Permanent impression - thanks to laser beam

Press reports Industrial labels

25. May 2009

Label printing using laser technology / A quick, simple and economical alternative to thermal transfer printing / Much smaller laser head than with conventional laser solutions / Close cooperation with DataLase

A laser beam can make a lasting impression - it is quicker, more economical and absolutely smudge-proof. HERMA, a specialist in self-adhesive technology, is presenting a solution for printing product-specific information on labels at Interpack 2008. The system offers significant advantages in speed and operating costs over conventional thermal transfer printing methods. At the same time, it is much more compact than commonly used laser labelling systems and simplifies handling. The solution being presented is based on a HERMA 400 label applicator with an integrated laser and uses specially finished HERMA labels.
Label printing in 15 milliseconds
The amount of information printed on products is steadily growing. Batch numbers, best-before dates, barcodes and other product data are thus becoming a significant cost factor. Moreover, costs are increasing for the materials needed, such as thermal transfer films and strips. Servicing time is another cost factor. Each change of a thermal transfer film requires considerable set-up time. In contrast, with the new HERMA solution no material is consumed. The laser beam causes colour changes on a specially coated label without making any contact. Printing the date and batch number, for example, takes only 15 milliseconds. The laser can also "write" on a protective film that is bonded to the base material. This provides maximum protection against smudging and scratching, which is an important consideration for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products where traceability is required. Even the smallest lettering is razor-sharp, permitting large amounts of data to be printed in a small space. Once in operation, the laser requires no further adjustment or conversion, even when printing different types of labels.

High precision all the way to the last label
A further advantage: With thermal transfer printers or conventional lasers it is rarely possible to print the "last" label at the peel-off edge. In contrast, the compact HERMA laser head, which is only a tenth as large as conventional lasers, can be mounted directly over the edge. As a consequence the labelling equipment can set to match the product exactly. And the HERMA 400 label applicator is unique in its performance class for its compact dimensions. This makes the new HERMA solution perfect for applications where there is little space. As for the labels themselves, there are no special restrictions on material, adhesive properties or other characteristics. All that is necessary is a special coating in the area to be written on, which HERMA applies during label production. HERMA worked closely with DataLase, a company in the UK that specialises in innovative colour change technologies, to develop and implement this process.

HERMA in brief
HERMA GmbH, which has its headquarters in Filderstadt, Germany, is a leading European specialist in self-adhesive technology. The Group operates two production facilities in Germany and has some 800 employees. In the 2007 business year its three divisions, Adhesives, Labels and Labelling Machines, achieved sales of 206.9 million. The company has an export share of 52.4%.