Tiedra, a Macsa id success story in contact lens laser marking,
specifically in the laser marking of contact lenses.
CONTENTS
Introduction and history of Tiedra
The challenge
Macsa ID’s solution
A success video
1. Introduction and history of Tiedra
Founded in 2003...
QR codes are revolutionising the way we interact with our shoppers - and this is only the beginning.Are QR codes changing the rules of the game for industry and packaging? Definitely. They are transforming the B2C market by bringing brands...
Discover this Macsa id success story about traceability in a constantly growing market: the beverage industry.TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction and history of the company
2. The challenge
3. The Macsa id solution
4. The video of a success storyIntroduction and company history
Damm is...
Companies in various industrial sectors are incorporating equipment and traceability systems that automate their production process tasks. Knowing the origin and path a product has taken until it reaches the consumer is synonymous with the guarantee, quality and transparency that an industrial traceability system provides nowadays. In order to increase the efficiency and profitability of this system, Macsa id has launched SPARK; a new laser that offers innovative features that provide high reliability at a very competitive price along withhigh quality. This is a clean and intelligent CO2 laser coder that allows the coding of small characters on the key materials and substrates used in the packaging industry for different sectors.[contact-form-7 id="16985" title="Contact form - Inboud Colours - Post SPARK Catalogo English"]
Why is SPARK sustainable?
The SPARK laser is a green, 100% sustainable machine because it:
Consumes less energy than inkjet coders.
Generates zero waste.
Reduces emissions and lowers your carbon footprint.
Eliminates the need to recycle potentially harmful waste products.
Reduces operating costs by eliminating the need for consumables, inks and solvents.
Makes the production lines themselves environmentally friendly.
Facilitates a clean and hygienic working environment.
Choosing the SPARK laser is also a smart choice because:
The new interface technology is more than just a touch screen; it is the gateway to a multitude of functions: from full control of all the laser's features, to vital information related to your production line.
It combines intuitive software with online video tutorials, allowing operators with no prior technical knowledge to quickly and easily unlock the full potential of the machine.
It is incredibly easy to use, with the fastest and easiest message creation software on the market. New templates reduce message creation time by up to 50%.
It is compact, lightweight and easy to connect. The new wizard reduces setup time, avoiding the trial and error method of other equipment.
It is easy to integrate, as the new digital galvos and controllers together with the new dual processor makes it easy to integrate, even for the most demanding production lines.
It is easy to connect, as its multiple options enable easy ethernet connectivity to control and manage the equipment remotely.
It is easy to manage thanks to Integranet 4.0 software, which allows remote data and equipment management, production line efficiency monitoring and maintenance planning.
It is fast because the laser uses high-performance lenses, powerful hardware and advanced software that enables high speeds on packaging production lines.
SPARK is revolutionary because as well, as the aspects described above, it is a quality laser at a very competitive price. After little more than a year, the laser will have cost less than an inkjet system. In addition, and thanks to its advanced laser technology, SPARK is keeps maintenance costs to a minimum. For all these reasons, it is a real innovation in the packaging sector, both nationally and internationally.
A laser for most consumer packaged products
The SPARK laser allows small character coding on materials and substrates such as cardboard, glass, organic, PET and wood, across a wide variety of industries.The laser marking provided by this equipment is permanent, sustainable and indelible. In this way, the printed code cannot be altered or manipulated, ensuring product traceability throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain. This kind of marking is ideal for preventing counterfeiting and ensuring brand and product protection.As such, SPARK provides the highest quality legible marks throughout the product shelf life and is the best laser for the following production environments:
Food: coding on packaged food products: fresh and frozen, single and multipacks.
Pharmaceutical: meets the quality standards of the pharmaceutical industry serialisation requirements for coding labels, products, tubes and boxes.
Beverages (water, wine, spirits and soft drinks): All beverage containers can be coded with SPARK, whether they are made of PET, glass, paper, labels or cardboard.
Personal Care: discreet, accurate and high quality coding for the entire range of personal care products.
Home Care: high speed and high contrast for household care and cleaning product packaging.
