Which Batch Coding Variant is Best for Your Packaging?
There are a lot of batch coding machine that can print on your products in high speed. Some of them can print on your products in multiline.
Yes, multiline.
In which not only a single package that is being printed on, but many products at once with several print heads printing at the same time. This is called multiline printing and CIJ printer is one of some machine that can do that.
Can Every CIJ Printer Do That?
CIJ printer, as well as laser coders is two of high speed printing machines that are known for being able to print multiline packaging. Both are versatile and can stand harsh environment. There are of course, differences between the two.
Applications of CIJ Printer for Multiline Packaging
CIJ Printer for multiline packaging but could provide more specific examples of its applications:
Food and Beverage Products: Printing batch codes, expiry dates, and production information on multiline packaging for food and beverage products, such as cartons, pouches, and flow wraps.
Pharmaceutical Products: Printing batch codes, expiry dates, and serial numbers on multiline packaging for pharmaceutical products, such as blister packs, vials, and bottles.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Printing batch codes, expiry dates, and product information on multiline packaging for cosmetics and personal care products, such as tubes, bottles, and jars.
Industrial and Electronic Products: Printing batch codes, serial numbers, and traceability information on multiline packaging for industrial and electronic products, such as components, circuit boards, and assemblies.
Types of Batch Coding Printers for Multiline Packing
Continuous Inkjet Printer (CIJ)
CIJ printers or continuous inkjet printers are known widely for food and beverages products (though you can also find that CIJ printers are not uncommon for industrial and manufacturing as well). It is cost efficient compared to laser coders and have a certain quality to it.
Linx has at least 3 types of CIJ printers; four of them are highly functional and helpful in manufacturing process. The details will be further explained later in the article.
Thermal Inkjet Printer (TIJ)
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printers offer high-resolution, easy-to-read digital alternatives to roll encoders, Valve jet, and CIJ systems. The wide range of inks available makes it suitable for coding boxes, trays, sleeves and plastic packages.
Linx Continuous Inkjet Printer
Linx 8900 Series
Linx 8900 also has remote control feature that make you able to control the machine anywhere, anytime. With one of this printer, you can print on primary and secondary packaging too.
On the other hand, the operation is quicker with simple touch screen interface that is inspired by smartphones. The operation, however, is 24/7 with no downtime (only after months of use for need of regular service or if you want to stop the operation).
It has higher speed production and can print QR codes in addition to Data Matrix printing. Other than those two, Linx 8900 series can also print barcodes, batch codes, retail packaging, and on multiline case, can print up to 6 lines.
Linx 8900 Series for Coding in Multiline Packaging
The product family for 8900 series includes 8900 printer, 8910 printer, 8920 printer, and lastly 8940 printer. All of them have IP55 rating except for 8940 printer that has IP65 for its rating.
The print speed for the family ranges from medium which is similar to 5900 SS to the highest speed that is faster than 7900 HP. The maximal service interval for dye based printing starts from 18 months to 24 months tops. On the other hand, for soft pigmented inks, the service interval is 12 months or 6000 hours. This alone can make up for the cost efficiency in maintenance matter.
To Conclude
Multiline batch coding is fairly common service that you can find in CIJ printing machine. Linx products, especially, have a range of products you can choose from regarding this particular service, with 8900 series come out as the winner out of three other series Linx provides. In the end, however, the choice is in your hand whether you want to have laser coder or CIJ printers, or whether you want 7900, 8900 or Linx 10 series.