Speed on the production line is key to your profits. It’s one of the reasons that form fill seal packaging machines are so popular with FMCG manufacturers. But if the placement of your date codes is off, the relationship between thermal transfer overprinting technology and your form fill and seal (FFS) packaging machines can become more of a hindrance than a benefit. Here’s how to get the perfect date code placement, every single time.
The challenges of continuous motion form fill and seal packaging machines
With many form fill seal packaging machines, the film is constantly in motion. That can be great for productivity. But it’s important to note that continuous motion does not mean continuous speed. In fact speed is often variable, with the machine rolling the film in short bursts of acceleration and deceleration. (This is common with snack packaging, for example, where machines incorporate a mechanical stripping action to remove crumbs from the seal area. Watch our specialist video below to learn more).
This cycle of ramp up and slow down causes problems when applying date codes with thermal printers, which rely on consistent minimum speeds to print with the best clarity and accuracy. Ultimately this can slow your production line at the very point you need to be operating at maximum efficiency.
Not so with Domino.
Achieving perfect date code placement
To combat this problem, Domino has designed application-specific hardware for use when integrating our V-Series of thermal transfer printers with form fill and seal packaging machines. This technology ensures date codes are applied in exactly the right area, with optimum clarity and flawless consistency. As we have ensured our printers are integration ready, you can install them “ready-to-go” on the horizontal or vertical form fill seal packaging machines of your choice.
Take a look at our case study
You can take a look at our innovative V-Series TTO hardware in action with this video.
Alternatively find out how Domino’s V230i printer sailed through rigorous testing to qualify as a solution for marking variable information on packaging film with FFS packaging machines on a bag-maker. Read the case study here.