Choosing the right printer technology is crucial for efficiency, compliance, and traceability. Whether you’re in food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or any other industry, the demands for precise product coding, clear batch numbers, expiry dates, barcodes, and pallet labels are higher than ever. The right coding and marking solution can streamline your production, enhance product safety, and ensure regulatory compliance.
In this guide, we’ll look at key considerations to help you select the best printer technology for your specific needs.
Every industry has unique requirements when it comes to coding and labelling products. For instance, food and beverage companies need coding machines that can apply best-before dates and batch codes on a wide range of materials—from glass bottles to flexible plastic packaging—while adhering to strict safety standards. Pharmaceuticals, on the other hand, require high-resolution codes for traceability, often in sterile environments.
Key Questions:
The choice of printer technology depends on your industry, packaging materials, and specific coding needs. Here are the most common industrial printer technologies:
Best for: High-resolution coding on smooth surfaces like cartons, blister packs, or bottles
Advantages: High print resolution (up to 600 dpi), fast drying inks, and no need for maintenance-heavy printheads
Industries: Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food packaging
Considerations: Suitable for smaller text and barcodes but may not work well on rough or curved surfaces
Best for: Fast production lines and irregular surfaces like plastic, glass, or metal containers
Advantages: Can print on a wide range of materials at high speeds, suitable for high-volume production
Industries: Food and beverage, cosmetics, chemicals
Considerations: Requires regular maintenance, but is ideal for non-contact coding on moving products
Best for: Permanent marking on materials like metal, plastic, and glass
Advantages: No ink, no consumables, permanent codes, high durability even in harsh conditions
Industries: Pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics
Considerations: Higher initial cost but long-term savings due to no consumables
Best for: Flexible packaging like films, foils, and labels
Advantages: High-quality, durable print; suitable for barcodes, QR codes, and text on flexible materials
Industries: Food packaging, pharmaceuticals
Considerations: Requires ribbons for printing, so managing consumables is a factor
Best for: Pallet and case coding
Advantages: Prints large, legible text and barcodes on corrugated cardboard, wood, and other materials used in secondary packaging
Industries: Logistics, warehousing, food and beverage
Considerations: Great for secondary packaging but not for smaller, high-detail coding
Your printer’s environment will also influence the technology you choose. For example, in food and beverage facilities, equipment may need to withstand extreme temperatures, high humidity, or even washdowns. Pharmaceutical environments may require dust-free, clean-room conditions for precision coding.
Key Considerations:
Temperature: Will your printer operate in a cold storage or high-heat environment?
Moisture & Dust: Does your production line involve wet or dusty conditions?
Maintenance Needs: Does your team have the capacity to maintain printers regularly, or do you need low-maintenance options?
Production speed is a critical factor in determining the right printer for your industry. A high-speed bottling line, for example, needs a printer capable of delivering precise codes at high output without smudging or losing clarity.
Key Metrics:
Print Speed: Ensure the printer can match your line’s speed (typically measured in products per minute)
Downtime: Choose printers with minimal maintenance to avoid production delays
Integration: Ensure the printer integrates seamlessly into your existing production line, whether it’s an automated conveyor or manual process
Industries like pharmaceuticals and food & beverage are heavily regulated. Compliance with traceability standards, such as GS1 barcodes and serialisation requirements, is essential to avoid costly fines and recalls.
Key Points:
Regulatory Standards: Ensure the printer technology can meet industry-specific standards, including FDA, EU Falsified Medicines Directive, and local food safety requirements
Serialisation Capabilities: In industries like pharmaceuticals, printers must be able to produce unique identifiers for traceability at every level of the supply chain
While upfront cost is a factor, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership, including consumables (ink, ribbons), maintenance, and downtime.
Upfront Costs vs. Consumables:
Inkjet Printers: Lower upfront cost but higher ongoing expenses due to ink and regular maintenance
Laser Markers: Higher upfront investment but no consumables, resulting in long-term savings
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in selecting printer technology. Choose solutions that reduce waste, minimise consumable use, and have lower energy consumption.
Key Considerations:
Low-Waste Options: Printers like laser markers that don’t use consumables are excellent for companies prioritising sustainability
Energy-Efficient Technology: Opt for printers with low power consumption, especially in high-volume environments
Selecting the right printer technology is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on a deep understanding of your industry’s requirements, production environment, and long-term goals. By evaluating your needs in terms of material compatibility, speed, compliance, and cost, you can choose a solution that boosts efficiency, ensures regulatory compliance, and ultimately enhances your bottom line.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us at Industrial Printer Services Ltd and we can assess your specific needs and recommend the ideal solution tailored to your industry.
By making informed decisions, you can future-proof your production line, improve traceability, and reduce costs while delivering high-quality, compliant codes across your supply chain.
Contact us today to discuss and we'd be more than happy to talk you through your options.
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