Product Coding & Identification

Date Coding & Marking Machines

Print production dates, expiry dates, batch numbers, lot codes, barcodes and other identification information on bottles, cartons, labels, films and flexible packaging. Choose from hot ribbon, solid-ink roll, inkjet and laser coding systems for standalone use or integration with conveyors and packaging machines.

  • Hot Ribbon Coding
  • Solid Ink Roll Coding
  • Inkjet Printing
  • Laser Marking
  • Handheld Coding
  • Production Line Integration

Coding Machine Selection Guide

How to Choose a Date Coding Machine

The correct coding technology depends on the packaging material, required content, code size, production speed and permanence. Thermal, inkjet and laser systems use different printing methods, consumables and installation configurations.

Main Coding and Marking Methods

01

Hot Ribbon Coding

Uses heated type characters and color ribbon to print dates, batch numbers and short text on suitable films, labels and bags.

02

Solid Ink Roll Coding

Uses a heated ink roller for continuous coding on suitable flexible packaging materials and production lines.

03

Handheld Inkjet Printing

Portable coding for cartons, products and large packages where operators manually position and move the printer.

04

Online Inkjet Printing

Installs above a conveyor or packaging machine for continuous automatic coding during production.

05

Curved-Surface Coding

Uses positioning or rotating mechanisms to print on suitable cylindrical bottles and other curved products.

06

Laser Marking

Produces non-contact marks without ink consumables. Laser type must be matched to the substrate and required marking effect.

Which Coding Technology Fits Your Package?

There is no single printing method suitable for every material. Send a sample of the actual package and the required code content for testing. Surface color, coating, curvature, production speed and adhesion requirements may affect the final result.

Hot Ribbon Short date and batch codes on compatible films and labels.
Ink Roll Continuous coding on suitable flexible packaging materials.
Inkjet Flexible text, date, number, barcode or image printing.
Laser Non-contact permanent marking on compatible substrates.

Four Factors to Confirm Before Selection

Package Material

Plastic, glass, metal, carton, label, film or coated surface.

Coding Content

Date, lot number, text, logo, barcode, QR code or variable data.

Printing Speed

Products per minute, conveyor speed and printing frequency.

Installation

Handheld use, desktop operation or automatic line integration.

Consumables and Accessories

Thermal ribbon, solid ink rolls, cartridges and type characters must match the printer model, required color and packaging material. Confirm compatibility before ordering replacements.

Sample Printing Test

A sample test is recommended when printing on coated, transparent, curved, dark-colored or unusual materials. The tested result helps confirm adhesion, contrast and code readability.

Common Coding Applications

  • Plastic Bottles
  • Glass Containers
  • Cartons & Boxes
  • Labels
  • Flexible Films
  • Pouches & Bags
  • Food Packaging
  • Cosmetic Packaging

Date Coding Machine FAQs

What information is needed to select a coder?

Provide the packaging material, product photos, required code content, code size, printing position, production speed and whether the machine will be handheld or installed on a line.

Can one machine print expiry dates and batch numbers?

Yes, suitable coding machines can print production dates, expiry dates, batch numbers and other short variable content. Available functions depend on the selected technology and model.

What is the difference between inkjet and laser coding?

Inkjet systems deposit ink onto the package and require compatible ink or cartridges. Laser systems create a mark through interaction with the surface and must be matched to the substrate.

Can the coder connect to a packaging machine?

Suitable coders can be installed on conveyors, labeling machines, sealing machines and packaging equipment. Mounting space, product movement and control signals should be confirmed.

Why should I send a packaging sample?

A sample allows the printing effect, adhesion, contrast, readability and suitable consumable or laser type to be checked before the machine configuration is confirmed.

Need Help Choosing a Coding Method?

Send your package sample, coding content and production speed.

Discuss Your Application