Videojet Technologies, Wood Dale, IL, has released the 3020 laser marking system offering excellent mark quality in a compact versatile system for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications.
The entry-level 10 W CO2 (10.6 μm) laser employs scribing laser technology and large marking fields to provide excellent mark quality on paper, cardboard, plastics, and various other materials, on both stationary and moving products. Mark field sizes are up to 126 × 87 mm (5" x 3.4"), depending on the lens used. Marking and line speeds are up to 500 characters/sec and up to 1 m/s (3.26 ft/sec), depending on the application. Marking formats include alpha numeric text, simplified Chinese fonts, Eastern and Western European language fonts, variable data (serial numbers, date, time, shift code, GS1), ID matrix and bar codes, logos, symbols, and graphical elements.
Standard system configuration is a vector scanning laser marker, lens, mechanical focus finder, product detector, and touch-control unit. (Options include a mobile floor stand, beam shields, exhaust units, encoder, mounting brackets, and additional fonts.) Mechanical setup averages 30 min and 20 min for line changes. The 7 kg (15.4 lbs) 3020 laser marking system can be integrated either as a stand-alone solution using the adjustable mobile stand or directly into the line with mounting brackets. The unique and flexible laser mounting provides a variety of mark positions.
About the Author

James Montgomery
Associate Editor
James manages editorial production for news (online and print) and newsletters, as well as the magazines' new product sections. Jim has 13 years’ experience in producing Web sites and e-mail newsletters in various technology markets for CNet, ZDNet, Digital City Boston/AOL, and KM World.