Five Key Indicators to Help You Make a Decision

In this article, we will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both laser markers and inkjet printers based on five core criteria: material compatibility, marking speed, maintenance costs, environmental requirements, and budget. We will also provide practical suggestions for choosing the right equipment based on specific scenarios.

First, figure out your core needs.

When choosing a marking method, many people are torn between laser marking and inkjet printing.The key is not to compare parameters, but to ask yourself three questions: What material do you want to mark? How many items do you want to process daily? What are the special conditions in your workshop?

The type of material determines the type of equipment.

Metal / glass / hard plastic.

Laser engraving machines burn through the surface of the material to create markings. They work well on hard materials like metal and glass, and the marks can be kept for a long time.In particular, when it comes to automobile parts that need to be tracked, fiber laser marking is the way to go.

Paper cartons, plastic films and flexible packaging.

The ink-jet printer is best suited to porous materials. It is used, for example, to print serial numbers on paper containers or expiration dates on drink bottles.The small-character ink-jet printer can even be used to adjust the contents in real time on a production line, making it particularly convenient for changing the labels.

Productivity cannot be judged solely by statistics.

The 200 per minute claimed by the manufacturers is probably only 80 percent of that in practice.It is recommended that you take a sample to the factory to test the machine, and to see if the laser is able to work continuously without overheating, and to test the drying speed of the ink in the ink-jet printer.For example, last time we had a client who made electronic components. Because he didn't think about the time it takes to change the mold, he lost out. The machine's parameters were fine, but the frequent changing of molds slowed down the entire process.

Maintenance costs are hidden under the water.

Laser printers may seem to save on consumables, but the cost of replacing the laser tube and of maintaining the lens can be considerable.Although inkjet printers require ink, they are simple to maintain.One food packaging company owner did the numbers: a jet code printer costs NT $ 12,000 per year in consumables, while a laser printer requires NT $ 28,000 worth of parts every three years. In the long run, the costs are about the same.

Environmental factors are often overlooked.

If there is a lot of dust in the factory, don't use precision optical equipment, because if the laser lens gets dusty it will affect the accuracy of the marking.Although the machines are sturdy, the fumes from the ink can make workers uncomfortable when ventilation is poor.The most absurd example I've seen is a seafood processing plant that uses a printer with a spray head, and the air is so humid that the head gets clogged every few days. They finally solved the problem by putting a moisture-proof cover over it.

Budgets must be calculated for the entire life cycle.

Don't just look at the equipment price.

1. Buy a domestic or an imported laser machine? A domestic machine can be had for NT $ 30,000 to NT $ 80,000, but you have to spend at least NT $ 150,000 for an imported one.

2. Inkjet printers should be compatible with ink. Original equipment is expensive but stable.

3. Training costs and response times should be taken into consideration.

I think that if you're tight on funds, you can first consider a dot matrix printer and then upgrade to a laser printer when your business volume grows, which would be much easier on your funds.

Finally, remember that many manufacturers now support trial rentals, so if you aren't sure which to buy, try renting one for a couple of weeks. It's better than reading a hundred reviews!