DATE CODERS | PRINTING & LASER MARKING MACHINES
Date coders are machines used in manufacturing and packaging to print or etch dates such as the best before, expiry and manufacturing dates.
Date coding machines can use various technologies such as inkjet printing, laser marking, print and apply or thermal printing to apply these codes to packaging or directly onto products. In the UK and EU, date coding is a legal requirement, especially for food, beverage and pharmaceutical products where traceability, consumer safety and compliance are key.
Our Date Coding Solutions
There are a range of different options to apply date coding to your products. Deciding on the optimum solution for your organisation depends on your specific requirements, the nature of the production process and the types of products or packaging they need to be applied to.
Here we have summarised our different solutions and the key differences between them.
CIJ printers operate by continuously ejecting tiny droplets of ink through a printhead nozzle.
- As the name suggests, CIJ printers are designed for continuous, high-speed operation making them ideal for rapid production without the need for frequent maintenance
- CIJ printers can handle a wide range of character sizes including larger characters, making them particular beneficial where larger codes or markings are a necessity
- CIJ printers can handle a wide variety of materials including porous and non-porous materials making them ideal for a range of packaging materials
- Made for industrial environments, they are built to handle dust, humidity and temperature variations
- CIJ printers typically use solvent-based inks that dry quickly, again ideal for where production speed is of the essence
TIJ printing is a non-contact ink-based technology that heats ink forcing a droplet out of the printhead nozzle onto the printing surface.
- High resolution printers for sharp and clear images and text – especially useful for smaller characters
- Variable data printing allows for ease of customisation along the production line where each product may have unique information
- They are easy to use and operate in comparison to a CIJ printer, often requiring less operator training
Water-based inks can be advantageous for certain applications which may be required for regulatory purposes or for eco-friendly credentials.
Laser coding machines are a non-contact, low-maintenance form of printing. The laser beam interacts with the material causing it to change colour or texture, creating a permanent mark.
- Marks left by lasers are resistant to abrasion, chemicals and other environmental factors making them ideally suited for applications where long-term readability is key (e.g. automotive, aerospace)
- Laser marks have high resolution and sharp edges providing excellent print quality and the ability to produce intricate designs and small details
They can be used across a range of materials, including delicate substrates.
TIJ printing is a non-contact ink-based technology that heats ink forcing a droplet out of the printhead nozzle onto the printing surface.
- High resolution printers for sharp and clear images and text – especially useful for smaller characters
- Variable data printing allows for ease of customisation along the production line where each product may have unique information
- They are easy to use and operate in comparison to a CIJ printer, often requiring less operator training
Water-based inks can be advantageous for certain applications which may be required for regulatory purposes or for eco-friendly credentials.
In print and apply technology, codes are printed onto labels which are then automatically applied to the products or packaging.
- A great medium for variable printing where unique information is required on each label in real-time
- Their compact design make them fantastic where space is limited
- Print and apply systems are ideally suited to industries where products may undergo frequent packaging changes and therefore cannot use more permanent forms of marking
- Print and apply systems are ideally suited to industries where products may undergo frequent packaging changes and therefore cannot use more permanent forms of marking
- Label materials can vary from paper and film to synthetic materials
Not sure which solution is right for you?
Why Choose Macsa for Date Coding Solutions?
With over 100 years’ of experience as a world leader in coding, tracing and marking, we have developed coding solutions tailored to a wide range of sectors, materials and production environments.
Industry 4.0 Software
Our Integranet 4.0 software provides monitoring, predictive maintenance, remote assistance & support.
Sustainable & Innovative Solutions
Recognised as a world leader in technological innovation for laser technology use in marking and coding and pushing its agenda thanks to its sustainable credentials.
Integration
Seamlessly integrate into your existing production line, software and control systems for fully automatic operations.
Compliance
Fully compliant with CE, RoHSII, ISO9000 and FDA regulations.
Worldwide Presence
With presence in over 80 countries worldwide, Macsa can help you scale whilst remaining fully compliant with local legislation.
Guaranteed product
traceability
Our coding systems enable products to be identified throughout the entire length of the supply chain (‘from farm to fork’!), guaranteeing traceability.
Date Coding Examples
Explore how our clients use our date coding via our range of inkjet, laser, transfer and labelling machines.
Explore Other Coding Solutions
Improve the marking and coding of your company while reducing your environmental impact
Consumable free
Clean, waste free technology
Ecological
No harmful emissions. Good for the work environment and for the planet.
Clean
It will allow you to enjoy a cleaner and safer work space.
Energy efficient
Maximum quality and market speed with minimum energy consumption.
