What are laser-activated labels?

Laser-activatable labels (also known as LAM labels or laser labels) are labels with a special finish that reacts to the light energy of a laser by changing colour. This creates smudge- and scratch-resistant prints directly within the production or logistics process, without the need for contact or consumables.

What are Laser Labels suitable for?

Laser Labels are suitable for variable product marking with information such as batch, lot and weight data, expiry dates, barcodes, 2D codes and logistics data. Typical applications include the marking of products and packaging, as well as the printing of logistics labels directly on the packaging line.

What types of laser-activatable labels are available?

HERMA offers two types of laser-activatable labels: CO₂ laser labels made of paper for use in logistics and general product labelling, and UV laser labels made of white PE film, which are particularly suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications.

In which label formats are Laser Labels available?

HERMA produces laser-activatable labels in any custom format – blank or pre-printed, using digital printing or conventional printing methods.

What are the advantages of laser labels over thermal transfer labels?

Laser-activatable labels print variable data solely through a colour change in the material – without any ink ribbon and without material removal. This offers several advantages over thermal transfer printing: No additional consumables: Printing is achieved purely through a colour change in the label – no thermal transfer ribbon is required. This saves on running costs and avoids waste from used ink ribbons. Higher speed: UV lasers easily achieve 600 cycles per minute and more, whilst thermal transfer printers generally reach their limit at around 300 cycles – ideal for high-speed labelling. Finer fonts: The laser produces razor-sharp characters from 0.6 mm in height; with thermal transfer, the limit is usually around 1 mm.

Laser Labels: Laser-activated labels for CO2 and UV laser labelling systems

Flexible, customised, contactless - variable label printing, directly in the production and logistics process

Labelling with laser-activated labels: print variable data reliably and economically

Three components and one ingenious system: special laser-activated labels (also called LAM labels), in combination with a CO₂ laser or UV laser and a HERMA labelling machine, open up a host of new possibilities for product labelling. The system leads to significant gains in process reliability and cuts your production costs – a convincing alternative to conventional labelling solutions.

As a system provider, HERMA, in cooperation with our partners for CO₂ lasers and UV lasers and HERMA labelling machine construction - and of course the specially developed labels - offers a convincing complete solution from a single source. As a pioneer in this labelling technology, our labels for laser marking systems set standards in terms of print quality and printing speed. Benefit from our many years of expertise.

The CO₂ laser and UV laser labelling systems have one thing in common: they produce a complete print image at very high speed - contact-free and without additional consumables.

The differences lie in the functional details of the respective laser and the associated advantages for labelling applications in different industries.

Areas of application and material properties of our labels for laser activation

CO₂ laser labels
Paper labels with laser-activated layer

Laser-activatable labels: Shipping label on brown cardboard in logistics.

Ideal for logistics and product labelling
Also for difficult filling conditions (e.g. in dusty environments)
High contrast and razor-sharp print image

Find out more about labels for CO₂ laser labelling

NEW: UV laser labels
Film labels with UV laser-activated components

UV Laser Labels: Labels on vaccine vials

Ideal for applications in the pharmaceutical / cosmetics / food sector
High resistance to chemicals, oil, soap, moisture and can be used in freezing processes
Robust film, scratch-resistant printing

Find out more about labels for UV laser labelling

Maintenance-free: This low-maintenance, non-contact system has been proven to reduce unnecessary downtime and production interruptions; it is virtually wear-free and requires no additional consumables, unlike thermal transfer printing, for example.
Print quality: Laser marking systems are ideal for product labelling; they produce clear-cut print-outs and minimise operating costs.
Robustness: Can be used even in difficult and dusty production conditions.
Precision: A complete print is produced in a fraction of a second through colour change; even small text, graphics and barcodes are printed with sharp contours and are scratch-resistant.
Quality control: Camera systems can be integrated for direct monitoring of the print image.
Process reliability: Labels can be printed right at the dispensing edge, allowing allocation of labels to products; printing can continue all the way to the last label.
Maximum flexibility: Label dispensing and printing can take place at different times, permitting a high degree of flexibility. This is a major advantage over other printing systems, such as thermal transfer printing.
Retrospective labelling: Ideal for adding information at a later stage, such as batch, lot and weight details, or details for shipping and internal logistics, either in plain text or using codes.
Custom configuration: If required, the system can be individually configured on-site to meet any specific requirements, with the appropriate data connection to your ERP systems.

CO₂ laser labels: special paper labels with a laser-activated layer, ideal for logistics and product labelling

Our customers for CO₂ laser-activated labels come from a wide range of industries, for example the textile industry, construction chemicals, food, consumer goods and stationery. The applications for this labelling technology are diverse: labelling products and packaging with product information, type, batch, barcode and much more. Efficient printing of logistics labels, directly in the packaging systems, at high speed: economical and process-reliable.