The new SPARK laser and its complete range of accessories is the result of 35 years experience, know-how and innovation of the company; qualities that have made Macsa id one of the five leading companies in the world specialised in coding and traceability with laser marking. This leadership position is maintained thanks to the investment of 10% of its annual turnover in R&D&I.Making innovation one of the company's strategic keys has enabled Macsa id to register 30 patents, which have led to some of the most important advances in the industry. Some examples include the first dynamic laser for coding on dynamic production lines (1990) and the first fibre laser for in-line coding (2009).Today, Macsa id provides its customers with a broad portfolio of solutions related to their coding, identification and traceability needs, combining a extensive range of hardware and software technology, services, consumables and other supplies.This innovative range, both offline and online, is the widest in the industry and has been designed to provide the best laser marking solutions for manufacturers in industrial sectors such as automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, engineering, electronics, jewellery, security, promotional items, as well as defence and aerospace construction.Different sectors require different materials to mark and code on: metal, plastic, film, steel, stainless steel, titanium, carbides, resin, silicone, gold, silver, platinum, PFTE, aluminium, PVC, ceramics, chrome, ABS, chrome, wood, organic.Another fundamental strategy for the development of Macsa id's business has been its orientation towards internationalisation. This strategy led to having subsidiaries in 4 countries and to operating its equipment and services in more than 90 countries, thanks to a wide network of distributors that extends over 5 continents. This wide area of operations is key to offering a comprehensive service to its customers and providing a personalised response to emerging needs in the field of product coding and traceability.
Macsa id will be delighted to find the marking, coding and traceability solution that best suits your needs
The new edition of Interpack will be held from 4th to 10th May in Düsseldorf. This is a new opportunity to bring the entire global packaging industry together, as well as stay updated with technological developments, innovations and sustainable packaging trends for the food and beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and industrial goods sectors.We will be present at stand G58 in Hall 8B at Messe Düsseldorf, with our latest innovation, the best coding and laser marking solution for carbon footprint reduction.
The most complete range of packaging lasers. The following will be on show:
SPA2 C, used in high speed applications for packaged products. They provide the highest quality, permanent, sustainable and legible markings for every production environment. This laser is suitable for a wide variety of substrates such as cardboard, glass, ceramic, PET and PVC.
SPA2 F Pulsed, a solution for high quality, permanent, sustainable and legible metal marking for all production environments. This laser can mark a wide variety of materials, such as plastics and metals.
SPA2 F Film, reliable laser for marking and coding film and flexible packaging without perforating the packaging.
SPA2 D Green UV, solid-state laser used for packaged goods applications, typically for coding plastics. The UV version allows coding of special materials and marking with minimal thermal impact, making it ideal for marking delicate materials. Ideal environments for this version are standard and humid environments.
SPA2 WD is the most versatile laser in the range, as it can be easily integrated into any production line and can code a wide variety of materials, such as paper, cardboard, glass, ceramics, PET and PVC...
The current fastest ultra high speed QR coding laser, BiDiLase. The only laser on the market capable of doing what others still dream of: super speedy coding; maximum marking precision; unique, ultra high speed serialisation; full production line integration; unique digital passports; greater production control to guarantee traceability; clean and waste-free.
idTIJ and idJET, the high-resolution industrial inkjet printers capable of printing on all types of materials.
The new Green, Smart & Revolutionary laser for 100% sustainable small characters. It is the best coding and marking solution to reduce your carbon footprint and it will be shown for the very first time at Interpack 2023.
Interpack 2023 is just around the corner and we are looking forward to sharing our new laser coding and marking solution for even greater sustainability.
Would you like to visit Macsa at the Interpack stand?
We are very glad to announce that next April, Macsa id will be exhibiting at Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, the UK's premier trade event for food and drink manufacturing, processing, packaging and logistics.At this show, you’ll have the possibility to find out more about ‘industry 4.0’ and meet the innovators helping make sense of it all. The exhibition is going to take place from April 24th to 26that the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK. You can visit us at Hall 6, Stand K168.
We’d be honoured to receive you and showcase our expertise demonstrating how our products and services can benefit your company in undertaking coding and traceability projects across a very wide range of markets.
At FoodexUKyou’ll be able to see two of our technologies working live:
ICON3, our 100% sustainable small character coding. iCON 3 uses clean technology without waste or fuel, doesn't contain inks or solvents and doesn't emit volatile emissions. It has low energy consumption because iCON 3 uses electricity only when it is active.
