To ensure the smooth supply chain operation of your business, you need to choose the right batch coding machine. Many options are available on the market, so determining the best fit can be a difficult task for you. Your business operations require flexible equipment that can code a wide range of products and packing materials. Let us explore the key factors that impact selecting the perfect batch coding machine.
Discover the checklist:
1. Production Requirements
You need to understand your production needs and factory setting in detail to make a wise decision. Each machine is designed to meet varying production capabilities. So it is required to analyse and determine your daily coding volume and whether your production is on a large or small scale. Maintaining an equitable balance between the number of products that require coding, the machine’s technological requirements, and usage frequency helps your business improve cost-efficiency, optimize machine utility, obtain quality results, and reduce downtime in your production process.
2. Understanding Packaging Specifications
The next key factor in selecting the right batch coding machine for your business is understanding your packaging specifications. You need to have a clear understanding of your container material, correct printing location, and colour scheme. As all batch coding machines are not designed to print on darker backgrounds, know your package specifications and choose the one that best suits your requirements.
3. Coding Technology
Batch coding machines are classified into several types, each of which uses a different coding technology. Choose a technology that best suits for your product’s packaging material and coding needs.
Different Types of Batch Coding Machines
- Manual:These are operated by hand and are best for small production runs. A few examples of these are traditional hot stamps and ink pad or sticker roller codingdevices.
- Semi-automatic: They are semi-automatic, electronically driven, batch coding machines. They automatically apply codes, but to integrate into supply lines, you need to input product and collection manually.
- Automatic: They are automatic and do not require operator interaction. Once you configure this automatic coding machine with the needed code, product feeding and printing occur automatically until the product or code is changed.
- Contact or Non-contact Coding: All batch coding devices, whether manual, semi-automatic, or automatic coding machines, are further classified into two types: contact and non-contact. This varies by industry and product type.
- Contact: Make direct contact with the product or package being coded. Traditional rubber or metal stamps, as well as automatic thermal transfer overprinting (TTO) machines, are used for contact batch coding.
- Non-contact: Do not directly touch the surface of the object being labeled, apply the necessary code through techniques such as lasers and ink sprays. Non-contact machines are ideal for batch codes that must be changed regularly. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) and thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers, as well as laser coders, are examples of non-contact batch coding methods.
4. Analyse the Price
You cannot ignore this part while choosing the right coding machine for your business. While choosing the machine, consider both the upfront purchase cost and ongoing expenses to avoid any surprises. Don’t go for cheaper options if they lack durability and user-friendliness, as later you might need to spend more on repair or premature replacement. You also need to consider operational costs. Including ink and maintenance requirements. Machines using inkjet ink tend to be more cost-effective than those using thermal ink.
5. Ease of Integration and Maintenance
Ease of integration into your existing manufacturing process can avoid delays and save time. To maintain operational efficiency and reduce downtime, examine the machine’s maintenance requirements as well as the manufacturer’s customer support record and replacement component availability.
What Can Finepack Do for You?
Finepack is one of the leading packaging and coding machine suppliers in India. We provide top-quality coding machines of both contacting and non-contacting types. Our extensive range of coding machines is designed to meet your company’s specific requirements. If you wish to know more about our machines, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
