Fujifilm launches CodeStream laser marking technology

Fujifilm Hunt Chemicals USA has announced the commercial availability of CodeStream, its new laser marking technology.

‘Based on proprietary Fujifilm patents, CodeStream provides extremely high quality, unalterable marks on numerous labeling and packaging substrates,’ said the company in a statement. ‘The highly permanent CodeStream mark features a combination of unique and valuable characteristics previously unavailable with any existing marking method. Adaptable to a variety of production conditions, CodeStream writes both simple and complex data using low power, high speed laser energy.’

CodeStream is an invisible coating that can be placed anywhere on the label or package in preparation for activation by laser to create a high density mark. Applied by existing flexo or in-line systems, CodeStream can be flood or spot coated.

‘CodeStream is based on new and proprietary dye technology that differs from other commercial products. It was developed by Fujifilm Hunt R&D and thoroughly qualified in a laboratory environment,’ stated Scott Clouston, vice president & general manger of Fujifilm Hunt Chemicals. ‘Most recently CodeStream has been undergoing field trials by a cross-section of converters employing a representative range of flexo equipment. In concert with these coating verifications, the labels and packages coated were in turn incorporated by brand owners into real-world applications in a production environment, and the product then moved out into the marketplace. With this high degree of research, testing and customer interaction, CodeStream can now become commercially available with complete confidence.’

Fujifilm developed CodeStream as an alternative to current product marking technologies including thermal transfer, inkjet, and laser ablation. Imaged by low power, economical CO2 lasers, CodeStream marking is said to be fast and clean without producing airborne particulates, solvent release, or consumable waste. CodeStream markings are tamper resistant, and attempts made at data alteration result in the mark becoming tamper-evident. Compatible with the majority of laser writing equipment on current production lines, CodeStream can be quickly implemented in most manufacturing environments.