Growing manufacturers face the challenge of demanding product outputs, and along with this, ensuring compliance with product labeling regulations. Incorporating an automated, user-friendly coding machine can significantly increase productivity and accelerate the manufacturing process. Various coding equipment, such as the Continuous Inkjet printer (CIJ) or Drop-on-Demand (DOD) printers, are built with industry-grade components, engineered to achieve quality marking on a wide range of substrates. It allows manufacturers to facilitate smoother batch coding to ensure regulatory compliance and product traceability.
A streamlined product coding process brings noteworthy benefits to your business. The following advantages of using an inkjet coding machine should convince you to optimize your production floor.
Types of Product Coding Machines
Continuous Inkjet Printer (CIJ)
As the name suggests, ink from the CIJ flows continuously, applied to a product surface through a single nozzle. Common applications include bar codes, QR codes, best-before dates, and lines of small text.
Drop-on-Demand Printer (DOD)
DOD printers use a controlled amount of ink to create vibrant prints. Each droplet is dispensed only when it is needed, which makes it ideal for decorative or large-format product marking. The Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printer is one of the most commonly used machines with DOD technology.
7 Ways Industrial Coding Machines Can Help Your Business
1. Rapid product coding
CIJ and TIJ printers are designed for high-speed product coding and marking. These machines have a very low downtime, which means they can code for extended periods without excessive human intervention. A CIJ printer’s maximum print speed can go up to 9.10 m/s, which is ideal for demanding production deadlines and peak operations.
2. Cost-effective ownership
An industry-grade inkjet printer is built to last. These sturdy industrial equipment meet IP55 and IP65 standards, made to withstand harsh production environments. Printers like the CIJ are also equipped with an automatic printhead cleaning system, which leaves zero residue for the next cycle. These practical features can save you from exorbitant maintenance costs in the long run.
3. Decreased manufacturing waste
Precise ink application results in reduced manufacturing waste. Drop-on-demand printers, for example, use advanced technology to dispense ink only when it is required, which encourages a more eco-friendly marking process. Additionally, because industrial coding machines can mark on different substrates, it eliminates the need for excess labeling materials.
4. Contact-free application
A coding machine doesn’t require contact with a product. This feature makes the application safe for delicate products and goods with uneven surfaces. It is also essential for sterile manufacturers such as the pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries, as it protects the product from potential contamination with consumables.
5. Enhanced regulatory compliance
It is mandatory to communicate vital product information to consumers, including expiry dates, batch codes, bar codes, ingredients, and various small to large format texts. Product coding equipment helps you achieve high-quality, readable print that does not fade or smudge. Choose a reliable machine and ink for your product packaging so you can successfully convey these details to the end user.
6. Stronger brand recognition
These machines are crucial for printing small, medium, and large-format code, graphics, and text. CIJ printers dispense heavy pigment to provide premium print results that are readable by humans and machines. Dynamic graphics are extremely useful for elevating your brand identity, as your product packaging is the first point of contact for customers.
7. User-friendly operations
Coding equipment now comes with modern, intuitive features like full-color touchscreen panels and remote control. This allows manufacturers to monitor product coding operations from various points in the production line, minimizing interruptions to the process. Multiple message storage and pre-programming options provide a seamless plug-and-play usage, simultaneously minimizing time spent on manual code input.
Revolutionize Your Business Processes With Inkjet Coding Machines
Linx prides itself on its sophisticated coding equipment, built for high-volume product coding operations. Their CIJ printers, or the Linx 8900 Series, are capable of producing top-notch prints on any substrate (aluminum, film, glass, metal, paper, etc.). It is widely used in the dairy, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, steel, and lumber production industries.
If you prioritize efficient, zero-waste solutions for large surfaces, then the Markcom thermal inkjet printer is for you. It pressurizes ink through heat, delivering droplets to achieve a print-accurate code on all kinds of surfaces. DOD technology is best suited for hi-res characters and graphics used in packaging and manufacturing.
Advanced solutions found in inkjet coding machines are tailored to address emerging trends and challenges in the manufacturing industry. The right equipment can yield vast opportunities for business growth, such as reduced costs, enhanced brand recognition, and efficient operations. It helps you achieve higher customer trust and sustain high-quality service for your market.
ALSO READ: Your Complete Guide to Industrial Inkjet Coder
Elixir Industrial Equipment Inc., provides top-quality solutions for all your product coding needs. We carry leading product coding brands like Linx, Markcom, Matthews Marking System, and more. Check out our updated product catalogue here and connect with us today to get a free quote.