DTM launches Catalyst laser label marking system

DTM Print has launched Catalyst, a laser label marking system manufactured by Primera Technology, and developed to print and cut durable, synthetic labels for a wide range of rough-service applications.

DTM Print has launched Catalyst, a laser label marking system developed to print and cut durable, synthetic labels

Labels produced with marking lasers, including Catalyst, are typically used to replace metal plates or less durable labels produced by resin thermal transfer printers on polyester substrates.

Typical applications include UDI labels for medical devices and healthcare equipment, automobile VIN and under-hood part number, warning and instruction labels, aerospace and solar panel labels, serial tags for outdoor power equipment, vehicle and marine spare parts, building tools and materials, and more.

Text, graphics, and linear or 2D/3D bar codes are laser-imaged onto Color Laser Film (CLF), developed and manufactured by Schreiner ProTech in Germany. CLF labels are explicitly designed for extreme environment applications and do not require extra lamination to withstand extended exposure to UV light, chemicals, liquids, and temperatures of up to 300°C. 

Instead of ink, Catalyst uses a bundle of two, four, or eight fiber-coupled laser diodes along with matched, high precision lenses to image onto CLF. Bundled fiber lasers have never been used in a roll-fed, desktop laser label imager, making Catalyst unique in its class.

After imaging the CLF material, Catalyst’s built-in digital die-cutting system cuts the labels to shape. It uses a knife blade instead of the laser beam to cut out the labels eliminating the need for a smoke and fume extraction system.

‘We are excited to introduce this ground-breaking new laser-based label imaging system,’ said Andreas Hoffmann, managing director of DTM Print. ‘For companies that need labels for use in harsh and severe-service environments, and even for mission-critical applications such as aircraft or automobile identification, Catalyst is the most affordable and easiest to use laser-marking label printer available.’

Catalyst is available directly from DTM Print or through authorized DTM Print partners in Europe, Middle East and Africa.