The Commandments
Code quality and durability is becoming increasingly critical, as an ineffective code means that the code may fail to meet the requirements of the supply chain. The quality of a printed code relies on several factors: accurate placement, precision jetting, readability and contrast, good adhesion and durability in the face of environmental stresses and physical handling. Our resident coding experts identify the four coding commandments to ensure optimal code quality.
I. Thou shall not code outside of the designated print box
Maintaining code quality also means ensuring that the code appears in the designated print box and not the branded area on the product. High production speeds can have a visible impact on the code, resulting in examples where the data is not printed within the designated code area, or the code appears ‘stretched’ across the label or surface.
Inaccuracies in your code quality is a result of your coder not being correctly configured to the production line. For example, the distance between the product and the printhead, and the angle of the printhead set up correctly to work in cohesion with the speed of the production line.
II. Thou shall ensure ink satellites do not appear around coded area
The presence of ink satellites (small drops accompanying the main, larger ink drop ejected from the printhead) around the code affect its legibility. Ink plays such a critical role in the process, and the best CIJ performance requires control over ink pressure, temperature and viscosity. Improved consistency and control of ink flow will also have the effect of reducing ink build-up in the nozzle, minimising line stoppages and improving productivity.
The key to solving issues around code quality are found in the printhead. If consistent drop generation is achieved, the printhead can ensure that no misplaced drops are incorrectly printed in the packaging’s surface, eliminating issues such as satellites.
III. Thou shall ensure inconsistent drop placement does not appear on 2D or variable barcodes
Inconsistent drop placement can seriously affect print quality affecting the readability of 2D barcodes or variable barcodes. On-shelf promotion is a growing area of brand marketing often as part of closely integrated multichannel campaigns that make use of variable 2D matrix codes- QR codes to drive consumers to specific website landing pages.
QR codes have the ability to pack a large amount of data in a small space (holding up to 7,089 characters in comparison to 30 numbers in a traditional 1D barcode). 2D barcodes accommodate a variety of data beyond numbers including text, contact details and hyperlinks to campaign-specific website landing pages. Although these codes require a high level of precision – the slightest incorrect drop placement can significantly affect the readability of an item.
IV. Thou shall consider substrates when selecting suitable coding ink
When selecting an ink colour to code your product, substrates need to be taken into consideration, as a black code might not be clear on some surfaces. Printing legible codes onto certain bottles can prove to be a challenging task. Domino’s high-reliability alkali-washable yellow ink rectifies this issue, becoming a popular ink choice in the beverage sector. Dominos 2YL855i ink provides opaque yellow codes with excellent contrast on dark coloured bottles.
“The 2YL855i high definition ink is the result of research and provides the market with a versatile solution that will considerably enhance a customer’s production lines”, confirms Boyd Rose, Product Manager – Domino.
This ink is predominantly suited for use in returnable glass beverage plants as it can be readily removed when the bottles are ‘caustic wash’ cleaned for refilling. With good adhesion even in areas where surface condensation is present and fast drying properties, this ink is suitable for beer, soft drinks and other beverage applications.
Coding is a crucial aspect of an industrial manufacturing supply chain and ensures 100% accuracy in the traceability of goods. It can take time to implement these solutions and the effort can go to waste by having poor quality codes or misleading information. By following these above commandments, you can guarantee the accuracy in traceability of goods and the worth of the investment.
Marking and coding solutions delivering traceability
Create your mark with industry-leading technology from Domino. Designed to create crisp, clear, and permanent codes for traceability, batch codes, and best before & use-by dates on any substrate - from glass and aluminium, to paper and cardboard, to flexible packaging and more.
Continuous Inkjet Coding
Domino’s Ax-Series range is the newest generation in continuous inkjet technology, offering gains in ink usage, droplet accuracy, and placement at traditional print speeds. Capable of printing on virtually any surface, Domino also offer an extensive range of ink types, from inks for standard applications through to hard-to-code substrates and environmentally friendly fluid alternatives.
CO2 Laser Coding
Domino’s CO2 laser coders are ideal for marking high quality, permanent and discreet codes onto glass, and are also compatible with other substrates including organic, PET, foil, plastic, covered metal, paper boards and polypropylene. Laser offers a low total cost of ownership due to no fluid consumables and with an IP65 rating are suitable even for the harshest operating environment.
Thermal Transfer Overprinting
Print real-time and variable data, machine-readable codes and images onto flexible packaging films and labels with Domino’s V-Series range of thermal transfer overprinters. The unique i-Tech Dancing Arms maintain ribbon tension and virtually eliminate downtime. The V-Series offer simple integration with equipment.
Thermal Inkjet Printing
Domino’s G-Series range of thermal inkjet printers are ideal for hi-res non-contact printing onto both primary and secondary packaging. The G-Series can produce high-quality codes on fast production lines. With little to no maintenance requirements, this technology is very efficient and offers a low total cost of ownership.