15 Oct 5 Questions to ask when considering a date coding machine
When considering a date coding machine, ask yourself these 5 basic questions. This can help guide you to the correct type of code dating and marking equipment for your application.
What information am I printing?
The most common information is a Best Buy Date and Lot Code. This can be formatted easily with date coding machines or marking equipment. An example of a basic code is BB12/2020 Lot Code 123456. There are basic guidelines will need to follow for your industry.
You can also print things like 2D codes, QR codes, UPC codes and other types custom information you may require. Just be sure to clearly define WHAT you need have printed.
How many lines of print do I require?
Typically you will see 1 or 2 lines of print on packaged product.
Depending on the information you are printing and/or space available on a label or container you may need to print several lines. Be very careful to check the area you intend to print the information and make sure you can get it all in that location.
Where will the printed information or code be placed on my packaged product?
Depending on the type of packaging you have chosen for your product there are many locations to consider. There are the obvious places like the sides, top or bottom of the package for consumer visibility. You can print directly on the container or you can place the print directly on the label. Some manufacturers have gone to placing a discrete code inside the container which is a fraud prevention method. Just make sure the printed information is clear and easy for the consumer to locate.
What is Environment of your Manufacturing Plant?
Is your production environment dry, dusty or wet, hot or cold? These environmental factors can adversely affect the ink adhesion and overall print quality on your packaging. There are specifics consumables like inks and thermal ribbons that adhere ideally in these specific environmental conditions. Printed information can easily be rubbed off by hand if the correct consumable for the environment is not determined.
What is the Packaging Substraight and Color of your Packaging?
Are you printing on Glass, Plastic, Chip Board, Card Board, Foil, Poly Film, Aluminum, or something else? Each of the substraights above behave differently with the various code dating and marking equipment options on the market and the consumables they use. Provide samples of your packaging for sample pint tests to be done to ensure code quality and adhesion to your desired packaging substraight.
Color of the packaging is very important. Clear or white backgrounds are straight forward. In most cases manufactureres will place a black print code as it shows up easily. If you have a dark background you will need to place a colored or light code so this is visible. There are options for placing a colored code if required.
Right Stuff Equipment has a full complement of Markem-Imaje code dating and marking equipment in our Denver showroom. This equipment is set up for print sampling and testing. If you have a need to place a code and would like to see what options there are for code dating and marking equipment for your specific application please call us at 303-327-4704 and bring your answers and product samples along!