Cask and Barrel Marking
Neil Greatorex
Director at L Squared Lasers Ltd - Offering a premium sub-contract engraving service for companies who need a professional and permanent mark, logo, lot / serial number or code.
MARKING ON OAK WOOD WINE & SPIRIT BARRELSMarking in the beverage industry is very diverse due to the number of different materials to be marked, the type of beverage inside the package, and the speed of the production line. In this case, we are looking at the laser marking of oak wood barrels, a static marking application that requires a powerful laser due to the wood’s density.
Woods such as oak require a higher-powered laser to achieve a higher contrast engraving as well as a high-quality focal point, which is made possible with a large format scan head. The quality of logo being marked on wood depends on the quality of the logo itself. The more defined the greyscale is, the better definition achieved on the wood.
With a K-1030 HPD laser we get a high definition mark, along with good readability, while obtaining uniform strokes of varying thicknesses. Taking into account that the life of a barrel storing the wine or spirits is approximately 10 years quality and uniformity are paramount in ensuring there is no degradation to the barrel or cask being marked.
The above picture shows a classification code being marked on to the barrel, however the cooperage can change the laser program in an instant and it can be used for traceability markings, as well as personalised branding such the name of the cuvée, vintage or blend, or the engraving of the manufacturers logo or the estate's coat of arms, both on barrels and casks.
With exports on the increase laser technology is opening up the options for both high volume producers as well more artisan processors to be more innovative, cost conscious, sustainable and environmentally friendly in the marking solutions of their exceptional beverages and show a high quality and standard in the shipping and storage containers they use, as well as their products they contain.
Laser is the best technology to achieve permanent, durable and high contrast marks, and is ideal to ensure traceability during the product’s shelf life of the wine or spirit reserved in it.