Compact and competitive laser marker

Hitachi enters the world of laser with a high performance compact machine, the LM CO2 Laser, which Marking Products (its exclusive distributor for Italy) brought to the recent edition of the international bottling systems fair Simei, proposing it as a viable alternative to inkjet.

Andrea Mari (sales manager of the Modena based company) describes its characteristics and market reasons that led to the decision to widen their manufacturing horizons, hitherto traditionally focused on small character inkjet.
«Despite the fact that LM Laser adopts a technology in use for some time, what sets the Hitachi system apart today is the compact design of the machine, which considerably enhances its integration on the production line. The dual structure also provides better IP65 protection for the laser tube and optics».
Proposed in particular for coding on bottling lines, the Hitachi CO2 laser is equipped with user friendly graphic interface for the management of the system on a PC or on optional touchscreens.
«Yet - as Mari adds - it presents additional interesting features for users the power absorption of below 300 VA reduces operating costs, all wavelengths (9.3μm, 10.2μm and 10.6μm) are available for both 10W to 30W and, in combination with the various optical options, it allows the marking of a wide range of materials. In addition, the more efficient air cooling extends the operating time of the laser tube while the optional optics with the air flow emission ensures a better cleaning of the lenses».

And the print quality? «Absolutely guaranteed at different production speeds, thanks to the “beam expander” that generates a very small spot for high-resolution printing».
And although it is still premature to talk about sales results, given the recent introduction of this system, Mari makes some interesting final considerations: «We believe that Hitachi has made a correct move entering this market segment. A conviction ours, backed up by comments we have registered from users “in the field”, who declared themselves well disposed towards increasing their initial investment in laser marking technology, which obviously does not entail the subsequent purchase of inks and consumables».