Laser machine or industrial inkjet printer – which is best?

Table of Contents
In today's industrial environments, marking on products and packaging is crucial for traceability, quality assurance and brand promotion. Two of the most common solutions are lasermachines and industrial inkjet printersBut which technology is best for your needs? Let's compare these two options to help you make an informed choice.
What is a laser machine?
An industrial laser machine uses a focused beam of light to engrave or mark the surface of a material. It works by either melting, burning, or altering the surface layer of the material, resulting in a permanent code or marking.



Advantages of laser machine:
- Permanent marking: The engravings are durable and resist abrasion, heat and chemicals.
- Maintenance-free operation: No consumables such as ink or solvents are needed.
- Precision and quality: Perfect for complex patterns and small text.
- Sustainability and environmental friendliness: No use of chemicals and minimal energy consumption.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to inkjet printers.
- Limited to materials that can be processed with a laser (e.g. metal, plastic and glass).
- Requires technical expertise for installation and configuration
Linx Laser Machine for the Production Line
What is an industrial inkjet printer?
An industrial inkjet printer works by spraying microscopic droplets of ink onto a surface to create text, codes or graphics. The technology is particularly useful for rapid coding on moving production lines.



Advantages of inkjet printers:
- Flexibility: Can write on almost any material, including cardboard, plastic, metal and glass.
- Lower initial cost: An affordable option for smaller companies or shorter production runs.
- High speed: Capable of marking products at a rapid pace without slowing down the production line.
- Easy to install and use: Requires less technical expertise compared to laser printers.
Cons:
- Regular need for ink and solvents, which increases operating costs.
- Less durable markings compared to laser, especially on materials exposed to abrasion or chemicals.
- May require more maintenance, such as cleaning nozzles and replacing consumables.
Read more: What is an industrial inkjet printer?
Inkjet printer from Markoprint – X1 Jet
Comparison between laser machine and inkjet printer
Other specifications | Laser machine | Industrial inkjet printer |
Marking quality | Extremely high, permanent | Good, but dependent on material and ink quality |
Material compatibility | Limited to laser-machinable materials | Almost all types of materials |
Speed | Very high | Very high |
Operating costs | Low (no consumables) | Higher (ink and solvent needed) |
Initial cost | Higher | Light |
Maintenance | Minimal | Regular |
Sustainability and environment | Very environmentally friendly | Requires chemicals (solvents and inks) |
Integration | Requires technical knowledge | Easy to integrate |
Which one should you choose?
The choice between a laser machine and an industrial inkjet printer depends on your specific needs, including production size, material type, and long-term cost considerations.
Choose a laser machine if:
- You need permanent and durable marking.
- You work with materials such as plastic, metal or glass.
- You want to reduce operating costs and chemical use.
- You have a high initial budget and are looking for a long-term solution.
Choose an inkjet printer if:
- You work with a variety of materials and packaging.
- You have a limited budget for initial investments.
- You need high production speed and flexibility in marking.
- You handle products that do not require durable marking.
Both laser machines and industrial inkjet printers are effective solutions for marking and coding, but their strengths lie in different areas. If durability, precision and low operating costs are most important, a laser machine is the best choice. However, if you prioritize flexibility, lower initial cost and quick setup, an inkjet printer is a better fit.
Do you need help choosing the right solution for your production? Contact us to know more about our laser machines and industrial inkjet printers!