Efficient, Food-Safe Dairy Packaging Solutions With Continuous Inkjet & Case Coder Technology

The main challenge in the dairy industry is ensuring that products remain fresh and safe for consumption. A modern dairy packaging inkjet coding system supports the dairy industry’s pace by placing readable characters.

KEYENCE continuous inkjet (CIJs) and case coder platforms give teams stable marking in cold, wet environments and support fast product changes, providing non‑contact inkjet marking on dairy packaging with minimal maintenance, leading to higher efficiency and productivity. Easy integration ensures seamless implementation with minimal disruptions.

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Why Dairy Packaging Needs Reliable Inkjet Marking Solutions

Dairy lines run with tight timing and short shelf life, and cold surfaces often collect condensation. A dependable industrial inkjet printer for the dairy industry must place uniform characters on plastics, foils, and flexible films, even as products move unpredictably. Clear date and lot codes keep inventory organized through shipping and storage, and a non-contact inkjet marking on dairy packaging approach helps operators handle rapid changes.

CIJ & Case Coder Solutions for Dairy Packaging

Continuous inkjet printing fits primary dairy packaging because it marks at speed without contact. A CIJ system for dairy production supports bottles, cups, tubs, film webs, and pouches at full throughput. Case coders round out the system by delivering high-resolution box printing for secondary packaging.

Hard Plastic Containers

KEYENCE CIJs print in high quality on milk/cheese/yogurt containers and cartons despite the cold and wet environments by using advanced sensor tech to monitor dot break points 10 times p/sec. They self-diagnose and troubleshoot to reduce downtime, making them extremely easy to maintain.

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Cartons

Dairy products are perishable and must be accurately labeled with best by or expiration dates. KEYENCE CIJs provide high-quality, non-contact printing on any surface, including curved or uneven ones, and reduce the need for human interaction.

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Films

Coding mistakes can cause spoilage, contamination, and customer dissatisfaction. KEYENCE CIJs ensure compliance with FDA regulations, providing reliable, high-quality date and lot codes, perfect for the dairy industry.

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Containers and Caps

The shape and size of containers and caps vary widely, making it difficult to code them accurately. Tackle this challenge by providing visible and accurate information with high-speed printing and adaptability to various surfaces with KEYENCE CIJs.

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Flexible Plastics

Traditional marking methods like stamps or labels are difficult on flexible plastics. KEYENCE CIJs reduce downtime with automatic maintenance and troubleshooting, boosting productivity. Free printer monitoring network connectivity simplifies management.

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Metal Cans

Metal cans are sometimes used for their durability and barrier properties. KEYENCE CIJs integrate easily into packaging lines, minimizing the need for specialized knowledge. They also support remote monitoring and control, offering convenience.

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Challenges in Coding and Marking for the Dairy Industry

Fast-Paced Nature of Dairy Production

The dairy industry depends on rapid milk and dairy production. KEYENCE CIJs, with auto maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting, meet these needs, freeing up skilled technicians. One-touch nozzle replacement allows for recovery from errors and clogs in a matter of seconds.

Particle state:
If the optimum ink state is not maintained, the inside of the head may become dirty, and print quality may deteriorate.

Variety of Packaging Materials

The dairy industry uses materials like plastic, glass, metal, and paper. KEYENCE CIJs print on any surface, curved/uneven, without contact. Consistent coding is ensured by monitoring dot conditions 10 times p/second.

Less-than-optimal state of particles

Optimal particle state

Adverse Working Conditions

Dairy production facilities are often wet and cold, challenging traditional date coding on dairy packaging methods. KEYENCE CIJs' robust design with MIL Drop and IP-rated MK-G Series print head and controller can handle even the harshest environments.

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High-Speed Inkjet Solutions for Dairy Production Lines

Speed and uptime define dairy operations. CIJ platforms, like the MK-G Series, maintain drop stability through vibration, condensation, and long shifts while automated maintenance and controlled ink flow support clean startups and steady print quality.

A responsive dairy packaging inkjet coding system helps keep production moving during fast changeovers. Case coders maintain pace at the end of the line by marking cartons at high throughput without interrupting palletizing or stacking.

Food-Safe Coding with Continuous Inkjet Printers for Dairy Products

Dairy products move through chilled rooms and washdown zones where packaging can be curved, thin, or moisture-prone. A food-safe inkjet printer needs to stay readable through handling and transport. Non-contact printing avoids disturbing delicate surfaces, and consistent codes support accurate product rotation and traceability. CIJ printers cover primary packaging, while case coders apply carton-level information used for warehouse handling.

Features of KEYENCE Inkjet Printers for Dairy Packaging

KEYENCE builds its printers to handle the movement and cold conditions found on most dairy lines. The CIJ model adjusts droplet behavior as the line runs, which helps keep codes readable on curved bottles and chilled lids. Operators can repeat jobs quickly thanks to built-in cleaning functions and saved print setups. For boxes, the CC-1000 Series case coder applies clear text and barcodes from a longer mounting range, making it easier to fit into tight conveyor layouts.

How KEYENCE Printers Support Operational Efficiency in Dairy Production

Dairy schedules rarely slow down, so equipment that recovers quickly after restarts or changeovers helps maintain output. The CIJ interface keeps routine tasks simple, and the printer adjusts key settings automatically to support steady runs.

A modern industrial inkjet printer for the dairy industry reduces hands-on work during long shifts. Remote visibility shows ink levels, status updates, and alerts without a trip to the line, and the case coder helps reduce carton reprints during busy periods.

Box Printing Case Coding

Cartons move quickly through dairy storage and distribution, so box-level marks need to stay readable from packing to warehouse handling. The case coder simplifies installation on conveyor setups, and consistent box printing supports clean scans during loading and inventory checks without adding steps at the end of the line.

For a detailed demonstration of our food-safe marking solutions for dairy products, we invite you to request a free demo.

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FAQs About Date Coding in the Dairy Industry

Can the Printers Reliably Mark on Wet, Cold, or Refrigerated Packaging Lines (e.g., Chilled Milk, Yogurt)?

Yes. KEYENCE CIJs maintain drop stability in cold, wet environments, delivering clear, consistent codes even with condensation and vibration.

What Kinds of Codes and Information Can Be Printed Besides “Best-Before” or Expiration Dates?

They print lot numbers, traceability IDs, production timestamps, shift codes, barcodes, and serialized data for full supply-chain tracking.

Can the CIJ System Integrate With Existing Packaging Lines and Operate Automatically, Without Disrupting Throughput?

Yes. CIJs integrate via standard I/O and network protocols, supporting automated triggers and high-speed printing without slowing the line.

How Does Using KEYENCE CIJ Help Improve Product Traceability and Support Recalls or Quality Control?

Consistent, readable codes link each product to batch data, enabling rapid recall isolation and regulatory compliance.

What Packaging Materials and Surfaces Are Supported (Including Difficult Surfaces)?

CIJs print on plastics, films, metals, glass, cartons, foils, caps, and curved or uneven surfaces with stable, non-contact marking.

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Related Downloads

Continuous Inkjet Printer Application Guide

This guide explains continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer applications together with pictures and illustrations. It contains many installation examples in various industries divided into food, medicine, and cosmetics; electrical machinery and electronics; and automotive, metal, and others. These examples show printing on targets specific to each industry.

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