Choosing the Best Technologies for Flexible Packaging Coding and Marking

Each industry has unique flexible packaging coding and marking requirements, from the food and beverage industry to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics:

• Food industry: Accurate product identification is essential for safety and quality. Flexible packaging coding provides essential information like expiration dates and lot numbers, aiding traceability and enabling quick recalls when necessary.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Flexible packaging coding and marking are vital for regulatory compliance. Accurate labeling is essential for patient safety, as errors can have severe consequences.
• Cosmetics: Flexible packaging coding offers design versatility and cost-efficiency. In addition to meeting compliance standards, coding and marking help enhance brand image, making products stand out in a competitive market.
• Supply chain management: Reliable coding ensures easy product tracking, leading to efficient inventory management and reduced waste.

CIJs use a continuous stream of ink droplets to create characters on the surface of the packaging material. An electrode electrically charges these droplets as they pass through a nozzle, creating a visible mark.

Alternatively, UV laser coders use a high-powered laser to mark the packaging material by altering its pigment layer. This process results in permanent, high-contrast codes.

Below is a closer look at these two technologies:

The KEYENCE MK-G Series continuous inkjet printer (CIJ) is a popular choice in the packaging industry due to its high-speed, adaptable, non-contact printing from any direction. It also easily integrates into existing machinery like filling or labeling systems, ensuring quick and hassle-free installation.

With a compact printer head, the MK-G Series offers versatility, easily fitting into tight production spaces and optimizing factory floor usage and packaging line layouts.

The MK-G Series prints on a wide range of surfaces, accommodating different-shaped containers, including curved surfaces like flexible packaging or bottles and cans crafted from materials such as plastic/PET, glass, metal, and paper — making it an ideal solution for diverse packing needs.

KEYENCE FP-1000 Series UV Laser Coder offers precise, permanent coding on various packaging materials. UV laser coders provide unmatched clarity, ensuring readable codes. Unlike traditional ink-based systems, it eliminates the risks of incomplete or faded markings.

The FP-1000 Series contrast marks the film itself instead of using external ink, making it resistant to oil, powder, water, and contaminants, resulting in damage-free codes that don’t fade over time.

Another key advantage of UV laser coding is its durability. Unlike conventional infrared lasers that can damage packaging due to high heat, UV lasers emit shorter wavelengths, reducing heat generation and preventing harm to delicate materials like plastic films and pouches.

UV laser coding is also an environmentally friendly solution. As it does not use external ink or consumables, it eliminates the need for regular maintenance and reduces waste production. This ultimately leads to cost savings and a more sustainable production process.

At KEYENCE, we offer a wide range of high-quality and reliable flexible packaging coding and marking solutions that cater to various industries and applications. Our team of experts can help you assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable technology for your business.

Don't compromise on the quality or efficiency of your coding process. Contact us now to find out how we can provide you with the perfect solution for all your flexible packaging coding needs!