Billions of cardboard boxes are shipped worldwide every year. To avoid any delays and minimise the risk of human error, it is essential that shipping, traceability, and information is shown in a clear, readable format.
The two main methods for reliable, high-quality outer case coding are applying labels and direct marking using large area printers.
On-line
Labelling systems – print and apply
Labelling is the most versatile way to apply information onto outer cartons. Labels offer great flexibility as they can be applied from almost any angle – even around corners. They are also ideal for uneven surfaces, such as corrugated cards.
Excellent print quality can be easily achieved with thermal transfer printers, achieving high quality print legibility which is crucial for most retailers as it must comply with the barcoding standard.
Direct printing – Seiko large area printers
If directly printing onto a white surface, you can achieve the same result as you would on a label with a large area printer. When printing onto a brown box, the lower contrast between black and brown lowers the grade of barcode, but it is still fully compliant.
Unlike a labeller, an outer case printer does not require a pause between products as the print is being made at line speed as the box passes. Our PP108 large area printers can achieve lightning speeds of up to 600m/min.
In comparison to labelling, direct box printing is substantially cheaper, because you reduce the cost of printing and applying the label.
Off-line
RF Case feeding system
The RF Case feeding system has been designed to handle boxes off-line in their flat form. Its twin conveyor design allows for the easy separation of boxes onto the conveyor, so they can be individually printed or labelled, ready for operator removal.
