SPA2 C

The SPA2 C is a CO2 laser coding system for packaging lines that need to mark dates, batch codes, serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes and DataMatrix codes directly on suitable packaging materials.

Designed for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal-care applications, the platform combines sealed-tube CO2 laser technology with configurable power, wavelength and protection options. The final solution is selected according to the packaging material, code content, production speed and operating conditions.

CO2 laser coding for cartons, bottles and packaged goods

SPA2 C systems are commonly used for coding paper and board, glass, ceramics, coated materials, PET and PVC. Typical applications include cartons, bottles, labels, blister packs and other rigid packaging formats.

The quality and resistance of a laser code depend on the material, coating, colour, surface finish and production conditions. For this reason, Macsa id validates the application on the real packaging before defining the laser source, optics and marking parameters.

For material-specific applications, see our PET laser marking, cardboard laser marking and film laser markingsolutions.

Power and wavelength options for each application

The SPA2 C range is available in configurations from 10 W to 125 W, including continuous-wave and high-power pulsed models for more demanding production requirements.

The 10.6 μm wavelength is standard for many packaging applications. Depending on the selected model and substrate, 10.2 μm and 9.3 μm wavelength options can also be specified for particular film and PET bottle applications.

Not every power, wavelength and enclosure combination is available in every model. Macsa id assesses the application to recommend the configuration that achieves the required contrast, code quality and throughput.

Reliable coding in standard, dusty and washdown environments

Packaging lines can operate in very different conditions. The SPA2 C platform can be specified with enclosures for:

• Standard environments: IP31 configurations.
• Dusty environments: IP54 configurations.
• Washdown environments: IP65 configurations.

This allows the laser coder to be adapted to environments where dust, moisture or routine cleaning are part of normal production. The required protection rating should be defined together with the power model and installation conditions.

Variable data, connectivity and line integration

SPA2 C uses Macsa id’s DUO dual-processor technology to manage variable data while controlling the laser marking process. It supports the application of product information such as dates, lots, serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes and DataMatrix codes.

The platform can be configured with Marca Touch OS, touchscreen controls and communication options such as TCP/IP, Profinet or OPC UA, depending on the selected model and integration requirements.

As a laser coding solution, SPA2 C marks directly on the packaging without transferring ink or ribbon to the surface during the coding process. This can reduce consumable-change tasks compared with ink- or ribbon-based coding systems.

Select the right SPA2 C configuration

The right SPA2 C solution depends on more than the required laser power. We analyse:

• Packaging material and surface finish.
• Required code type, size and contrast.
• Production speed and available marking window.
• Environmental conditions and cleaning procedures.
• Required communication and automation interfaces.