Laser Marking vs. Ink Jet: Which is Better for Metal Products?

This article compares the performance of laser marking machines and inkjet printers on metal products, and analyzes the advantages of the laser machines in terms of precision, efficiency, and durability. It also summarizes the problems with inkjet printers, including ink flaking off and high maintenance costs, to help companies select the best marking solution.

Why is laser marking used on metals?

Recently I have heard many complaints from factory owners about the problems they have had with using traditional ink-jet printers to label metal products.Our lab has just finished a batch of comparative tests, so I'll use the data we've gathered to talk about the strengths of laser marking machines.

The difference in accuracy is 0.02 millimeters versus 0.5 millimeters.

In fact, tests have shown that laser printers can produce QR codes on stainless steel surfaces with a thickness of only 0.02 millimeters, which can be read in an instant using a 20x magnifying glass.In contrast, the inkjet printer, even in its "super fine" mode, produces a slightly fuzzy edge, with a minimum line thickness of 0.5 mm.One of my customers, who makes medical devices, told me that last year they had two shipments returned because the ink-jet codes were unclear. After they switched to a laser printer, the number of complaints dropped to zero.

Longevity: Resistant to acids and heat.

We subjected the two types of tags to three tests: soaking in a disinfectant for 24 hours, scrubbing with a steel-bristled brush 30 times, and baking at 200 ° C for two hours.The result was that the laser marking did not change color, while the inkjet marking had already become unrecognizable.In the past, each batch of products had to be wrapped in a protective film.

The cost of materials

Don't look at the high price of a laser machine--it really can save money in actual use.If 2,000 items are labeled every day, the printer uses up over NT $ 800 worth of ink each month, and the nozzles have to be replaced regularly.Apart from two sets of lenses which were replaced in the first two years (costing less than NT $ 500 in total), there have been no other losses.Li, a woman in a metalworking factory, has calculated that in two years the laser engraver saves nearly NT $ 30,000 over the inkjet printer.

How to choose in special cases?

Of course, this doesn't mean that ink jet printers are completely useless.For example, if you want to change the color of the ink on the fly, or if you want to mark something with a very complicated shape, a jet printer is more convenient.But on the other hand, 90 % of the marking needs for metal are met by laser machines.In particular, in industries that need anti-counterfeiting traceability, such as auto parts and precision instruments, laser marking has become the industry standard.

If you are mainly doing batch marking of metal parts, then don't hesitate to go for the laser.If he takes on occasional jobs printing on plastic or cardboard, he can still use his Taiwan-made machine.After all, customers are becoming increasingly discerning, and the quality of the label directly affects the grade of the product.