ICON3. Fully affordable. No consumables.
idTIJ, our high resolution thermal ink injection printer that can be used to print product identification, traceability and date codes onto almost any material. Also, idTIJ printers are particularly effective on plastics, glass and metals, also perfect for round or concave surfaces, as well as for harsher industrial environments.
In addition, we will be showcasing two space models:
SPA2, “The Game-changer”: SPA2 is a series of laser coders for the packaging industry. This newly simplified, modular laser platform is easy to operate, cost effective, versatile and reliable – delivering maximum marking resolution on a wide range of substrates. Due to requiring no consumables, it’s environmentally friendly and cost effective to run.
At Foodex Manufacturing Solutions 2023 you will be able to discover our SPA2 C, ideal for packaged goods.
SPA2 C. Smart. Reliable. Versatile.
idJET, our High Resolution Inkjet printer. It is available in two formats: Compact & Umbilical. Both are capable of printing on an extremely wide variety of materials including iron, tin, aluminium, wood, steel, polystyrene and cardboard. They also include a touch screen which can be used for design, in addition to print management.
idJET. Economical. Easy maintenance.
Our experts are looking forward to welcoming you at Hall 6, Stand K168 and helping you find the right coding solution for your needs.
Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is just around the corner! We are really excited to demonstrate how our technology can help you improve your supply chain.
The 7th edition of Empack Oporto will be held on 19th and 20th April at the Fira Internacional do Porto, Portugal. This is an opportunity to bring together professionals from the sector with multiple suppliers. In addition, you can learn about the latest technological developments in the packaging community: through showrooms, conferences and innovation tours, allowing you to discover the future of the logistics industry.We will be at stand B07 in Pavilion 6 of Exponor, Fira Internacional Do Porto, with the latest solutions in coding and traceability 4.0 for the security of your products and customer peace of mind.
Invitations are available for you to attend Empack Oporto
The industrial labelling machine with linear pneumatic cylinders that allows labels to be applied to surfaces of different lengths. The linear MLPE 4020 from Macsa id has been designed with a high power overlapping system to guarantee good label application.
The SPA2 C 30W range of CO2 lasers are used in high speed applications for packaged goods such as cartons, bottles and blister packs. They provide permanent and sustainable markings that are legible and of the highest quality. It is relevant for all production environments and for a wide variety of substrates such as cardboard, glass, ceramic, PET and PVC in the FMCG markets.
The SPA2 Pulsed Fibre for coding in the packaging sector. A solution for legible, high quality, permanent and sustainable marking on metals in all production environments. These lasers can mark a wide variety of substrates, such as plastics and metals, in the FMCG markets.
SPA2 DPSS UVsolid state lasers used for packaged goods applications, typically for coding plastic substrates. The UV version allows special materials to be coded and marked with minimal thermal impact, making it ideal for marking delicate materials. Ideal environments for this version are standard and humid environments.
idTIJ and idJET; the high-resolution industrial inkjet printers capable of printing on all types of materials.
Linx 8900; the high-performance inkjet printer that helps maximise efficiency during production, saving on costs and time. The versatility of the 8900 series printers makes them suitable for coding across multiple markets and substrates.
Empack Oporto 2023 is just around the corner and we are looking forward to sharing our latest solutions in coding and traceability 4.0 with you at the show.
Would you like to come and visit Macsa at the Empack Portugal stand?
The drink can market is in constant growth thanks to various driving factors such as the ease and speed of recycling cans, a determining factor for consumers given current environmental awareness. In this article, discover Macsa id's specialized lasers for coding and marking cans.Like other food and drink markets, the can market has the need to mark and code cans with a range of information such as can production date or production batch. It can change depending on the country you are manufacturing.For many years, continuous ink jet printing technology has been used for marking cans, but recently laser technologyhas also been implemented in these marking applications. Illustration 1: Can marked with a fiber laser system
The drink industry has one of the highest production rates. In most factories, the hourly production of drink cans is around 80,000 cans per hour. Considering it requires coding several lines of text, marking these products is a challenge.Typically, marking needs on cans involve coding expiry and production dates, batch numbers, but sometimes also include 2D codes such as QR codes or Data Matrix codes. The marking position is usually the base of the can.Coding requirements in the can market are very demanding. Marking systems must be fast, reliable and high quality.Thanks to the development of innovative technologies such as fiber laser marking, the solutions offered in this market have been improved. Yet before going into detail with fiber lasers, it is necessary to talk about the technology used to mark drink cans in the past and is which still used today.
