Company Profile:

DataLase, a global leader in laser reactive technologies, provides sustainable and environmentally efficient inkless printing for products and packaging. Using laser light to create high-quality labels without inks or consumables, the company continues to advance its pioneering technology, most recently in the decoration of metal packaging.

Background: 

DataLase was seeking a non-impact coating technique to apply its innovative laser-active coatings to containers of varying sizes, such as bottles made from metal, glass, and plastic. Their goal was to eliminate the need for labels while supporting brand sustainability and environmental objectives.

Key Challenges: 

Identifying a method that:

• offered a small footprint,
• ensured consistent and reliable coating deposition,
• easy to use,
• enabled high-speed application,
• could deliver quality and robustness needed to help support their customers’ needs.

 Identifying a company that had a strong global presence with label free technology that could be applicable to several regions such as the USA, EU, and Asia.

DataLase needed a fully compatible system to ensure consistently high image quality. Their requirements included exceptional print clarity for graphics, QR codes, and alphanumeric information such as nutritional details and date/lot codes. They also required the ability to easily adjust operational settings to accommodate a wide range of customer container materials, spanning different substrates and dimensions.

Current Process: 

In current manufacturing processes companies apply analogue pre-printed labels to their bottles and containers, which offer little scope for customization.

Project Scope: 

The initial scope of the project was to apply DataLase laser-active coatings to plastic bottles. Following interest from various parties, this was broadened to include other materials, including metal, glass, and paper.

The Solution: 

DataLase was able to use the following Nordson products because they provided a homogeneous and consistent coating deposition:

• 25B Liquid Pump
• PSI Pressure Reducing Diaphragm Regulator
• ezSPC Spray Pressure Control System
• Meg II Gun
• Inverted High Pressure Fluid Filter
• Itrax Spray Controller
• Spray Monitor
• Itrax Software

The Results: 

Nordson’s extensive global footprint, strong industry reputation, and deep expertise in coating technologies have enabled DataLase to scale its innovations to real-world label applications, capturing the interest of key supply chain partners and major brands. By leveraging Nordson’s spray technology, DataLase has produced a wide range of demonstration materials across multiple applications, particularly for bottles and containers in various industries, using their laser reactive coatings. No other application method has matched the convenience, flexibility, and performance that Nordson’s system provides.

By applying coatings directly to bottles instead of using traditional labels, significant amounts of paper and plastic waste are eliminated, and supply chains become more streamlined. This approach minimizes SKUs, improves equipment up time and lowers warehousing costs. It also supports broader sustainability goals by reducing material consumption and improving the overall environmental impact for customers, brands, and consumers.