PRINTING / CODING

Method of printing/marking fibreboard packs in addition to any print produced by the pack manufacturer.

In the simplest form code all batch numbers can be printed on the pack. It is also possible to standardise on a pack print and add on the variables such as product, shape, flavour, name, customer name etc. and to show advantages in stock holding and costs by having one standard pack.

There are two basic methods used.
a) Roller coding
b) Ink jet printing

The former is the most widely used method, and is usually fitted onto the packaging machines.

The coding unit consists of a sealed disposable ink roller and a drum onto which is mounted a stereo.

It is possible to print all sides and front of cases but the trailing face cannot easily be done.

There are small units which can be fitted in a production line which consists of a belt conveyor, a 90 degrees turning unit and the coders.

Ink jetting was originally designed to "print'' on the primary packs sell by dates, etc. It can be used for cases and trays and is very flexible in its usage. The ink is deposited from a small jet onto the case or product.