Advantages of CO2 laser-activated paper labels
HERMA LAM labels made of special paper are equipped with a special finish that reacts to the light energy of the CO₂ laser system with a colour change. The CO₂ laser can therefore label the designated coding fields "black" - in a sharp, scratch-resistant typeface - for text and graphics.
- Resistant to abrasion, smudge-proof, scratch-proof, lightfast
- High contrast and razor-sharp outlines for text, graphics, barcodes and 2D code in all print orientations
- Printable at high-speeds for fast, precise labelling
- No additional consumables required
- Hard-wearing labels made of paper or laminated with OPP film, suitable for use in moist environments, good ageing resistance
- Tested and certified by ISEGA (suitability for food packaging)
- Suitable for difficult production conditions
- Printable all the way to the last label
Advantages of the CO2 laser system
- Fast, quiet and very accurate
- Reliable, requires little maintenance
- No label contact
- Demonstrably reduces downtimes
- No additional consumables
- Perfect for text and codes, with high contrast and sharp edges
- Configurable for individual requirements on site
- Can be linked to your ERP systems
Advantages of the labelling machine
- Sophisticated modular system for versatility
- Reliable, requires little maintenance
- Easily integrated into any production line – customised to your requirements
- Clearly readable display for easy operation
- Automatic synchronisation of labelling speed and product handling speed
- Special unwind unit keeps the web at a constant tension, thus avoiding tolerance problems at the peeling edge
- Integrated control unit – no separate control cabinet needed
- Large selection of additional modules for simple extension: pedestals, label sensors, control units
- Available in left-handed and right-handed configurations, for upright, horizontal or suspended operation
- PLC interface
- Can also process transparent film labels

Of course, you can also process HERMA LAM paper labels for CO₂ lasers in conjunction with existing CO₂ laser systems - our material offers the highest quality in terms of speed, contrast and contour sharpness - with clear advantages over other laser-activatable materials, such as laser-activatable varnish. We produce in your desired format: blank or individually pre-printed.

Variable printing of film labels with UV laser

Efficient labelling starts with the right labelling system. HERMA’s UV laser film labels enable precise, customisable printing directly during the labelling process – with no consumables, no downtime and no compromise on quality or speed. A future-proof alternative to thermal transfer printing that integrates seamlessly into existing production lines.

Innovative HERMA film labels: Labelling with UV laser - by pure colour change, without additional consumables

The innovative film labels from HERMA enable variable data printing by pure colour change using a UV laser, directly in the labelling process. No material is removed in the process. Compared to thermal transfer printing, which is still widely used today, this is particularly resource-saving and efficient, as no additional consumables are required and no waste is produced. In addition, regular and annoying downtimes, for example to change thermal transfer ribbons, are eliminated.

In order to achieve the best coding results, the labels have been extensively tested in the Domino laser laboratory.

Even the smallest font sizes can be realised - with an absolutely smudge- and scratch-resistant print image and even with high-speed labelling at 600 cycles and more.

HERMA UV laser labels can be used for labelling in many areas: ideal for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries

HERMA UV laser labels made of high-quality white PE film can be labelled with all UV laser printing systems. Our UV laser labels offer the highest quality in terms of speed, contrast and contour sharpness - with clear advantages over conventional thermal transfer labels.

Finally available for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors too

The use of laser coding systems for variable, non-material-removing labelling was previously possible with special papers. However, this is not an option for most pharmaceutical and many cosmetic products for application and safety reasons. Thanks to the new UV laser labels, the way is now clear to use this advantageous labelling method for variable data in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sector.

Resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures

This is particularly important for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products: The typeface on the UV laser labels is absolutely smudge and scratch-proof and resistant to disinfectants, alcohol and grease. Labelling with UV laser labels is also very suitable for very low temperatures, including freezing processes, and remains reliably legible.

Crystal-clear print quality down to a font size of 0.6 mm

Another advantage of UV laser printing is that the printed image is always razor-sharp, even with the smallest font sizes. The laser allows fonts or characters that are only 0.6 millimetres high, whereas thermal transfer stops at 1 millimetre at the latest. The dark grey typeface on the white film labels is high-contrast and very machine-readable.

Versatile material for any surface

The white PE film labels have a very attractive glossy surface with high opacity. The high flexibility of the PE film also enables problem-free labelling of curved surfaces and deformable packaging. The adhesive adheres firmly and securely to all surfaces and has a temperature range of -30 to +80 °C (up to +95 °C for short periods) and is insensitive to moisture, soaps and oil when applied, with good resistance to light, heat and ageing.

We produce in your desired format: blank or individually pre-printed, using digital printing or conventional printing systems. The colour pre-printed labels can also be printed with all variable data directly in the production process using a UV laser.