Continuous Ink Jet PrintingContinuous ink jet printing is still one of the most widely used systems in the drink industry for can marking.The different features provided by this technology are:
It can mark many types of materials including cans.
Wide range of inks available, also with different ink colors for colored cans.
Removable inks for returnable containers.
Adhesive inks for marking on wet containers.
Increasingly, this technology is proving to be sub-optimal because the environment where the cans are produced can affect their readability and adhesion. For this reason, it is common to find duplicate coding on cans, which go through two in-line coding systems, increasing operational costs. (The hot and humid environment of drink plants often affects the legibility and adhesion of the information applied by ink printers. For this reason, manufacturers install two printers on each line so that if one machine fails, the other will still mark a code on the can. In addition to increasing operating costs, when both printers are running the information may be illegible because the two codes overlap).It should also be noted that, compared to lasers, this technology is not as environmentally friendly.
2. Characteristics of fiber lasers
As mentioned, Laser marking systems have had a recent and incremental impact on the can marking and coding market. The large number of lasers within this industry is not a coincidence, but is due to the large list of features and many advantages offered when compared to other technology. Some of the most important features of marking lasers are detailed and discussed below.
Fiber lasers. Fiber lasers are used for optimum can marking. The radiation (with a wavelength of 1064 nm) generates an intaglio reaction (engraving) on the aluminum which, although not generating a color change, does produce high visibility and ensures an efficient, reliable and sustainable coding system.
High marking speeds. Because production rates are so high and a large number of characters must be encoded, the best solution is to use ultra high speed (UHS) and high power equipment from Macsa. Some Macsa lasers can mark more than 170,000 cans per hour (assuming a laser power of 100 W).
100x100 Lens. This lens provides a compromise between the energy density needed to generate a durable mark and the depth of focus needed to work on the curved underside of the can without losing coding capability.
Zero consumables. Laser technology requires no consumables and therefore no need to deal with the management and storage of inks, hazardous solvents and other consumables. In addition, this contributes to being an environmentally friendly machine.
High quality permanent marking. The lasers guarantee exceptional legibility, traceability and safety, even at very high operating speeds.
Environmental protection. Macsa lasers can operate in a wide range of temperatures, from 5°C to 40°C. In addition, the external laser housing can be IP55 or IP65 protected. This means that the laser is protected against sprayed water and is dust-tight.
Minimal maintenance. Maintenance of the lasers is minimal as the only items that need to be checked periodically are the optical components, including the lenses, as well as the air filters. Low maintenance reduces machine operating costs and increases overall equipment efficiency.
Long life. The internal laser source is long-lasting. It has an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of approximately 100,000 hours, ensuring uninterrupted production, even in the most demanding applications.
Figure 2: Macsa id Fiber Laser System
3. Laser can marking explanation
The following is a technical explanation of how the laser marking process works on aluminum or tinplate (steel) cans.Generation and reaction of the fiber laser beamThe marking laser is a device that emits light by means of an optical amplification process based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.The laser, as we have discussed, is electromagnetic radiation and has a wavelength. In this case, it is a Fiber laser and therefore has a wavelength of 1064 nanometers.When the laser emission hits the can, it generates an intaglio reaction (engraving) that produces a resulting marking of excellent visibility.The fiber laser for can marking is generated as follows:
In the laser source, diodes emit photons into the optical fiber doped with an active medium (Ytterbium).
The amplification process takes place with each collision of the photons with the atoms of the active medium (Ytterbium).
An element called Master Oscillator pulses the laser to achieve maximum peak output power.
The laser is then transported to the laser head by standard fiber optics to be collimated in the head to obtain a concentrated output laser beam.
Fiber laser beam steering and controlOnce the laser beam is generated, it leaves the laser head but still has to follow a steering and control path. This laser beam path is located inside the marking head and consists of the following stages:
The beam exits through the laser tube opening and is conducted to the marking surface through the mirrors and focal lens.
Each movement of the mirrors corresponds to one of the axes (X or Y) and is positioned according to the X-Y coordinates of each of the points of the message to be printed.
