How To Choose A Date Code Printing Machine To Buy For Your Business
When it comes to choosing a date code printing machine, there are always several options available in the market. So how do you pick the right date or batch code printing machine to effectively meet your production needs? Selecting a date or batch code printing machine without first clearly defining your requirements can cause issues for your business. So how do you choose a date code printing machine that will satisfy your production needs now and well into the future?
Though every business production needs or requirements are unique, there are some things that every production, manufacturing, or factory establishment should consider when making a decision to invest in a date or batch code printing machine:
1. What are you printing?
The date code printing machine you choose will depend on the code you’re printing. Are you printing a use-by date on the primary packaging? Or batch codes on secondary packaging? Do you just want to print only the expiry date and manufactured date on your packaging or do you want to add a batch number to make it three(3) lines? Take the time to clearly outline what (all) you need to print before you leap. You must be certain that whatever date or batch code printing machine, you eventually decide to buy is capable of meeting and satisfying all your production needs.
2. What are you printing onto?
Paper, cardboard, wet glass, plastic, wood, and cloth; every material has different properties, which ultimately affect the way code will be printed. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are a popular choice for production firms in a range of industries – beverage, pharmaceutical, and snack foods to name but a few – because they offer a very fast way to print high-quality, permanent codes on almost any substrate, such as glass, plastics (such as PET, polystyrene, and polypropylene), metal and cardboard.
3. What is your line speed?
The speed of your production line will also play a role in determining the type of date code printing machine that you will buy. For example, continuous inkjet printers (CIJ) have the advantage of being able to clearly mark all packaging substrates at all production speeds. They are also very easily integrated into a conveyor production line. However, you can also settle for a handheld coding machine if you want to print manually, your choice will be determined by your current production needs.
4. What is your current factory environment?
Dusty? Wet? Cold? Some manufacturing environments can be challenging for technology. Choosing a batch coding or expiry date printing machine that’s built to withstand your unique environment will ensure you get longer use and greater reliability.
5. What are your future plans?
There’s no sense in investing in a date coding solution that doesn’t meet your firm’s needs twelve months down the line. Think about your future plans, are you expecting to grow? Will you be printing on different substrates? Will you be introducing new SKUs or printing different messages? Each of these will impact your date coding needs.
Next steps
Armed with your answers to the above questions, give some thought to the costs of the date or batch code machine, what is the purchase cost of the date code printing machine, and what are the running costs for your business? This will help you determine the near-perfect date or batch code printing machine that will provide the best return on investment.
You should also consider the current technology in your factory, and how easy it will be to integrate the date code printing machine with minimum disruption to your production line. Talk to your team and find out what they will be comfortable operating. It is critical to choose a date code printing machine that’s easy to operate and maintain.
If you’re looking to invest in a new date or batch code printing machine, speak to Optimum Precision Coding Services for expert advice, call us on 08093063270 or Click here to message us now on Whatsapp. No matter your budget we have a date or batch code printing machine (both handheld and automatic) that will serve your needs. Click here to buy now Konga.