Pack dates and batches
Fast coding on containers and flexible packs, with condensation, hygiene and line cleaning considered.
Industrial coding applications
Inkjet printing for UK manufacturing sectors
Application-specific CIJ and DOD coding for products, primary packaging, continuous materials and outer cases.
Sector applications
The production conditions change the printer specification.
A good industrial inkjet project begins with the actual product and environment. The same nominal code can need a different ink, mounting, enclosure or control approach from one sector to another.
Controlled identifiers
Lot, expiry and product data where access, verification, validation and records may be important.
Parts and materials
Durable identifiers on components, cables, extrusions, board, timber and building products.
Cases and handling
Direct case text, graphics and selected codes for stock, dispatch and traceability.
Application matrix
Typical requirements by sector.
| Sector | Common code | Typical surfaces | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food and beverage | Dates, batches, line and shift codes | Bottles, jars, cans, pouches, cartons, sleeves, cases | Moisture, cold fill, washdown, food-site controls |
| Pharmaceutical and healthcare | Lots, expiry, product IDs, serial data | Cartons, bottles, tubes, foils and cases | Validation, access, verification and records |
| Chemicals and household | Batch, fill date, formulation and hazard data | Bottles, drums, cans, pouches and cases | Chemical resistance, ventilation and surface finish |
| Cables and extrusion | Product type, standard, metre mark, batch | Cable jackets, pipe and continuous profiles | High speed, repeated messages and adhesion |
| Building products and timber | Grade, size, batch, logo and handling | Board, timber, sacks and porous products | Dust, rough surfaces and large print heights |
| Automotive and components | Part, batch, line, time and identifiers | Metal, plastic, rubber and coated components | Oil, heat, abrasion and traceability |
| Logistics and outer cases | SKU, lot, destination, barcode and handling | Corrugated cases, trays and labels | Data accuracy, side presentation and verification |
What to send
Turn an enquiry into an application specification.
The more closely the sample and line details match production, the more useful the recommendation can be.
- Product and substrate description
- Photographs of the desired print position
- Exact code artwork or example message
- Minimum and maximum line speed
- Production environment and cleaning method
- Downstream heat, cold, moisture or abrasion
- Data source and verification requirement
Oxford Traceability
One application discussion across printer, code and integration.
Whether the need is a standalone date coder or a data-connected line station, the first objective is to define the mark and production conditions without locking the project to the wrong technology.
Sector guidance
Go deeper on material and process requirements.
Food and beverage
Dates, batches and traceability across bottles, cans, pouches, cartons and cases.
Food coding guideIndustrial materials
Inkjet printing on plastics, glass, metal, film, card, timber, cable and pipe.
Substrate guideTraceability and 2D
Serial data, QR Codes, Data Matrix, GS1 identifiers and inspection.
2D code guideHave an unusual product or substrate?
Send a photograph, sample description and code requirement. We will help identify what should be tested before equipment is selected.