Date coding: A critical part of modern manufacturing

Date coding is the process of printing essential variable information such as manufacturing date (MFG), expiration date (EXP), Lot or batch numbers, barcodes or QR codes and serial numbers, directly onto products or packaging. It plays a vital role in ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, traceability and brand protection across many industires especially food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and FMCG

Choosing the RIGHT Date coding technologies

The selection of date coding technology depends on: packaging material, Production line speed, print quality and durability requirements, operating environment and regulatory compliance needs.

1.Continuous Inkjet Printer Date (CIJ): Best for speed and surface flexibility
Description: Use electrically chraged ink droplets spray onto the product surface
Applications: Beverage bottles, Food can and Industrial product

2.Thermal Inkjet (TIJ): Simple, compact solution for cartons
Description: Heats ink inside a cartridge to eject precise droplets
Applications: Cartons and Labels

3.Laser coders: Use a laser beam to mark the surface of product
Description: Permanent, Zero-consumable solution
Applications: PET bottles, Glass and Aluminum packaging
4.Thermal transfer over printers (TTO): Best print quality and flexible packaging
Description: Use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto packaging film
Applications: Food and Snack packaging, Pouches and sachets, Pharmaceutical packaging

 

5.Hot stamp coders: Use heated metal type and foil to press codes onto packaging
Description: Basic, low cost option for simple needs
Applications: Traditional food packaging and Low-speed production lines

Summary of Date Coding Technologies

Selecting the right solution helps manufacturers ensure safety, compliance, tracebility, reduce risk,
minimize waste and improve overall production performance.