Datalogic LIGHTER Suite is laser marking software for designing layouts, configuring laser parameters and controlling Direct Part Marking on compatible Datalogic systems. It supports component identification, serialisation and production traceability with text, logos, barcodes and Data Matrix codes.
LIGHTER brings graphical editing, marking control and diagnostics into one software environment. Operators can prepare a layout, adjust its marking parameters and manage execution, while integrators can configure external control and variable production data.
The software forms part of a complete installation built around compatible Datalogic laser marking systems. Material suitability, marking-field size and achievable cycle time depend on the selected laser, optics and application settings.
The graphical editor creates marking objects with individually adjustable properties. Supported content includes:
Filling and hatching define the scan patterns used inside a shape or character. Grid arrays repeat layouts across multiple positions, making them useful for integrated circuits and components held in a regular fixture.
Object properties allow users to adjust marking settings alongside the layout. Setup and diagnostic tools support configuration of the connected laser, with local or remote control available according to the installation.
A readable code requires more than a correct on-screen design. Code dimensions, the material surface, focus, laser settings and the reader’s viewing conditions should be assessed together. Test the intended mark on representative parts before approving production settings.
Typical uses include serialised automotive components, identification on mechanical parts, repeated electronics layouts and batch marking on suitable packaging. Dynamic fields allow production references to change between marking cycles without rebuilding the complete design.
For traceability, define both the encoded data and how it will be checked downstream. Generating a Data Matrix symbol does not establish that the finished mark meets the required readability or quality threshold.
LIGHTER’s Project Editor provides an integrated development environment using ECMAScript, the language standard underlying JavaScript. Integrators can use scripts to update layout content during operation, create custom operator interfaces and implement application-specific marking sequences.
Documented integration methods include Ethernet communication, RS-232 and ActiveX interfaces. Select the protocol and interface against the installed software release and laser controller; database or production-system connections require configuration and application logic.
Supported architectures include operation using the laser system’s embedded resources and control from a supervisory computer over Ethernet. Sequence tools can coordinate marking with machine signals and positioning operations.
LIGHTER documentation describes control of up to four external axes: X, Y, Z and a rotary axis. Axis movement, programmable inputs and outputs, and marking on moving products depend on the connected controller, machine hardware and configuration.
For a component-marking cell, an integrator could configure LIGHTER to receive a serial number, insert it into a Data Matrix object and matching text, then execute the job when the machine signals that the part is ready. The application should define when the serial number is committed, how interrupted cycles are handled and what status returns to the production system.
Standard LIGHTER provides layout editing and laser control. Where each marked code must also be read and checked inline, assess Datalogic Lighter MARVIS, the suite’s licensed Mark Read Verify Integrated Solution feature.
| Requirement | Standard LIGHTER Suite | LIGHTER with MARVIS |
|---|---|---|
| Layout creation and laser control | Core software functions. | Uses the LIGHTER environment with integrated validation functions. |
| Inline reading of the finished mark | Code generation alone does not provide a reading check. | Requires a supported reader, suitable optics and lighting, and configuration. |
| Code-quality assessment | Requires a separate assessment process. | Provides configurable quality checks, including training against a reference sample. |
| Software entitlement | Included with supported Datalogic laser-marking packages. | MARVIS validation requires separate licensing beyond an applicable trial. |
Choose standard LIGHTER when layout preparation, variable data and marking control meet the requirement. Add MARVIS when inline reading and quality feedback form part of the acceptance process. If formal verification against a specified standard is required, confirm the complete inspection method and equipment before selecting the configuration.
Datalogic documentation identifies UNIQ, AREX, EOX, VLASE and ULYXE among the families supplied with LIGHTER. This family-level information does not establish compatibility between every controller and software release. For an existing installation, provide the full marker model, controller details and installed LIGHTER version.
LIGHTER is intended for Datalogic laser-marking hardware. Compatibility with another manufacturer’s marker requires explicit confirmation.
Plan the installation around the selected LIGHTER release and supported laser controller. Confirm the Windows edition, 32-bit or 64-bit requirements, processor, memory and installation permissions before specifying a workstation. Ethernet connectivity should not be interpreted as browser-based layout editing.
The May 2019 LIGHTER Suite brochure contains historical Windows requirements. Use release-specific installation documentation when selecting a new PC or planning an upgrade.
