Portable laser marking and inkjet printing machines are essential tools in the marking industry. This article explores how these devices work, their differences, and key features to help users choose the right technology for their needs. It also covers current applications and includes a brief price comparison of leading devices in the market.
Inkjet Marking
Inkjet technology is among the oldest technologies available in the market that is catering to printing and marking needs. The industry aggressively worked on this technology in the 1950s and by the late 1970s, the first digital printers came into being.
With time multiple methods were developed to implement this method for practical applications ranging from desktop usage to reproduction of digitized fine art.
Let us summarily look into the various technologies at work in inkjet marking.
CIJ or Continuous Inkjet
Continuous Inkjet marker has a print-head nozzle that expels ink droplets that have an electrical charge. The device deflects these droplets due to the charge they have on them, orienting the ink to form the pattern a user wants. It can be a graphic, date, or other similar information.
TIJ or Thermal Inkjet
A thermal inkjet printer has cartridges that have heating elements. A signal tells the heating elements to heat up which causes an ink droplet to form precisely when it is to transfer to the marking surface.
DOD or Drop-On-Demand
DOD systems have multiple holes on their print head that operate independently. They open and close ‘on-demand or as instructed by the driver module. The relative motion between the print head and the printing surface leaves a continuous mark delivering the required graphic or marking.
Portable Inkjet Marking Machines
The need for portability arises in multiple environments and situations. For instance, if the surface is too large to position under an immovable printer head. Similarly, processes also exist that make it unfeasible to set up a marking system.
Handheld inkjet printers mainly use TIJ technology. There are a few key elements applicable to conventional inkjet printing and some specific concerns pertaining to portable inkjet machines that users must keep in view.
Portable Inkjet Marking Machines: Key Points
- Portability Needs: Ideal for large surfaces or environments where setting up a fixed marking system is impractical, like marking cartons in a grocery store.
- Technology Used: Primarily uses Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology, suitable for on-the-go marking.
- Resolution: Critical for quality output. Models like EBS 250 (16 nozzles) vs. EBS 260 (32 nozzles) highlight differences in resolution capabilities.
- Graphics Capability: Designed for simpler, single-color graphics. Some models, like EBS 250, support multiple ink colors, while others are optimized for black ink.
- Technical Parameters: Consider weight, dimensions, and battery life to ensure true portability. Machines typically weigh around 1kg; battery life varies depending on usage patterns.
What Can Portable Inkjet Marking Machines do for You?
Portable inkjet marking machines are ideal for secondary packaging, carton coding, and marking materials like timber, metal, and plastic. They are commonly used for product descriptions, batch numbers, and 2D codes on various packaging materials. However, inkjet printing is less suitable for retail packaging due to its non-permanent results, which can be erased with certain liquids. For more durable marks, other technologies are recommended.
Laser Marking
Laser technology, developed in 1960, is widely used in the marking industry for engraving, etching, and marking. These terms refer to different processes:
- Engraving: Removes or melts material, creating a deep mark.
- Etching: Creates a shallow mark, about 0.001” deep.
- Marking: Uses intense light to discolor the surface, producing a contrast without altering the material’s depth.
These methods are essential in both professional and personal workshops, with laser marking being the go-to for creating durable, high-contrast patterns on various surfaces.
Fiber Laser
Fiber laser technology is one of the recent entrants in the laser market. Laser technology relies on the amplification of light and there are different means available to achieve the result. In fiber lasers, rather than the electronic amplification of a signal, optical amplification takes place.
Gas Laser
A gas laser produces a high-intensity light beam by passing a current through a gas. Scientists and engineers have made gas lasers from a variety of gasses. One of the most common is CO2 lasers.
A CO2 laser cutter operates by using light produced by electricity running through a gas-filled tube. This tube has mirrors at both ends. One mirror is fully reflective while the other one partially lets light come through. These mirrors guide the laser beam onto the material that is to be cut.
Portable Laser Marking Machines
Portable laser marking machines mainly use fiber technology due to its stability and high beam quality, making it ideal for precise and durable marking. Unlike other lasers, fiber lasers are less sensitive to movement and optical misalignment, ensuring consistent performance without frequent adjustments. A handheld laser printer typically consists of a controller unit for managing the system and a laser marking unit where the actual marking occurs. These features make fiber lasers the top choice for portable marking solutions.
Laser Marking: Key Features
- Marking Area & Speed: Modern laser machines typically offer a marking area up to 100mm x 100mm, with speeds ranging from 7000 mm/s to 9000 mm/s, crucial for efficient production.
- Power: Available in 20W or 30W options, higher power increases efficiency but also raises operational costs due to higher electricity consumption.
- Laser Life: Lasers generally have a long lifespan, estimated at around 100,000 hours, depending on usage and environment.
- Resolution: High-resolution markings are achieved with dot diameters as small as 0.05mm, allowing for precise and detailed marks.
