Why Should You Switch to Laser Marking From Inkjet?
Inkjet printing and laser marking are two famous printing types with pros and cons. Inkjet printing is the oldest way of printing, and it uses liquid ink. However, this method has many drawbacks. Laser marketing is getting more famous day by day. Here is why:
The better speed, accuracy, strength, and eco-friendliness of laser marking make it a superior option to conventional inkjet printing. The laser marking does not produce smudges and offers very clean and pleasing marks on the substrate.
In this article, I will explain why you should shift towards laser marking from inkjet for better printing results. So, let’s get started!
Laser Marking vs Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printing is the oldest method and has been used since the 1950s. The ink is sprayed through the nozzle of the inkjet printer on the substrate to print. However, it has many drawbacks that make it a less attractive option for many industries. Their low speed is at the top.
On the other hand, laser marking uses the laser beam to change the properties of the substrate and print words, numbers, and designs. This printing method is high-speed and robust and doesn’t require ink.
You can use laser marking to print on any material. The lasers work like magic, whether a tree, metal, or gas. Inkjet printing is limited and slow. Once the print is done, the material must be dried.
Reasons Why You Should Shift to Laser Marking
As I said earlier, laser marking is a modern technology with many features. It offers laser beams that work on every type of material. The prints created by lasers are solid – and don’t fade with time. The section below will mention the critical reasons for shifting towards laser marking from inkjet printing.
1- Fast Speed
The laser marking technique offers high-speed printing. For example, you can print 15-100 pages per minute. The good thing is that the laser machine won’t heat or cause any maintenance issues, even when operating at such a fast speed.
Conversely, the inkjet printer is very slow, printing around 5 to 20 pages per minute. If you operate at a higher industrial level and prefer speedy printing, soer marking is the perfect option.
When using inkjet printing, you’ll have to dry the designs and prints on the substrate before using it, which slows the process further. On the other hand, the laser marking doesn’t need to be dried. The substrate can be used immediately once printed.
2- Accuracy with Smaller Place
The laser markings offer very accurate printing on any substrate. The laser beams work accurately where the computers instruct. Even when you aim to print on tiny pieces, the accuracy of laser marking will impress you.
Conversely, inkjet printers must be more accurate when printing in smaller places. The ink sprayed by the printer’s nozzle produces streaks, making the print and design look distorted. That’s why I suggest you switch to laser marking for better results.
3- Non Removal Prints
The inkjet prints are not permanent and can be removed easily. They are easily removable, especially when such prints are printed on shopping bags. If they don’t get removed, they start to fade with time, which is an issue, especially for the package of medicines.
Prescriptions and expiry dates of medicines (pharmaceutical products) are printed on the packaging. If the prints fade away, it will cause serious concerns. The laser markings are permanent. No matter if you expose laser markings in the most challenging outdoor conditions, they won’t fade away.
4- Less Expensive and Managed Costs
The initial cost of the laser marking machine is higher. You’ll have to invest a serious amount of money. However, laser marking offers a more affordable printing experience in the long run. The reason is that the laser marking does not require any consumables.
For example, you’ll need ink cartridges, etc., for inkjet printing, which are expensive. The maintenance cost of such printers is also high. You won’t need any ink or anything for the laser marking. They don’t need to produce mechanical issues, and the maintenance cost is also low.
The inkjet printers usually go out of order almost every week. If you operate them more extensively, they will get heated and cause issues. However, once you invest in laser marking, you can grow your business without worrying about maintenance costs.
5- Traceability Forever
Laser beams not only print but also engrave on materials. This engraving lasts for years. Even if you leave the material in worse outdoor conditions, these engravings and prints won’t fade. So, the laser markings are traceable. Conversely, inkjet printers use ink that can be washed or cause smears and distortions.
6- For Solid Materials
The inkjet printing is limited to some materials. For example, you cannot get practical prints on the wood when printing with inkjet. However, that’s not the case with laser marking machines. It will print on the most complex materials, such as metals, wood, glasses, etc.
7- Large vs Smaller Scales
Conventional inkjet printers offer very slow printing, making them a bad option for large industrial scale. The quick laser marking allows printing up to 15 to 90 pages per minute, making it more suitable for use at the industrial level.
You can use an inkjet if you run a smaller company and don’t need fast printing. However, if you are going to print at a large scale, i.e., run a big factory, I suggest buying a laser marking machine and getting hassle-free printing.
8- Eco-Friendly Consumes Ink Cartridges
Laser marking is eco-friendly and produces no additional byproducts during printing. However, inkjet printing is not environmentally friendly. It consumes ink cartridges and produces waste materials that are unhealthy for the environment.
Conclusion
Laser marking is a modern technology that has proven efficient in fast and effective printing. The above section outlines the advantages of using lasers as printers. Based on the abovementioned pros, switch towards the laser mar and increase your company’s efficiency and productivity.
