Marking and coding in printers refers to the process of applying essential information—such as barcodes, expiration dates, batch numbers, and logos—on various products and packaging using specialized printing equipment. These printers are widely used in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing to ensure compliance with regulations, traceability, and branding.
Types of marking and coding printers include:
-
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ): Uses heat to propel ink droplets onto surfaces. It’s ideal for high-resolution printing on packaging like cartons and labels.
-
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ): Operates by shooting a continuous stream of ink droplets to print on products moving at high speeds. It’s widely used for coding on bottles, cans, and other packaging materials.
-
Laser Printers: These use a focused beam of light to etch or burn information onto surfaces. They’re known for permanent and tamper-resistant marks on materials like plastics, metals, and glass.
-
Thermal Transfer: Utilizes heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto packaging material, commonly used for labels, especially in retail and logistics.
These printers are integrated into production lines and can vary in size and technology based on the required speed, durability, and material compatibility.