CO2 Lasers For
Packaging: What
They Do, Why It Matters
CO2 lasers are used in a wide range of industries and applications because
they offer increased production flexibility, improved production times, and lower
operating costs. But what are they actually used for? And why does it matter?

Background
Lasers of every type can be used for a variety of processes, such as cutting, marking, andengraving on materials we use daily. Each of these materials has a characteristic absorption
spectrum, meaning there are certain wavelengths of light a given material will absorb more
readily than others.

Better absorption means that the material will be processed more quickly and effectively.
Since wavelength is one of the defining characteristics of a laser, system designers must pair
the appropriate type of laser with the material they are looking to process for the best quality
results and the fastest throughput. CO2 lasers have longer wavelengths, which pair nicely
with plastics, natural materials like paper, and certain metal foils —some of the most popularmaterials in the packaging industry.

CO2 Lasers for Packaging
The versatility of a single CO2 laser allows you to mark information like date codes, cut films orpackages, score for easy open, perforate to provide oxygen exchange for fresh produce, andkiss-cut labels.

©2021 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved.

Why Use Lasers For Manufacturing?

2

Constantly evolving customer and supply
chain requirements mean that flexibility
is key. Like the label market, packaging isquickly adopting digital printing because
it offers easy customization (including
regional, seasonal, or personal marketing)and supply chain optimization (including
prototyping, economical short runs, andjust-in-time production). Likewise, lasers
are a piece of digital processing equipment:
unlike mechanical methods, laser systems
are controlled by software, meaning cut andmark patterns can be changed on-the-fly.
This ability significantly reduces lead times,
inventory, consumables, and changeovertimes. Their non-contact nature also allows
processing of sensitive materials—preventing
mechanical defects—and maintains a sanitaryenvironment.

Laser Processing Equipment
For those more familiar with mechanical equipment, transitioning to lasers will naturally raisequestions. A few key areas to consider:• Reliability: CO2 lasers are designed for industrial environments, meaning they
will perform 24/7 over the course of many years, despite challenging production
environments. Synrad lasers are also backed by standard warranties with options forextended warranty or swap programs. These highly reliable pieces of equipment are thereason many customers have reported over a decade of use without a single service call.
• Setup: Laser systems are digitally operated, so software is used to finely control
positioning and mark or cut depth. This is achieved by altering the laser power and speedof delivery. Scoring or perforating patterns can be produced by controlling the laser
pulses. So an individual laser can perform multiple processes in a single step. Applications
testing can determine these speed vs. power parameters on your specific material. Once
dialed in, these settings will work for any chosen design.
• Safety: Like any other piece of industrial
equipment, a few safety measures shouldbe put into place for proper operation,
including: emergency stop circuitry,electrical interlocks, safety enclosurearound the processing area, fumeextraction, and proper signage. With theproper training and safety measures,
lasers are no more of a safety risk than
traditional mechanical equipment. For
more information, visit the Resources
section of our website.
• Tradeoffs: Every piece of equipment has
its tradeoffs; for lasers we need to be
mindful of material interactions. Choosing a laser wavelength that is better absorbed bya certain material ensures that the resulting process is faster and the quality is higher. For
example: polypropylene, commonly used in food packaging and labels, processes better©2021 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved.

Why Use Lasers For Manufacturing?

3at the 10.2 µm CO2 wavelength verses the standard 10.6 µm. If you plan to process avariety of materials, be sure to work with an Applications Engineer to choose the mostappropriate laser wavelength and learn how to optimize settings for each material youwork with.

Is Laser Processing a Good Fit?
Over the past decade, laser and beam delivery technology has developed higher power, fasterprocessing systems, unlocking additional options for high-speed, high-volume production. So
if your process involves marking, coding, cutting, perforating, or scoring, and your material is apaper, paperboard, poly-based plastic, thin film, or foil, then consider using a CO2 laser.
These lasers are extremely flexible, able to perform a wide array of applications depending on
their specifications, beam delivery, and settings. Application testing is key to determine theviability of CO2 laser processing for your specific needs, because different combinations of theseparameters can produce different results. For example: the same laser in the same system canbe optimized via settings to produce a perfectly sharp, crisp cut edge, or can be modified toproduce a rounded edge for a better hand-feel to customers. Many laser manufacturers often
resort to talking about laser specifications to narrow options for customers, which has theunfortunate consequence of over-complicating matters.

Why Does it Matter?
Lasers are a highly versatile, digitally controlled processing system. They are ideal for short-run,customized packaging and label applications. Initial setup is fast and easy, and once settings
are dialed in, your time lost to changeovers is minimal. They allow you to offer unique solutions
to your customers at an economical price point, with no minimum order quantity, and shortturnaround times.

Interested in speaking to one of our knowledgeable
representatives?
Americas & Asia PacificNovanta Headquarters
Bedford, USA
P +1-781-266-5700
Photonics@Novanta.com

Europe, Middle East,
AfricaNovanta Europe GmbH
Wackersdorf, Germany
P +49-9431-7984-0
Milan, Italy
P +39-039-793-710

China

Japan

Novanta Sales & Service Center Novanta Service & Sales OfficeShenzhen, China
Tokyo, Japan
P +86-755-8280-538
P +81-3-5753-2460
Suzhou, China
P +86-512-6283-7080
Photonics.China@Novanta.com

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Photonics.Japan@Novanta.
com