Coding machine selection guide
How to choose between hot foil coders, thermal inkjet printers, thermal transfer overprinters, offline label printers and print-and-apply machines.
Start with the code, material and machine movement
A coding system should be selected around the pack material and the data you need to print. The wrong technology can create poor adhesion, unreadable barcodes or line downtime.
Hot foil coding is the most economical route for short and repeatable date or batch codes. It suits simple applications where the printed message is limited and the operator can manage type changes.
Thermal inkjet is a flexible option when the message needs dates, times, logos, batch lots, barcodes or QR codes with a better print quality than hot foil. It is useful for direct coding and carton or label applications.
Thermal transfer overprinting is the strongest fit for high-quality variable print on flexible films, particularly where VFFS, flow wrapping or pouch machinery needs code quality, barcode readability and traceability data.
For unique product identification or address labelling, print-and-apply machinery may be the correct route rather than direct coding.
Information to provide for a quotation
Pack details
Material, colour, finish, print position, available print area and whether the surface is moving or stationary.
Code details
Date format, batch format, number of lines, barcode, QR code, logo, serialisation and data source.
Line details
Speed, intermittent or continuous movement, machine make, trigger point, utilities and operator access.