The importance of consistent, high-quality coding on packaging or labeling cannot be overstated. Increased globalisation has changed the way many businesses operate and organisations are functioning in highly complex supply chains where misleading information or poor quality codes can have detrimental effects, both for consumers and for organisations.
'The correct information must be coded onto the right product with 100% accuracy.'
While supplying the right product to the correct location is one function of the code, the other aspects of coding and marking can have a more fundamental and basic purpose. Customer research conducted by Domino has found that the most commonly required codes are ‘manufactured-on’ or ‘use-by’ dates, followed by batch traceability and legislative compliance codes (e.g. food allergens and safety marks).
However, code requirements are changing. Within the next five years, customers anticipate a higher focus on traceability for brand protection and anti-counterfeit purposes, placing increased emphasis on the quality and durability of the printed code.
In high throughput, high productivity manufacturing industries such as Beverage, Food, Life Sciences and Industrial products, there is a heavy reliance on Continuous Ink Jet printing to create required codes without impacting the speed of production.
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Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) offers industries a quick-drying, non-contact process. The major advantage of CIJ printing is its ability to project ink drops at a significant velocity, from a distance, onto a moving substrate, to achieve very high-speed printing. This distinguishes CIJ from alternative – and potentially higher quality – coding technologies. CIJ is able to create small codes at incredibly high speeds, in multiple orientations, and onto almost any surface.
CIJ inks are available in many colours for almost every product and substrate, including speciality inks that can withstand particularly tough processes such as retort and flash freezing, or UV-readable inks for use in anti-counterfeiting. CIJ printers are also mechanically robust, able to print for long periods of time and in tough environments before requiring servicing.
For its reliability, cost effectiveness and versatility, CIJ is still the tried-and-tested coding technology of choice for the vast majority of applications. For over three decades, it has imparted health and safety information, helped to move and organise products, and provided brand protection for millions of organisations and consumers.
For a further in-depth look at how CIJ is changing to meet the needs of manufacturers and producers globally, be sure to check out our new Ax-Series website to find out exactly how Domino are rewriting the rules on coding and marking.
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