When compared to competitive forms of marking and coding, lasers appear poised to become the universal method of choice. Key factors include no consumables cost, low maintenance costs, less system downtime, environmental considerations, capability to code on a variety of substrates, ease of integration and user interface.

Laser coding systems have the inherent capability to accomplish marking jobs with minimum downtime due to the accessories, tools and techniques that accompany the systems. Additionally, many industries, such as frozen foods, pet foods, medical devices, consumer products and automotive components to name a few, require the digital data entry and permanent coding that lasers offer.

Lasers are capable of coding on a broad range of materials, adding to their versatility as a coding solution. They are currently being used to code on: paper labels, printed cardboard (cereal boxes, for example) and PET, waxed cardboard, PS, PP, PVC (vacuum formed packages), painted metal, ABS and glass.