, Dx-Series laser coders have been designed with flexible beam delivery and options for customisation, allowing them to be fitted in any orientation to support coding on the neck, side, or bottom of bottles. They are capable of coding directly to the substrate or onto labels.
The full Dx-Series range encompasses the 20-watt Dx260i, 30-watt Dx360i, and 60-watt Dx660i, providing options for a vast range of materials and code requirements. The 20- and 30-watt solutions are suitable for printing on labels, pouches, and cork, while a stronger 60-watt solution is available for high-speed coding on PET and glass, as well as large-format, complex code requirements (e.g., replicating the contents of entire labels to support a move to labelless bottles).
All Dx-Series lasers are available with Domino’s full range of automation, service, and support solutions, including SafeGuard, machine vision from the R-Series, Domino Automation, and Domino’s cloud-based services – to keep lines running, reduce the risk of human error, and minimise downtime.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer our Dx-Series laser coders to all global beverage brands,” says Tony McNulty, Chief Product Officer, Domino. “We recognise that the global transition to 2D codes will pose specific challenges for industries such as beverages, which require extremely robust, reliable, and high-speed solutions. We are thrilled to be able to offer such a future-proof solution with our new Dx-Series, which is optimised for harsh environments, high speeds, and code quality.”