In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, the expiry date smudging problem may seem minor but carries major implications for product quality, compliance, and customer trust.
Clear and readable expiry codes are more than just ink printed on packaging. They represent brand integrity, safety assurance, and operational excellence.
Let’s explore why clarity matters, what causes smudging, and how inkjet technology offers a dependable solution for the long term.
Why Expiry Date Clarity Matters More Than Ever
Today’s consumers expect transparency and reliability from every product they buy. A clear expiry date not only helps customers identify goods that are safe to use but also helps manufacturers comply with strict traceability regulations.
In industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, unclear or smudged expiry dates can lead to product recalls, legal consequences, or even brand reputation damage.
Moreover, modern supply chains rely on automated systems, such as warehouse automation, which depend heavily on accurate printed data. When codes are blurred or unreadable, it disrupts scanning systems, slows logistics, and increases costs.
Common Causes of Expiry Date Smudging
The expiry date smudging problem often stems from several interrelated factors, including:
- Incompatible ink and substrate: Using the wrong ink type for certain materials (plastic, metal, glass, or paperboard) can lead to poor adhesion and slow drying times.
- Incorrect printer settings: High-speed lines with insufficient drying time increase the risk of smudging, especially in humid environments.
- Surface contamination: Dust, oil, or moisture on the packaging surface can prevent proper ink bonding.
- Mechanical contact: If products rub against each other or conveyor belts too soon after printing, the codes can smear before the ink fully dries.
- Poor maintenance: Dried ink, clogged nozzles, or worn-out printheads can cause inconsistent ink delivery and unclear prints.
Ensuring proper print setup and material compatibility is essential to maintain code clarity.
How Expiry Date Smudging Affects Businesses
Smudged expiry dates may seem minor, but their effects can ripple throughout the business.. Poor code readability can lead to:
- Product recalls or rework, adding unnecessary production costs.
- Delays in distribution, especially when scanning systems cannot detect codes.
- Regulatory penalties for non-compliance with labeling standards.
- Loss of consumer trust, as unclear expiry dates raise safety concerns.
Ultimately, what appears to be a printing issue can turn into a supply chain challenge—one that affects efficiency, quality, and credibility.
Practical Solutions to Prevent Smudging
Preventing the expiry date smudging problem requires a combination of correct materials, optimized processes, and proper printer care. Here are key strategies manufacturers can apply:
Selecting the Right Ink Type for Each Substrate
Each packaging material reacts differently to ink. For instance, porous materials like cardboard may absorb ink quickly, while non-porous ones like glass or plastic require specialized, fast-drying inks.
Selecting ink with the right adhesion and drying properties ensures strong, smudge-resistant marks. Abrasion resistance and ink durability are vital for maintaining legibility.
Optimizing Printer Settings for Speed and Drying Time
Balancing line speed and ink drying time is critical. Increasing line speed without adjusting drying parameters can cause wet prints to smear.
Advanced printers enable precise control over droplet size, print delay, and temperature settings to minimize smudging.
Ensuring Correct Code Placement on Packaging
Code placement also plays an important role. Avoid printing over seams, curves, or embossed areas.
Choosing smooth, accessible surfaces helps ensure consistent ink coverage and high contrast for scanners and human readability.
Regular Printer Maintenance to Avoid Misprints
Routine maintenance keeps printers in optimal condition. Cleaning nozzles, calibrating printheads, and replacing worn components help maintain consistent ink flow and prevent uneven marking that can lead to blurred or smudged prints.
The Role of Inkjet Printers in Eliminating Smudging
Inkjet technology particularly Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) and Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) systems plays a crucial role in addressing expiry date smudging problems.
Modern inkjet printers offer:
- Non-contact printing, ensuring that products move freely without physical contact that might cause smears.
- Fast-drying inks, ideal for high speed lines.
- Precision control, resulting in sharp, clear codes even on challenging surfaces.
Printer calibration and environmental factors, such as humidity control, are also important for maintaining consistent ink performance.
Inkjet printers are designed to handle complex packaging conditions while ensuring clarity. They’re flexible enough to print on various materials, from metal cans to flexible films, ensuring every expiry date remains readable and compliant.
Building Long-Term Reliability with Expert Solutions
Solving the expiry date smudging problem isn’t just about upgrading equipment; it’s about establishing a long-term reliability system. Partnering with a trusted printing expert ensures your coding process is supported by proper training, technical service, and reliable consumables.
Working with an experienced provider like DSI Printer gives you access to high-quality inkjet technology and comprehensive support from selecting the right ink type to optimizing your printer setup for every production line.
Ready to take the next step toward smudge-free expiry date printing? Read About: Are Compatible Inks Worth It? Understanding the Risks to Your Printer
And don’t forget to see a complete list of thermal inkjet printers here to explore the right solution for your production line.
References:
- https://www.industrialprinterservices.co.uk/blog/5-ways-to-improve-the-legibility-of-expiry-date-printing-with-date-coders/
- https://www.barcode.graphics/barcode-abrasion-smudging/?srsltid=AfmBOooqWRcxiY1-aPLUrXhRJdsA0Fhgh6oyN2wwMA0KX00ZWIgukFba
- https://www.ucidocuments.com/why-does-the-ink-smudge-when-you-print/
- https://www.camcode.com/blog/what-is-warehouse-automation/?srsltid=AfmBOorBqCDtK9sXnaZ-GDh8ebbyU5vu3_uuK340udAruiheO66tEUja
