Date Coding Machine

A date coding machine or a batch code machine is an equipment used to print date codes like expiration dates, manufacturing dates, or best-by dates on products like food packages and others. Batch code printers come in various types, impacting their function, speed, and efficiency. The types are grouped on the following basis; contact, printing and marking technologies, and functionality.

Date coding machine types according to functionality

Most date coders are automatic, they are incorporated with programmed software that generates and applies the date codes automatically on large volumes of products. Automatic date code printers are high-speed and are used on high-speed production lines to maintain the print quality of moving packages and products. On the other hand, manual date coding machines are hand-held date coders that are suited for small production industries. They are perfect for printing on bottles, tins, pouches, and bags. They are labor-intensive and slower than automatic ones. They are highly portable and can easily print onto heavy products. Semi-automatic date printing machines are driven electronically and apply codes automatically, though they do not automatically integrate into the supply lines. Product collection and feeding are by hand. They are suited for medium-scale production and not on very high-speed production lines.

Date coding machine types according to printing technologies

A continuous inkjet date code printer is a non-contact automatic date coder that works through propelling of ink droplets into paper or plastic substrates. They have various properties to print codes with the perfect adhesion, opacity, color, and solvent type for the particular product. It is ideal for use in beverages, food, industrial or manufacturing sectors. Thermal inkjet printers fire tiny drops of ink into the packages as they pass through a printhead. Printing from thermal inkjet machines is clean, and the printheads are small. The ink dries in seconds and works best in a speedy production line. It does not smear or produce unreadable codes. It is suitable for coding drugs in large volumes and medical devices. The laser date code print uses a focused beam of light to change a substrate top layer physically. The beam of light is controlled by two galvanometers that guide the beams into the two planes, creating the date code on the package or product surface. It does not use ink and is suitable for beverages, PET, glass, and others.

Date coding machine types according to contact

Date coders can also be contact or non-contact coding types. Contact machines put codes by contacting the products. They use rubber, metal, or ink to create the code. Non-contact machines, on the other hand, do not come into contact with products. They use sprays or ink to put codes on products. I.e., the inkjet date coder and laser printers. Order expiry date printing machines in bulk at affordable prices from wholesalers at Alibaba.com.