Wrap-around labelling of vials, bottles and other round containers

HERMA UV laser labels in combination with a HERMA wrap-around labelling machine with integrated UV laser marking system enable labelling at top speed and in continuous operation. This makes them ideal for labelling vaccines in vials or other round containers.

The UV laser labels made of PE film were unveiled for the first time at ACHEMA in Frankfurt, in conjunction with a Domino U510 UV laser and the HERMA pharmaceutical labelling machine 132M HC.

Fit for high-speed labelling: HERMA UV laser labels for high cycle rates

Unlike thermal transfer printers, UV lasers enable the speed of high-speed labelling machines to be optimally utilised. This is because a UV laser can easily achieve up to 600 cycles per minute and more. With a thermal transfer printer, the limit is usually a maximum of 300 cycles per minute. The UV laser also works without contact, which makes it extremely easy to maintain. UV laser printing systems can be easily integrated into HERMA labelling machines thanks to their modular design.

Labelling specialist Domino has already extensively tested the new HERMA labels in comprehensive laboratory tests. "They deliver very good results with our U510 UV laser," says Volker Watzke, Head of Sales Life Sciences & Tobacco at Domino. "Especially where precise and variable labelling at high speed is required, the two together form an unbeatable combination. The U510 UV laser completes the product portfolio in terms of the collaboration between HERMA and Domino, alongside the technologies used to date, such as CO₂ lasers and thermal transfer printers."

This is what characterises HERMA UV laser labels

Minimal maintenance: Low-maintenance and contactless, virtually wear-free; no additional consumables are required, unlike with thermal transfer printing, for example.
The ideal solution: UV laser systems are ideal for product marking using film labels.
The principle: High-energy light (UV light) triggers chemical changes in the film label, causing a colour change in the label material.
In a flash: A complete print is produced in a fraction of a second through this colour change.
Highest print quality: Razor-sharp print and text, with high contrast, scratch-resistant
Maximum precision: Allows for text or characters as small as 0.6 millimetres high (significantly smaller than with thermal transfer printing)
Optimal readability: The dark grey text on the white film labels offers high contrast and is highly machine-readable
Versatile: Ideal for printing expiry dates, batch, lot and weight information, in plain text or codes
Chemical-resistant: UV laser foil labels are resistant to disinfectants, alcohol and grease
Cold-resistant: Highly suitable for very low temperatures, including freezing processes; the print remains clearly legible
Reliable adhesion: Secure adhesion to all surfaces, temperature range from -30 to +80 °C (up to +95 °C for short periods)
All-round robust: Resistant to moisture, soap and oil, with good resistance to light, heat and ageing

Discover practical uses for HERMA LAM labels

Laser-activated labels prove their advantages in actual practice: smudge and scratch-resistant prints are produced quickly with sharp contours and a high degree of processing reliability. You can find these practical examples and many more in our ‘Solutions’ section.

Laser-activated labels for small colour bottles:
Labels with variable data for a wide variety of products

Labels for dusty environments & building material bags

Laser-activated labels in the logistics department at Procter & Gamble

Product identification thanks to laser-activated labels at Mey

Variable marking of vaccine labels with UV laser

Frequently asked questions about laser-activated labels

What are laser-activated labels?

Laser-activatable labels (also known as LAM labels or laser labels) are labels with a special finish that reacts to the light energy of a laser by changing colour. This creates smudge- and scratch-resistant prints directly within the production or logistics process, without the need for contact or consumables.
What are Laser Labels suitable for?

Laser Labels are suitable for variable product marking with information such as batch, lot and weight data, expiry dates, barcodes, 2D codes and logistics data. Typical applications include the marking of products and packaging, as well as the printing of logistics labels directly on the packaging line.
What types of laser-activatable labels are available?

HERMA offers two types of laser-activatable labels: CO₂ laser labels made of paper for use in logistics and general product labelling, and UV laser labels made of white PE film, which are particularly suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications.

In which label formats are Laser Labels available?

HERMA produces laser-activatable labels in any custom format – blank or pre-printed, using digital printing or conventional printing methods.
Which industries are laser-activatable labels suitable for?

Laser-activatable labels are suitable for many industries: logistics, the textile industry, construction chemicals, food, consumer goods and stationery (CO₂ laser labels), as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (UV laser labels).
What are the advantages of laser labels over thermal transfer labels?
Laser-activatable labels print variable data solely through a colour change in the material – without any ink ribbon and without material removal. This offers several advantages over thermal transfer printing:
- No additional consumables: Printing is achieved purely through a colour change in the label – no thermal transfer ribbon is required. This saves on running costs and avoids waste from used ink ribbons.
- Higher speed: UV lasers easily achieve 600 cycles per minute and more, whilst thermal transfer printers generally reach their limit at around 300 cycles – ideal for high-speed labelling.
- Finer fonts: The laser produces razor-sharp characters from 0.6 mm in height; with thermal transfer, the limit is usually around 1 mm.

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