Case coding is a critical process in industrial printing, ensuring that batch numbers, best-before dates, and traceability information are clear, accurate, and compliant with industry regulations. Whether you’re printing on cardboard cases, shrink wrap, or other secondary packaging materials, optimising your coding process can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance brand reputation.
We’ve worked with businesses across various industries to fine-tune their case coding operations. Here are seven expert tips to help you achieve better results.
Different industries use various packaging materials, and selecting the right printing technology ensures clear, durable, and compliant codes.
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ): Best for high-resolution, small-character printing on cartons, labels, and blister packs found in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. Works well on both porous (cardboard) and non-porous (plastics, films, foils) substrates, offering sharp text and barcodes.
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ): Ideal for fast-moving production lines in beverage, dairy, and industrial sectors, where printing on bottles, pouches, flexible packaging, and metal cans is required. CIJ excels at printing on curved or irregular surfaces and offers long-lasting codes resistant to moisture and abrasion.
Large Character Printing (LCP) / High-Resolution Case Coding: Designed for secondary packaging such as corrugated cases, shrink-wrapped trays, and sacks used in logistics, food distribution, and industrial goods. Produces bold, high-contrast codes that remain legible throughout the supply chain.
By matching the right technology to your substrate and industry needs, you ensure efficient coding that enhances traceability and compliance.
Ink choice impacts print quality, durability, and adherence to regulatory standards. Water-based inks work well for porous materials like corrugated cardboard, while solvent-based inks provide strong adhesion on non-porous surfaces like shrink wrap. Always test ink compatibility with your packaging, this is a service we offer. Simply send us your substrate and we will test print on it to find the best ink solution for your needs.
Regular maintenance prevents downtime and ensures consistent print quality. Clean printheads, check for clogged nozzles, and calibrate your printers frequently. Implementing a preventive maintenance schedule can save you costly repairs and production delays.
Manual input errors can lead to misprints and non-compliance. Integrating automated coding solutions with your ERP system ensures accuracy, reduces human error, and improves traceability. Barcode validation systems can further enhance compliance.
Fine-tune resolution, contrast, and speed settings to achieve sharp, readable codes. Low-resolution prints can cause barcode scanning issues, while excessive ink usage can lead to smudging. Testing different configurations helps find the ideal balance.
Implementing routine inspections ensures that every printed code meets quality standards. Use vision systems or manual spot checks to verify readability, contrast, and alignment. Catching errors early prevents costly product recalls or rework.
Compliance requirements for traceability and expiration date coding evolve constantly. Keep up with regulatory changes, such as GS1 barcode standards and food safety guidelines, to ensure your case coding remains compliant. Adopting new technologies, like UV-cured inks or high-resolution printing, can also future-proof your operations.
By implementing these seven expert tips, you can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and compliance of your case coding process. Investing in the right technology, maintaining your equipment, and staying ahead of regulatory requirements will help you achieve high-quality coding that supports both traceability and brand integrity.
Need help optimising your case coding solutions? Feel free to Contact us today - we’d be more than happy to help!
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