These galvanometric scanners have built-in mirrors that reflect the laser beam to the marking surfaces. The mirrors have a high reflectivity index at the laser wavelength to provide maximum beam power.
In the case of dynamic marking, the mirrors follow the product as it moves down the production line while the message is being marked.
Sometimes, in the optical path, there may also be a laser beam expander, which serves to make the laser beam diameter larger/smaller. A 3D system for dynamic control of the Z-axis can also be incorporated.
Illustration 3: Example of an optical system with galvanometer scanners
4. Macsa's solution for laser marking cans
As a leading company in marking, coding, labeling and traceability, Macsa id adapts its different solutions to the specific needs of each market and each customer.In this case of the drink can sector, we have implemented the following standard fiber laser marking system, which is modular and can be adapted to the different companies in the sector.How the system worksThe Macsa id fiber laser marking system for standard drink cans is composed of the following devices and systems:
Adjustable booth height
The booth where the drink cans are marked can be adapted to different transport heights.The adjustment is manual by means of extending legs (which can be adjusted from the feet or from the upper body). An adjustment of 50 cm is foreseen. In addition, the feet are adjustable at the base to make it level. The assembly of the line is done through a split cabin to facilitate integration. Illustration 4: drink cans marking system
Modular cab structure
The booth module is standard and as many modules can be added as required.The module will always be the same and can be adapted to the application by adding modules as required. The booth is made of grade 316 Stainless Steel. The dimensions are optimized for the transport of the cans. Illustration 5: Modular structure of the drink can marking system
Customized I/O side panels
One of the advantages of the machine is that costs are reduced due to the fact that only the panels are customized and also the safety is upgraded to class 1.The side panels will allow the entry and exit of the assembly to be adapted the customer's transport. Tunnels can be added to improve safety. Illustration 6: drink can marking system side panels
Cabin capacity
Each cabin module allows the devices to be added according to the customer's application needs.The module should at least allow a fiber laser for can marking (SPA F-50 or SPA F-100) and a vision camera for marking verification to be added. The positions must be interchangeable.
Laser head adjustment
Focal adjustment allows marking of different can sizes. Automatic or manual positioning can be chosen by the customer.The laser should be adjustable in focal length, manually or automatically, according to requirements (from 90 mm of product up to 250 mm). Illustration 7: drink can marking system
System Control
The system control is adaptable to the customer's needs, covering the whole range of investments.The control can be by Panel PC with Integra software (Macsa's own software for the integration of devices of the same system) or by Laser Touch Screen if only marking is required (Marca Touch software for editing laser messages).A 500 x 600 mm electrical cabinet must be provided.In both positions (camera and laser) there must be an emitter-receiver sensor to synchronize the movement of the cans with their marking and verification.
Closed lower cabinet
Being closed better protects the laser/machine control racks/cabin from water and dust that comes from outside.The lower booth area shall be enclosed with hood type louvered ventilation.
Miscellaneous
The machine, as mentioned above, can be customized down to the smallest detail.The following elements can be added according to the customer's needs:
Signaling beacon: This device is a 3-color traffic light that indicates the status of the system at all times.
Extractor system: A laser marking fume extraction system can be installed. The system will consist of a suction nozzle and an external fume filtering cabin. The nozzle will be attached to the laser module and will be connected to the outside with a flexible tube.
Viewing window: A window can be installed in the booth module to view the status inside the booth at any time.
Maintenance doors in the upper module: Doors can be installed in the upper part of the booth to facilitate the handling of the devices when maintenance work has to be done.
Illustration 8: drink can marking system
If you are looking for the best laser solution, do not hesitate to contact us:
Macsa id offers its customers a wide range of pre-sales and after-sales technical services. This personalised technical assistance aims to respond punctually to any coding, identification and traceability equipment needs that may arise.As a market leader, we believe that committing...
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[contact-form-7 id="16985" title="Contact form - Inboud Colours - Post SPARK Catalogo English"]
Empack Oporto 2023 is just around the corner and we are looking forward to sharing our latest solutions in coding and traceability 4.0 with you at the show. 
Fiber laser beam steering and controlOnce the laser beam is generated, it leaves the laser head but still has to follow a steering and control path. This laser beam path is located inside the marking head and consists of the following stages:
