Food Labeling and Marking with Blue Laser System

Food marking and labeling

The term “food laser labeling” describes a phenomenon that primarily affects the packaging of fresh produce. Laser marking of food replaces physical labels on the surface of perishables with laser marking.

This is just one of many uses for compact blue lasers, a technology that is once again proving to be environmentally friendly. Labeling products directly on the skin, rather than using materials such as paper or plastic, reduces the environmental impact of the packaging process. A wide range of information can be engraved with a blue laser, including traceability codes, manufacturer names and brands, and expiration dates. All this data was typically printed on a conventional label that was affixed to the surface of the object.

Labeling food articles with blue lasers also stands out as the superior method for various delicacies such as Spanish Fuet Sausage, Serrano Ham, Parma Ham, matured Camembert cheese, Brie Cheese and other aged cheese varieties, especially those with white mould varieties and resulting in the distinctive appearance like the matured Fuet Sausage showcased below. The precision and finesse of blue laser marking ensure that labels on these premium products are clear, distinctive, and enduring, without any change to their taste and without lowering their appearance or quality. This technology is ideal for preserving the integrity of these gourmet items while providing crucial information to consumers. Moreover, it supports sustainability goals by reducing packaging waste and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each product, making it the best choice for labeling these fine, matured delicacies.

Spanish Fuet Sausage Labeled with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver in a Fraction of a Second

Labeling food articles with blue lasers is a highly effective and forward-thinking approach, and one of the compelling reasons is the efficient absorption of blue laser beams by organic materials, particularly cellulose, which makes up 20-40% of the vegetables' or fruits' skins content. As demonstrated in the image below, a pure 100% cellulose sponge can be engraved with precision using a blue galvo laser in a fraction of a second. This effect carries on when you use a blue galvo laser for laser labeling plant-based food articles. This efficient absorption allows for crisp and durable markings, ensuring that vital information, such as production dates and ingredients, remains intact and legible throughout the food's journey from production to consumption. Furthermore, blue laser technology supports sustainability efforts by reducing the need for excessive packaging and disposable labels, making it a truly innovative and environmentally responsible choice for food labeling.

Pure 100% Cellulose Sponge Labeled with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver in a Fraction of a Second

The blue galvo laser engraver for labeling food articles is an eco-friendly and efficient solution. With its low energy consumption, no use of potentially harmful chemicals, and rapid operation, it not only streamlines the entire packaging process, but also benefits the environment. This technology is the perfect tool for manufacturers looking to enhance sustainability and productivity simultaneously. Below are a few additional examples of food articles that were labelled with a Opt Lasers' blue galvo laser engraver system.

Pomegranate Fruit Food Labeling with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver

Dark Avocado Fruit Food Labeling with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver

Organic Green Avocado Fruit Food Labeling with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver

GLE-50W-B Laser Marking Machine Engraved Organic Melon Food Labeling

Organic Ginger Vegetable Food Labeling Engraved with Laser Marking Machine

Organic Kiwi Fruit Food Labeling Engraved with Laser Marking Machine

Organic Free-Range Egg Food Labeling with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver

Organic Lemon Fruit Food Labeling with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver

Watermelon Fruit Food Labeling with Blue Galvo Laser Engraver

Opt Lasers' Galvo Laser Marking Machine Advantages for Food Labeling and Marking Processes:

Wavelength highly absorbed by plant skin, vegetable skin, fruit skin, animal skin (Parma ham & Serrano Ham) and organic moulds in matured gourmet food (Fuet Sausage, Camember, Brie etc.) - no need for exceedingly high optical powers
Non-contact method means no physical damage
Doesn't alter the taste, quality, or the water content (water is transparent to blue lasers) unlike other types of lasers (CO2 and Fiber)
Creates durable labeling
Lowers the need for packaging in case of fruits and vegetables
Significantly low power consumption
Exceptionally environmentally friendly
Compact size and low weight
Cost-effective, requires minimal maintenance

	GLE-FS-30-B	GLE-FS-50-B
Center Wavelength	450 nm
Optical Power	30 W	50 W
Working Distance	180 mm or 350 mm or 650 mm
Working Area	100 x 100 mm or 200 x 200 mm or 300 x 300 mm
Minimum Spot Size1	130 um	130 um
Operation Speed 2	up to 2000 mm/s
Laser's Electro-to-Optical Efficiency	27 %	24 %
Maximum Power Consumption	200 W	300 W

1- value provided for 180mm working distance. The beam size can be easily scaled.

2- for angles +/- 10 degrees

50 W Blue Galvo Laser for Automated Weed Control Applications and Organic Laser Weeding

GLE-FS-50-B

How it is done?

Food laser marking represents a unique application of blue semiconductor lasers, leveraging their specific capabilities. This method relies on the concentrated energy output of the laser to create precise markings on the workpiece's surface. The laser marking machine (or system) consists of three parts: a scan head (galvano scan head) with an F-theta lens, a blue laser light source, and a computer with control software.

The scan head consists of two galvanometer motors fitted with high-reflection mirrors and her two components of an F-theta lens. The purpose of this device is to deflect and focus the laser beam onto the workpiece surface. A laser scanning head allows the laser beam to be directed over the entire workpiece surface.

Both the blue laser source and scanning head are controlled by an external controller connected to a computer. The computer is equipped with marking software that uses the appropriate parameters to achieve the desired marking. In this way, the speed, position and power of the laser beam can be controlled to obtain all types of images, logos, codes and markings. Laser marking systems are adaptable to many situations and easily integrated into existing systems.

Blue laser marking is suitable for all kinds of fruits and vegetables. However, best results are achieved for food articles that have at least one of the skin features such as cellulose-rich, multi-layered, dry-skinned or thick-skinned. Effectively this includes fruits and vegetables such as: avocados, grapefruits, walnuts, chestnuts, coconuts, pumpkins, watermelons and more. Information such as traceability codes, expiration dates, manufacturer logos, and other personal information can be entered in this area.

Benefits of laser labeling:

1. No consumables

2. Fast processing speed

3. Small power consumption

4. Greener production process

Laser marking is a safe process. Labeling affects only the most superficial layers of fresh food. All organoleptic properties of food are respected. They do not change taste, color, or smell. Also, durability remains the same. Some papers emphasize that laser marking does not affect product quality.