Case Coding on Automatic Palletizers Made Easy

End-of-line marking at the palletizer stage delivers the most up-to-date product and batch information possible by printing directly before palletizing. This way, manufacturers can capture late-stage changes such as last-minute order adjustments or rerouted shipments. This timing eliminates the risk of mismatched codes that can happen when cases are marked earlier in the process.

It also supports final-stage inspection and prevents problems that occur when pre-labeled cases are stacked incorrectly or mixed with other SKUs. Automated case printing at this stage makes sure the right code is applied to the right load every time. With the CC-1000 Series, printing and inspection happen in-line, so verification is immediate and defective codes never reach the shipping dock.

Large character inkjet printers are well-suited for pallet labeling and pallet-level marking, as they handle both porous and non-porous substrates, print multiple lines of text, and include barcodes without sacrificing speed. Their ability to apply high-contrast, durable marks directly to stretch wrap, corrugate, or slip sheets means no secondary labeling step is required.

As labor shortages continue to reshape manufacturing, tasks like case stacking and labeling are increasingly handled by robots. This shift to automation drives the need for advanced in-line inspection systems that can verify code quality immediately after printing, ensuring accuracy without human intervention.

Modern palletizing cells are designed to operate in tandem with upstream and downstream equipment. Integrating automated case printing into this workflow maintains that coding occurs without interrupting palletizer cycles. A well-matched system communicates directly with palletizer controls to time each print precisely as the case enters the print zone.

Robotic palletizers benefit from this because it keeps throughput rates high without adding manual labeling steps. Whether handling single-SKU or mixed-load pallets, the print-and-inspect process adapts to different case sizes, orientations, and stacking patterns without operator intervention.

Applying pallet labels manually creates bottlenecks and inconsistencies. Manual application requires workers to wait for a pallet to stop, position the label, and verify placement. This slows down operations and increases the risk of mislabeling. Direct-to-pallet palletizer case coding removes that extra step, letting finished loads move straight to wrapping and shipping.

Integrated large character inkjet printing with verification at the palletizing stage delivers accuracy, efficiency, and compliance without slowing your line. The CC-1000 Series introduces the industry’s first integrated print inspection camera, engineered for precise reading of barcodes and 2D codes on cardboard. It not only verifies the presence of codes but also ensures that barcodes and 2D codes are scannable and error-free. Unlike manual inspections, the CC-1000 Series provides real-time verification right at the point of application, preventing any defective codes from leaving your production line.

Ready to streamline your palletizing process? Contact us today to see how the CC-1000 Series can integrate with your line and eliminate bottlenecks.