Expert Guidance. Right Solutions
Lot and Date Coding Printers
Expert guidance to find the right inkjet lot and date coding equipment for your operation—adding date codes, lot numbers, and product information to packaging and products with precision and reliability.
Need to print lot, date, or similar package information?
Whether you’re adding expiration dates to food packaging, tracking lot numbers for compliance, or marking serial numbers on products, choosing the right inkjet coder makes all the difference. The wrong system can slow your line, produce poor-quality codes, or cost you more in maintenance and consumables than you expected.
We help you find the inkjet coding solution that fits your production speed, substrate type, environment, and budget—so you get reliable performance without overpaying or compromising quality.
Which Inkjet Technology is Right for You?
Not all inkjet coders work the same way. The best choice depends on what you’re printing on, how fast your line runs, and what quality you need.
Thermal Inkjet
Best for: Porous substrates, low to medium speeds, coding and marking applications.
Thermal inkjet uses heat to create ink droplets on demand. It’s ideal for printing on cardboard, paper, and other absorbent materials. TIJ systems are typically compact, easy to integrate, and require minimal maintenance.
Common Applications:
- Corrugated boxes and cartons
- Paper labels
- Some flexible film packaging
- Secondary packaging
Key Advantages:
- Clean, simple operation
- Low maintenance
- Compact design
- No make-up fluids required
Piezo Inkjet
Best for: Versatile applications, UV-curable inks, wider substrate range. Excellent print quality.
Piezo inkjet technology uses pressure (not heat) to eject ink droplets, which allows for a broader range of ink types including UV-curable inks. Piezo systems offer excellent print quality and work on both porous and non-porous surfaces.
Common Applications:
- Paper-based products
- Corrugated
- Large print areas
- Rigid and flexible packaging
Key Advantages:
- High resolution and print quality
- Works with various ink types
- Versatile substrate compatibility
- Excellent for barcodes and graphics
Continuous Inkjet
Best for: High-speed production lines and non-porous surfaces.
Continuous inkjet creates a continuous stream of ink droplets that are electrically charged and deflected to form characters. CIJ is great at high throw distance printing.
Common Applications:
- Beverage cans and bottles
- Fast-moving consumer goods
- High-speed packaging lines
- Pharmaceutical products
Key Advantages:
- Extremely fast print speeds
- Works on nearly any surface
- Proven reliability
- Ideal for 24/7 operations
How To Choose The Right Inkjet Coder Solution
Critical factors play an important role in choosing the inkjet for your operation. We help you select the right inkjet system by examining factors like these:
Line Speed
How many products per minute do you need to mark? Your production speed determines which technologies can keep up. We’ll match the coder to your throughput requirements.
Substrate
What material are you printing on? Cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, and flexible films all have different ink adhesion properties. The right combination of technology and ink ensures your codes stay readable.
Print Quality
Do you need simple date codes that are human-readable, or high-resolution barcodes that must scan reliably? We’ll recommend a system that delivers the quality your application demands.
Environment
Is your printer operating in hot and humid conditions? A dusty warehouse? Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and cleanliness affect equipment selection and ink choices.
Message Complexity
Are you printing simple 1-2 line codes, or complex barcodes with graphics? More complex messages may require different technology or print head configurations.
Total Costs
Purchase price is just the beginning. We help you understand ink costs, maintenance requirements, and consumables so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions – Inkjet Coders
How much do inkjet coders cost?
Pricing varies widely based on technology, features, and production requirements. Simple, but reliable thermal inkjet systems can start around $2,000. We focus on total cost of ownership—not just purchase price—to help you make the best investment.
What’s the difference between a coder and a printer?
The terms are often used interchangeably. “Coder” typically refers to systems designed for simple date/lot codes and serial numbers, while “marker” can include systems capable of more complex graphics and variable data. We can help you determine what capabilities you actually need.
How often do inkjet coders need maintenance?
It depends on the technology. Thermal inkjet systems require minimal maintenance (mainly replacing printheads periodically). Piezo systems need regular cleaning but are generally low-maintenance. Continuous inkjet requires more frequent attention to ink and make-up fluids, but is designed for easy daily maintenance.
Can I print on any surface?
Different technologies work better on different substrates. Thermal inkjet excels on porous materials, piezo works on a wide range of surfaces, and continuous inkjet handles nearly anything at high speeds. We’ll recommend the technology and ink combination that adheres properly to your specific material.
What if my production needs change?
We consider future needs when recommending systems. Some technologies are more flexible than others, and we can discuss scalability options to protect your investment.
Do you provide training and support?
Yes. We provide installation, operator training, and ongoing technical support for all equipment we supply. We also stock consumables and spare parts to minimize downtime.
Not Sure Which Inkjet Coder Is Right For You?
Every production line is different. We’ll assess your specific needs—line speed, substrate, environment, and budget—and recommend the inkjet coding solution that actually fits
Most consultations take 15 minutes or less. We’ll ask about your production needs and provide honest recommendations.
