Optimum carton coding may be achieved off-line using a carton coder or on-line, using high-quality, low-maintenance thermal inkjet (TIJ) technology.
On-line
Thermal Inkjet has the unparalleled ability to print ultra-high resolution variable information via a reliable, clean, and easy-to-use system. For on-line printing, TIJ has long been the dominant coding method within the pharmaceutical packaging industry to print GS1 Code, serial numbers, and variable information directly onto cartons. Similarly, cosmetic manufacturers benefit from the small 1MM text that can be printed discreetly on cartons.
Off-line
Depending on the application and throughput requirements, two challenges can mean that cartons – particularly pharmaceutical cartons – are best coded off-line. One relates to the nature of the carton’s construction: crash-lock is designed to be hand erected and therefore suited to an off-line application. The other relates to the difficulties of controlling a formed carton for on-line data matrix coding; smaller volumes of a larger range may mean an off-line solution is better suited.
Our feeding systems offer a standalone coding system when fitted with a printer and/or labeller.
