Purpose of Printing Best-Before Dates and Lot Numbers

Best-before (use-by) dates help consumers determine the freshness, make informed purchasing decisions, and safely use perishable products. By having this information readily available on products, the producers clearly state the period in which a product should be used as well as limit their liability.

Identification codes and barcodes can be printed on parts to indicate necessary information to aid in the manufacturing process. This helps improve production efficiency and quality control. Some examples that are used are printing pass/fail indicators on parts so that defective parts are not used in final products and printing readout values on parts for any adjustment required further down the line.

Secret numbers and codes are printed on products recognized only by the manufacturer. If counterfeit products should appear, the manufacturer can use these codes to distinguish which products are unlawful imitations. This printing application has been used as a means of protecting proprietary brands.

Printing best-before dates and lot codes are among the most crucial practices for quality control, traceability, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards governing various industries dealing in the production and packaging of perishable and other types of goods.

One of the best practices when it comes to printing best-before dates is to ensure the high legibility and durability of the print. However, these aren’t the only practices; these codes also have to be clear, printed in a readable font, and in a size that’s easily visible yet proportionate to the packaging.

It’s also essential to consider the color of the ink, as it has to stand out against the color of the packaging, or in the case of transparent packaging, such as clear glass and plastic, against the contents within.

Another key aspect is selecting the right printing technology. Continuous inkjet printers  are the most commonly used printers in these applications due to their versatility and efficiency. They can print on many different substrates regardless of their shape and size , due to quick drying and strong adhesion ink. This is where ink selection also plays a crucial role; inkjet printers can print on a variety of materials as long as they use adequate ink.

These factors are essential for diverse packaging needs. Laser  markers are also used in applications where durability is a concern because their marks are permanent and are more resistant to fading and abrasion , but they can’t match inkjet printers in terms of substrate versatility.

The placement of the codes when printing best-before dates and lot numbers is also important, as the print needs to be applied to an easily accessible and visible location on the packaging. Consistency is key, as it aids quick identification and scanning, which is particularly important in various applications.

Besides complying with stringent regulations regarding perishable goods, printing lot numbers, as well as printing best-before dates, is also crucial for tracking and traceability during the manufacturing process and subsequent storage and transport.

These codes are an important link in the chain of quality control, as they ensure that each product can be traced back to its production batches by simply referring to its lot and production codes. This practice is rather important for manufacturers, but also consumers, as it provides a clear trail from the initial production to the end user. As you might’ve guessed, these numbers are also mandated by regulations.

When it comes to best practices associated with the printing process alone, the same practices described above apply here as well. However, printing serial numbers are typically used for product traceability; they should be placed strategically to ensure easier scanning during storage and transport.

KEYENCE can provide a comprehensive coding and print inspection solution to enhance tracking and traceability during the manufacturing process. Our systems can verify the presence or absence of these date codes, ensuring that no unacceptable products are released due to missing information. This eliminates the need for multiple vendors, as KEYENCE offers a single vendor integration between multiple products.

Visit our website to learn more about continuous inkjet printers today!