Transforming Package Design Process with xTool

Exploring the xTool F1 Ultra: A Next-Generation Laser Engraver for branding and beyond

As a globally recognized leader in the beverage industry, the Coca-Cola company continues to evolve not only in its products but also in its approach to brand engagement. From promotional campaigns to unique customer experiences, customization and innovation play a critical role in how we connect with consumers. In this context, having the right tools in our arsenal is essential.

Designed for precision, efficiency, and versatility, the xTool F1 Ultra stands out as a high-end laser engraver that can meet a wide range of branding and operational needs.

Meeting Coca-Cola’s Needs

Coca-Cola recently explored cutting-edge laser-engraving technology and a digital workflow to create an unified design experience for a special promotional campaign — all while working with minimal resources. Benny Lee, Sr. Global Manager of Experiential design at The Coca-Cola Company, explains how the beverage giant could potentially leverage this emerging tech to design and produce the campaign’s personalized elements fully in-house.

“xTool F1 Ultra has proven values in the process," Lee says. “It’s essentially a next-generation customization platform that you can operate from your desktop. This meant that we could quickly develop multiple concepts and production-quality samples—comparable to what we’d expect from a traditional large-scale manufacturing process.”

Custom Branding and Packaging

One of the primary areas where the xTool F1 Ultra could excel is in adding personalization to existing packaging and licensing merchandise. . For instance:

• Personalization: Creating limited-edition tumblers, mugs, and contour bottles with intricate Coca-Cola designs—such as new brand assets—to enhance brand appeal and build consumer loyalty.
• Promotional Merchandise: Laser-engraved products and accessories can be quickly produced for marketing campaigns and live digital activations, reflecting the surprise and delight principle that Coca-Cola is known for.

Corporate and Employee Engagement

Internally, the F1 Ultra can be a game-changer for limited edition programs:

Packaging Prototypes and Limited-Edition Runs

Having the flexibility to test new branding approaches on different substrates is crucial:

• Low volume production: Whether it’s for special campaigns or a potential rebranding exercise, the xTool F1 Ultra’s speed and precision allows for rapid testing of designs on materials like glass bottles or aluminum cans.
• Limited-Edition Labels: Engraving short-run production pieces—such as commemorative packaging for holiday themes, anniversaries, or co-branded partnerships—helps differentiate Coca-Cola in crowded markets and move with agility.

Transforming Collaborations at Scale

Coca-Cola frequently partners with other companies, artists, and celebrities to tell better stories. This cutting-edge system can allow designers to prototype digital concepts into precisely engraved products within the same day. Whether it was adding detailed branding to packaging or creating eye-catching displays, the xTool F1 Ultra has proven to provide a fast, accurate, and repeatable solution(combining the conveyor belt attachment) for testing and refining multiple designs.

Operational Advantages

Cost-Effectiveness

While laser engraving systems can be a significant initial investment, the F1 Ultra’s robust build quality and low operating costs help ensure a positive ROI:

• Reduced Outsourcing: Having an in-house laser engraver lowers the need for third-party outsourcing, saving money and streamlining the production process.
• Fast Turnaround: High-speed performance allows for quick completion of projects, minimizing potential bottlenecks and reducing labor expenses associated with lengthy production cycles.

High Quality and Consistency

With any branding initiative, consistency is paramount:

• Repeatable Precision: The xTool F1 Ultra’s laser module ensures uniform engraving depth and clarity across large runs, helping maintain visual fidelity for every project.
• Reducing Waste: Laser technology is inherently precise, reducing material wastage and contributing to a more sustainable approach—an essential aspect of Coca-Cola’s environmental commitments.

Sustainability Considerations

Coca-Cola has a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, and the xTool F1 Ultra aligns well with these values:

• Energy Efficiency: Advanced laser modules and cutting-edge cooling systems not only improve performance but also reduce power consumption.
• Safety First: With xTool SafetyPro™ AP2 Air Purifier, it drastically eliminates and captures the harsh chemicals and odor produce in normal laser engraving and cutting processes, reducing environmental impact.

Looking Ahead: Potential Innovations

With the xTool F1 Ultra in place, this can empower the designers and further push the envelope of creativity and product personalization:

• Interactive Packaging: Engraving scannable QR codes or NFC tags into packaging for interactive experiences—customers could unlock limited-edition digital content, special offers, or brand stories.
• Smart, Customizable Displays: The F1 Ultra can engrave brand messages and data on a variety of materials for in-store promotional stands or digital signage frames.
• Localized Campaigns: For targeted events like local sports sponsorships or community festivals, laser-engraved campaigns can be rapidly produced to reflect localized themes or languages.

Conclusion

As Coca-Cola focuses on creating experiences around brand touchpoints, investing in a high-quality, versatile laser engraver could be a great strategic move. The xTool F1 Ultra distinguishes itself with its precision, user-friendliness, and scalability—meeting the demands of both large-scale promotional pushes such as the recent Share a Coke global campaign and small-batch creative projects.