Best-before dates
Shelf-life dates generated from an approved product or job configuration.
Variable production identification
Batch and date coding printers
Industrial systems for best-before dates, use-by dates, lot codes and production information on primary packs, products and outer cases.
Reliable variable information
The right code, on the right product, in the right place.
A date or batch printer is only effective when the message is selected correctly and the product is presented consistently. The project should therefore cover code creation, operator access, print triggering, line-speed changes and the response to a printer fault.
CIJ is a common choice for compact primary-pack codes. Large-character DOD is commonly used for outer cases and sacks. The final technology should follow the substrate, code size, contrast, speed and working environment.
Date and batch messages can combine automatic and production-supplied fields.Common print fields
Build a controlled production message.
Use-by dates
Critical date information with appropriate operator access and verification controls.
Batch and lot
Production, recipe, supplier or campaign references that support traceability.
Line and shift
Factory, line, time and shift identifiers for faster investigation and segregation.
Reduce coding errors
Control how a message reaches the printer.
The safest workflow is proportionate to the consequence of a wrong code.
Select the product
Use a clear job name, recipe or upstream line selection.
Calculate variable fields
Apply approved date offsets, batch rules and line information.
Confirm the message
Present the final code for operator or automated confirmation.
Monitor production
Respond to printer not-ready, low consumables or inspection failure.
Substrate testing
Code quality is a material-and-process question.
Two packs described as “plastic” can behave differently because of resin, coating, mould-release, condensation or surface treatment.
- Test the exact production material
- Check at the planned print distance and speed
- Allow the normal drying or curing time
- Recreate abrasion, chill, moisture or heat exposure
- Assess contrast under normal inspection lighting
Date and batch FAQs
Questions about production coding.
Can one printer produce both a batch code and a date?
Yes. A print message can normally combine fixed text with automatic date fields, batch details, counters and line information, subject to the printer and available print window.
How are use-by and best-before dates changed?
Dates may be calculated automatically from the production date and a configured offset, selected through a job or received from a line or production system. Access and confirmation steps should match the risk.
Can the printed date be checked automatically?
A camera can be integrated to check presence, position, legibility or content. The required inspection level, reject action and audit trail should be defined separately from the printer.
Which ink is suitable for date coding?
That depends on the substrate, production environment and durability requirement. The exact film, bottle, can, carton or other material should be tested rather than choosing ink by a generic material name.
Application guides
Take date coding from message to verified production result.
Food and beverage coding
Plan dates and lots around pack materials, hygiene, moisture and changeovers.
Food coding guideInk and substrate testing
Check adhesion, drying and resistance on the real production pack.
Substrate guide2D traceability codes
Connect QR, Data Matrix or GS1 data to printing and inspection.
2D code guideDefine a dependable date and batch coding station.
Tell us the pack, code format, date rules, line speed and operator workflow. We will help identify the right industrial inkjet route.