Applications of Portable Laser Marking Machines
Marking products may not be a matter of choice in today’s industry. Medical and aviation regulators mandate that devices and components to be brought into use in their respective industries must be traceable.
A similar scenario is applicable to the automotive industry. A handheld laser engraver for metal is a common tool in a sophisticated setup. Furthermore, the electronics industry employs laser markers to mark part numbers and branding on miniature ICs.
Handheld Inkjet Printer VS Handheld Laser Printer
Here’s a summarized comparison of Portable Laser Marking vs. Portable Inkjet Marking in a table format:
| Feature | Portable Inkjet Marking Machines | Portable Laser Marking Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | CIJ, TIJ, DOD | Fiber Laser, Gas Laser (CO2) |
| Applications | Secondary packaging, carton coding, marking on timber, metal, plastics | Medical, aviation, automotive, electronics, metal marking |
| Initial Cost | Low | High |
| Operational Cost | High (due to ink refills) | Low (mainly electricity consumption) |
| Marking Durability | Less permanent, can be erased with certain liquids | Permanent, resistant to wear and environmental factors |
| Resolution | Lower compared to laser, sufficient for simple graphics | High resolution, suitable for detailed and complex designs |
| Portability | Battery-operated, highly portable | Requires external power source, less portable |
| Color Options | Can print in various colors using different cartridges | Limited to specific marking colors (usually black or dark contrast) |
| Laser Life | N/A | Long life expectancy (up to 100,000 hours) |
| Speed | Slower, particularly for complex markings | Faster marking speeds (up to 9000 mm/s) |
| Customization | Flexible with color options, simple graphics capabilities | Excellent for fine details, but limited in color customization |
This table provides a concise comparison to help in choosing between portable inkjet and laser marking machines based on specific needs and requirements.
Which Portable Marking Solution Fits You Best?
| Who Are You? | What’s Your Situation? | Our Friendly Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Manager (Auto, Aerospace, Heavy Industry) | You need tough, super-clear marks on metal or hard plastic—think serial numbers or barcodes that last forever. | Go with a portable laser marker! It’s built for harsh environments and tough jobs.
|
| SME Owner or General Manufacturer | Your budget’s tight, you mark all sorts of stuff (boxes, plastics, metals), and you don’t need marks to last forever. | Try a portable inkjet marker! It’s affordable, light, and works on loads of surfaces.
|
| Service Provider or Mobile Marking Tech | You’re always on the move, marking stuff for lots of clients on different materials. |
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| QA or Compliance Pro | You need to meet tough industry rules (medical, food, electronics). |
|
Decision-Making Checklist: Portable Laser vs Inkjet Marking
Use this checklist to quickly evaluate your needs and narrow down your options:
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What materials do you need to mark?
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Metals, hard plastics, glass → Laser
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Cardboard, paper, porous surfaces → Inkjet
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How durable do your marks need to be?
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Long-lasting, tamper-proof, resistant to chemicals/abrasion → Laser
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Temporary, less permanent, or easily removable → Inkjet
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What’s your budget?
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Higher upfront investment, lower long-term costs → Laser
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Lower upfront cost, higher ongoing (ink/maintenance) costs → Inkjet
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How important is portability?
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Need to mark in the field, on the go, or in multiple locations → Inkjet (most models), or lightweight/battery-powered laser
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Stationary or occasional movement → Either, depending on other factors
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Do you need color or special effects?
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Yes, color or special inks needed → Inkjet
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No, single-color, high-contrast marks are fine → Laser
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Are there regulatory or industry standards to meet?
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Yes, strict compliance (medical, aerospace, electronics) → Laser
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No, general packaging or less regulated → Inkjet
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Conclusion
The question of which technology is right for an intended marking comes down to the operation. Factors such as how well does a system fits a particular application, how much faster, and how much more cost-effective can manufacturing be made, will need looking into.
With this in mind, it will be necessary to make a careful analysis of the pertinent data, including application range, operating costs, throughput, cost of ownership, and, of course, the investment costs for the portable marking solutions.
FAQ
Which is easier to carry and use in the field—laser or inkjet?
Inkjet is usually easier to carry and use outdoors because most portable inkjet printers are lightweight and run on batteries. Some portable lasers also have batteries, but inkjet is generally more convenient for field work.
Which is more expensive to buy and run?
Laser marking machines cost more to buy upfront, but you don’t need to buy ink or other supplies. Inkjet printers are cheaper to buy but need regular ink and maintenance, which adds up over time
Which makes marks that last longer?
Laser marks are permanent and can handle rough conditions, chemicals, and cleaning. Inkjet marks can smudge or fade, especially if they get wet or rubbed
Which needs more maintenance?
Inkjet printers need more maintenance—like cleaning and refilling ink. Lasers need very little upkeep
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