A Case Study: Laser Marking on Baby Formula Cans

In this article we will examine an actual case of laser marking on milk powder cans, and explore how laser marking can meet the needs of precision marking, anti-counterfeiting traceability, and environmentally friendly production.Through analysis of real-world examples, this article reveals the core advantages of laser engraving technology in food packaging and the key points in its application, providing a practical reference for industry users.

Why does powdered milk need laser marking?

We all know that the production date and batch number on a can of baby formula are directly related to food safety and consumer confidence.Although traditional ink-jet printing is inexpensive, it is easily removed or altered, and often disappears altogether when the can is bumped during transport.Laser technology uses a high-energy beam to etch directly into the metal surface, leaving a clear, permanent mark and avoiding the problem of chemical ink contamination. This makes it especially suitable for use in packaging that comes into direct contact with food.

Real-life case: Upgrading anti-counterfeiting measures for a brand of infant formula.

Last year a famous brand of milk powder came to us and said that their products were often being counterfeited.We suggest the addition of a tiny two-dimensional barcode to the bottom of the can, which is linked to production line data.Six months later, the number of complaints from the customer feedback channel had dropped by 67 %, and the efficiency of the distributors 'product scanning had doubled.

are the three practical advantages of laser marking.

They are not afraid of moisture or friction.

Those who have stored baby formula in shipping containers know how humid they can get--up to 90 % humidity--causing the ink in a normal spray code to run.The laser marks the characters directly on the oxidized layer of the metal. We have tested it, and even after rubbing it 20 times with a steel wool ball, the information is still clearly legible.

Where do the savings come from?

The initial investment is high, but over the long term the economics are clear.There were no costs for ink or solvents, no costs for air pollution treatment, and the company would not have to worry about being ordered to stop production due to an environmental inspection.In Guangdong, one factory, after installing laser equipment, saved enough on materials to employ two more quality control workers.

They are flexible in responding to the changes in regulations.

For example, the EU has recently introduced a warning symbol for allergens.Modifying traditional dies can take two or three weeks, but with the laser marking system, the company can directly input a new graphic file and switch to production of the new logo the next day. This agility is especially important when competing for export orders.

These are the main points to watch out for when selecting equipment.

Depth control.

Most baby formula cans are made of tin-coated iron. If the laser energy is too low, the marking will be faint and hard to see. If it's too high, it will burn through the protective coating.The agency recommends that manufacturers conduct on-site tests, paying special attention to the contrast of the markings at different power levels and to changes in the corrosion resistance of the can body.

Matching up the production line.

Some of the old factories have conveyor belts that can only run at a speed of eight meters per minute, so it would be a waste of money to install high-speed laser equipment.Generally, we first bring a customer a tachometer to measure the actual speed of the production line, and then recommend a suitable model. After all, if the machine can make 10 more cans every minute, over the course of a year that's a difference of hundreds of thousands of cans.

Don't fall into the trap of poor after-sales service.

Looking at the parameter tables alone is not enough to give you an idea of how long the laser head will last or how often the lens will need cleaning.It's best to ask around among peers to see how the product is used, and to make sure that the manufacturer has a good stock of parts.Last year one company had to shut down for five days waiting for a laser mirror to be imported. The loss was greater than the cost of the equipment itself.

Now an increasing number of milk powder manufacturers are combining laser marking with the Internet of Things, for example transmitting data to the blockchain at the same time as the marking is being done.This "one code, one origin" model could be the standard for the next generation of food packaging.If you are considering upgrading your equipment, you might want to first visit several factories that have already installed laser marking systems, and see for yourself how they work in practice. This may be more enlightening than reading ten technical brochures.