Datalogic lists separate LIGHTER Suite 8.1.3 and 7.5.2 download packages. Select an upgrade using the controller requirements and release notes. Back up layouts, scripts and machine settings, then validate representative jobs and external communication before returning the station to production.
Request confirmation of current MARVIS trial availability, activation terms and licence scope for the proposed installation. State the number of laser stations and engineering PCs so deployment rights, upgrade eligibility and support coverage can be established in the quotation.
MarvelTech supplies laser marking and automatic-identification equipment and offers maintenance and support services. For a LIGHTER project, the quotation should identify the required hardware, software options, reader accessories, integration work and agreed service scope.
Send the laser-marker model and software version, material and marking area, sample layout, required cycle time, static or variable data, communication protocol and any code-validation requirement. Include the installation location, number of stations and target production date so availability, lead time and support arrangements can be confirmed for your configuration.
LIGHTER Suite creates marking layouts, configures laser parameters and controls marking jobs on compatible Datalogic equipment. It suits component serialisation, product identification and branding with text, logos and machine-readable codes. Direct Part Marking means applying identification directly to the component; the selected laser and material determine the physical marking result.
Datalogic documentation identifies AREX, AREX400, UNIQ, VLASE, EOX and ULYXE among the laser families supplied with LIGHTER. Compatibility still depends on the controller and software generation. For an existing station, provide the complete marker model, controller details and installed release: inclusion in a supported family does not establish compatibility with every newer installer.
Settings should be developed for the actual material, surface finish and laser configuration. LIGHTER controls the marking process, but wavelength, optics and material response determine achievable contrast and surface effects. Compare suitable laser marking technologies first, then test representative parts. A layout can be reusable even when its laser settings need changing.
Yes. LIGHTER supports Data Matrix objects, serial numbers, counters and variable content that can change during operation. Define the encoded data, available marking area and downstream reading requirements before building the layout. For production serialisation, specify when a number is allocated and how interrupted cycles or reworked parts are handled; changing a counter alone does not establish traceability.
Documented imports include vector formats such as DXF, DWG, PLT, AI and SVG, plus bitmap formats including BMP, JPG, PNG and TIFF. Test a representative file in the intended release and check scale, curves, fonts and filling patterns. Successful import confirms that artwork can be opened; the finished mark still needs assessment at its intended physical size.
Yes, supported interfaces and scripting allow production-system integration. Routine layout editing uses graphical tools; custom database exchanges and operator interfaces can use Project Editor’s ECMAScript scripting, based on JavaScript. Datalogic documents Ethernet TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP and RS-232 communication. Confirm the interface available on the selected controller, then define data mapping, job selection and acknowledgement signals with the integrator.
A supported standalone configuration can execute marking work using the laser system’s embedded resources. Alternatively, a supervisory computer can control the station over Ethernet. Choose the architecture around where production data originates, who selects jobs and what must happen if the network becomes unavailable. A PC used to prepare layouts has a different role from one required during every marking cycle.
LIGHTER documents external-axis control and marking-on-the-fly functions for compatible systems. Axis control covers X, Y, Z and rotary movement; conveyor marking requires suitable motion inputs and configuration. These functions depend on the controller, connected drives and machine hardware. Assess positioning, marking, inspection and part handling together when establishing the complete station cycle time.
Standard LIGHTER provides layout editing and laser control; Datalogic Lighter MARVIS adds integrated reading and quality assessment of finished codes with a supported reader. MARVIS requires a separate licence beyond an applicable trial, plus suitable reader optics, lighting and configuration. Inline validation checks production acceptance criteria; if a customer requires formal verification, specify the measurement method and reporting requirements separately.
Check the chosen LIGHTER release against both the engineering PC and the laser controller before installation. Confirm supported Windows versions, computer requirements and compatibility with existing interfaces or scripts. Back up layouts, projects and machine settings, then validate representative jobs and external communication. A newer PC or software release can require changes to an established marking installation.
Send the laser and controller models, installed software version, material and surface finish, sample layout, marking dimensions and required cycle time. Include production-data sources, communication protocols, station quantities and any code-validation requirement. Ask the quotation to identify hardware, licences, integration and commissioning separately, with the required maintenance and support services, installation location and target production date.
Datalogic Lighter MARVIS is industrial laser marking software for creating layouts and checking marked traceability codes with compatible Datalogic laser markers and readers. It combines LIGHTER Suite’s editing and laser control with the licensed MARVIS validation feature for Data Matrix marking, component serialisation and automated Direct Part Marking.
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