Free from Wear and Abrasion

05. Mai 2011

Laser-activated labels can now be applied to outer film packaging as The new concept is abrasion-free, does not require consumables and More and more, new companies are making the switch and existing users are installing additional systems.

Outstanding abrasion resistance, no consumables needed and fewer production downtimes: thanks to these three benefits, laser-activated labelling continues to gain in popularity. At the Interpack trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, the self-adhesive specialist HERMA (Hall 12, Booth B24) will be showcasing a solution it has developed for film-wrapped products. Before its appearance at the trade fair, the system began industrial operation at STAEDTLER, one of the world's leading manufacturers of writing, colouring and drawing instruments and creative materials. The laser system labels film-wrapped packages containing pencil multi-packs with various information, such as package contents, article number and EAN barcode. Despite the mechanical stresses to which the packages are subjected during palletisation, there is practically no risk of abrasion to the labels – unlike with thermal transfer technology. This is because the laser system, which was developed jointly by KBA-Metronic and HERMA, produces smudge and scratch-proof printed images. Visitors to the trade fair can see the results for themselves: HERMA will be exhibiting a model that is almost identical to the system installed at STAEDTLER. Another crucial argument as far as the pencil manufacturer was concerned, however, was the economic benefits of the HERMA solution, which does not require thermal transfer ribbons or print heads.

Complete reliability
The system operates using HERMA 002-type laser-activated labels. The special finish on these labels enables the KBA-Metronic K-1000 CO2 laser to apply black inscriptions in the designated areas. The printed image is always extremely sharp – whether it contains plain text, a graphic and/or a code. The laser does not work using an ablative process, meaning that it does not create additional particles which could smudge or damage the label. There is no need to remove residues or waste by suction. Laser-activated labelling offers outstanding reliability in every respect. Because the printing system does not require any consumables or readjustment and operates without wear, breaks in production can be avoided and efficiency is increased.

More orders from existing users
It's no wonder that a growing number of companies, like STAEDTLER, are switching to laser-activated labelling. However, the surge in demand for the system also stems from follow-up orders from satisfied users. Take bodywear specialist Mey, for example, which has now ordered a second labeller in the space of just one year. Their new system is set to be commissioned soon. "This solution enables us to increase the productivity of the labelling operation by 30 percent in just one stroke – and that's just the starting figure," says Mey Production Manager Thomas Linke. "We will gradually be changing over all of our labelling lines."


Brief profile of HERMA
Located in Filderstadt near Stuttgart (Germany), HERMA GmbH is a leading European specialist in self-adhesive technology. In the 2010 fiscal year, the HERMA group generated sales of €229 million with 800 employees in three divisions – Self-Adhesive Materials, Labels and Machines. The export ratio was around 54%.