In the food and beverage industry, metal cans such as tins and drink cans are a staple packaging solution due to their durability, shelf-life preservation, and recyclability. A crucial aspect of this packaging is the application of various types of codes on cans, which ensure product traceability, consumer information, and compliance with regulations. This guide explores the different types of codes commonly used in coding on metal cans, the best technologies for applying these codes, and other vital considerations for manufacturers.
Purpose: Track production batches, useful for recalls and quality control.
Technology: Continuous Inkjet Printers (CIJ) are ideal due to their high speed and ability to print on curved surfaces, making them perfect for coding on metal cans.
Purpose: Inform consumers about the product's shelf life.
Technology: Laser Coders are highly efficient for permanent marking, ensuring the date remains legible throughout the product's lifecycle, crucial for coding on metal cans.
Purpose: Facilitate inventory management and provide additional information through scanning.
Technology: Thermal Inkjet Printers (TIJ) offer high-resolution printing suitable for detailed barcodes and QR codes, essential for effective coding on metal cans.
Purpose: Enhance brand visibility and engage consumers with promotions or contests.
Technology: Drop-on-Demand (DoD) Inkjet Printers can produce high-quality graphics and varied fonts needed for branding, making them ideal for coding on metal cans.
Selecting the appropriate technology for coding on metal cans involves considering factors such as can material, production speed, and the environment. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective technologies:
Advantages: High-speed printing, versatile inks (including UV-readable and food-grade options), and suitability for non-flat surfaces. An example of what we supply includes the Markem-Imaje 9000 Series range of printers. These include the Markem 9330, Markem 9410, Markem 9450 and Markem 9450S.
Use: Ideal for batch codes and expiry dates where speed and flexibility are critical, particularly in coding on metal cans.
Advantages: Permanent, tamper-proof codes, no consumables (like ink), and low maintenance. The Markem-Imaje C150 and C350 would could be suitable options.
Use: Best for expiry dates and batch codes where permanence is essential, making them suitable for coding on metal cans.
Advantages: High-resolution printing, clean operation, and easy maintenance.
Use: Perfect for barcodes, QR codes, and detailed promotional graphics, necessary for high-quality coding on metal cans.
Advantages: High-quality image printing, flexibility in code size and shape, and compatibility with various ink types.
Use: Suitable for branding and promotional codes requiring visual appeal, ideal for coding on metal cans.
Food and beverage manufacturers must consider several industry-specific factors when choosing coding technologies for metal cans:
Ensure coding on metal cans meets local and international food safety standards. Codes must be legible and indelible to comply with regulations.
Consider the production environment (e.g., humidity, temperature) which may affect ink adhesion and code durability. Laser coders might be preferable in harsher environments for coding on metal cans.
The coding technology should seamlessly integrate with existing production lines without causing bottlenecks. CIJ and TIJ printers are often favoured for their ease of integration and high-speed capabilities, crucial for efficient coding on metal cans.
Balance between initial investment, maintenance costs, and consumable supplies. Laser coders, while initially more expensive, can be more cost-effective in the long run due to their low maintenance and absence of consumables, an important consideration for coding on metal cans.
Consider environmentally friendly options. Laser coding produces no waste, while eco-friendly inks are available for CIJ and TIJ printers, supporting sustainable coding on metal cans.
Choosing the right coding technology for metal cans in the food and beverage industry is crucial for ensuring product traceability, consumer safety, and brand integrity. Continuous Inkjet Printers, Laser Coders, Thermal Inkjet Printers, and Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Printers each offer unique advantages tailored to specific coding needs. By considering factors such as regulatory compliance, production environment, and cost efficiency, manufacturers can select the most suitable solution for coding on metal cans, enhancing their operational efficiency and product appeal.
For more information or to find the best coding technology for your specific needs, feel free to Contact us today. Our team of experts are ready to assist you in achieving optimal coding solutions for your production line.
Advantages: High-speed printing, versatile inks, suitable for curved surfaces.
Disadvantages: Requires regular maintenance and solvent usage.
Advantages: Permanent, tamper-proof codes, no consumables, low maintenance.
Disadvantages: Higher initial cost, not as effective on highly reflective surfaces.
Advantages: High-resolution printing, clean operation, easy maintenance.
Disadvantages: Ink cartridges can be expensive, less effective on non-porous surfaces without special inks.
Advantages: High-quality image printing, flexible code size and shape.
Disadvantages: Slower than CIJ, higher ink costs for large areas.
Different inks can vary in terms of adhesion, drying time, and suitability for food and beverage applications:
CIJ Inks: Available in various formulations including UV-readable, food-grade, and solvent-based. Important for maintaining code legibility on metal surfaces.
TIJ Inks: Typically water-based or solvent-based. High-resolution but require compatibility with non-porous surfaces to prevent smudging and ensure permanence.
CIJ: Lower initial cost, higher ongoing maintenance (ink, solvents, regular cleaning).
Laser Coders: Higher initial cost, minimal ongoing maintenance (no consumables).
TIJ: Moderate initial cost, moderate ongoing costs (ink cartridges).
DoD: Moderate initial cost, higher ink costs for extensive printing.
CIJ: Ideal for high-speed lines, can print continuously without slowing down the production.
Laser Coders: Effective at high speeds, especially for simple text and codes.
TIJ: Suitable for moderate to high speeds but may need careful alignment and surface preparation.
DoD: Best for lower-speed lines or when high print quality is essential.
Use appropriate ink: Ensure the ink is compatible with metal surfaces and the product's storage conditions.
Proper surface preparation: Clean and dry surfaces before coding.
Regular maintenance: Keep printers in optimal condition to prevent issues with code quality.
Environmental testing: Test codes under various conditions (temperature, humidity) to ensure durability.
CIJ: Ink viscosity can change with temperature; high humidity can affect drying times.
Laser Coders: Generally unaffected by temperature or humidity, but reflective surfaces can be challenging.
TIJ: Temperature can affect ink flow and drying; humidity impacts water-based inks more than solvent-based ones.
DoD: Temperature and humidity can influence ink performance and print quality.
Smart Coding: Integration of IoT for real-time tracking and traceability.
Eco-friendly Inks: Development of sustainable, non-toxic inks.
Advanced Laser Technologies: Improved lasers for faster, more precise coding.
Hybrid Printers: Combining CIJ and laser technologies for versatile applications.
CIJ and TIJ: Can integrate with vision systems for real-time verification of codes.
Laser Coders: Easily linked with database systems for traceability.
DoD: Often used with automated inspection systems to ensure print quality.
CIJ: Generates waste from solvents and inks, but eco-friendly inks are available.
Laser Coders: Minimal environmental impact due to lack of consumables.
TIJ: Cartridge disposal can be an issue; however, recyclable options are available.
DoD: Higher ink usage can generate waste, but environmentally friendly inks are an option
If you have any further questions please Contact us today, and we'll happily answer any further questions you may have.
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