Overcoming 4 Common Challenges in Extrusion Coding and Marking

Coding/marking extruded products such as wires and cables is a continuous and fast-moving process that requires maximum production uptime.

Any unplanned downtime can be expensive. It is important to deploy a printer and coder system built to withstand prolonged use in a rigorous operational environment without compromising print quality. However, it is a challenge to get a reliable printer and coder system that can operate 24/7 without issues. Costs and operational requirements are just a few barriers to such systems.

Fortunately, we have the right solutions for coding and marking extrusions. We provide manufacturers with CIJs designed for optimal performance and high-speed efficiency, making them perfect for fast-paced production lines, such as those used in extrusion. In addition to the inherent speed capabilities of CIJ technology, our CIJ industrial printers come with features that ensure high-quality marking and coding and further enhance coding times.

The printer also features a hands-free, automatic shower function that cleans critical print head components for consistent print quality. The auto cleaning eliminates delays associated with manual cleaning jobs, contributing to faster print times.

Code permanence on different types of extruded material is crucial for identification, tracking, and compliance requirements. Coding on plastic and metal extrusions comes with unique challenges due to the material properties and extrusion process settings.

A printer and coder solution should offer fast ink dying times and high adhesion. Both impact the longevity of coded information or data. Prolonged drying times can cause smudged prints and ink bleeding.

Accurate coding and marking play a great role in such documentation. With quality coding and printing solutions, manufacturers can avoid the risk of getting sued or fined by clients or regulatory bodies.

A manufacturing business is also at risk of damaging its reputation if it can't manage a product recall situation due to coding errors that slipped by undetected. For these reasons and many more, maintaining strict compliance with quality standards isn’t a mere regulatory requirement but a business necessity.

We offer CIJs for industries where long-lasting and accurate coding on extrusion materials is important to regulatory compliance and clients.

Except for scheduled downtime for preventative maintenance or inspection checks, unplanned downtime due to product printer/coder failure is a challenge for many manufacturers in the extrusion industry.

It's crucial to use a dependable printing and coding system in varying production environments to keep production workflow interruptions to a minimum.

We offer CIJ printers for extrusion product coding built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including water seepage or intrusion. The MK-G Series features an IP55 rating for the printhead, printer body, and MK Dock. The ingress protection and other robust design features make for its durability in rigorous printing environments. The self-troubleshooting and diagnostic features also reduce the need for experienced technicians and troubleshooting time, which can further minimize maintenance costs.

Furthermore, additions such as a conditioning tank storage in the MK-G Series prevent the ink in the main tank from becoming diluted over time due to cleaning. The solvent collected in the conditioning tank is filtered and recycled back into the main tank. This feature reduces stops for draining a diluted main tank and helps with the conservation of print ink and other consumables that can drive maintenance costs upward.