Marking Solutions: How to Choose the Right Industrial Marking Systems

Marking solutions play an important role in industrial manufacturing, enabling companies to identify products, packaging and containers through the printing of variable information. From batch numbers and expiry dates to traceability codes, industrial marking solutions help organise production processes and manage information throughout the supply chain. Choosing the right system depends on the material to be printed, the information required and the operating conditions of the production line.

What Are Marking Solutions?

The term marking solutions refers to the systems and technologies used to apply information directly onto products, packaging and containers during manufacturing processes.

Common examples of printed information include:

• Batch numbers, production dates and expiry dates.
• Barcodes and 2D codes, depending on the system configuration.
• Serial numbers and unique identifiers.
• Text, symbols and other variable data.

These solutions are used across numerous industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, plastics, electronics and general manufacturing.

Effective industrial coding facilitates product identification, supports information management and contributes to product traceability. To achieve reliable results, it is essential to assess the surface characteristics, the information to be printed and the integration requirements of the production line.

The Main Inkjet Technologies for Industrial Marking

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) are two key technologies used in industrial marking solutions. Both can print variable data, but their different operating principles influence their suitability for specific applications.

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)

Continuous Inkjet technology uses a continuous stream of ink, from which droplets are generated and directed to form characters and information on the target surface.

A CIJ printer can be considered for in-line applications requiring continuous variable-data printing, such as identification codes, batch numbers and dates. Its suitability depends on several factors, including the material, ink type, production speed and operating conditions.

It is therefore essential to verify that the system is compatible with the product and the specific requirements of the manufacturing process.

Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)

Thermal Inkjet technology uses thermal pulses to eject small ink droplets through the printhead nozzles.

TIJ systems can be used to print text, numbers and codes on compatible surfaces, such as certain cartons, packaging materials and containers. When selecting a TIJ printer, companies should consider the required print quality, ink type, code dimensions and distance between the printhead and the surface.

Famjet solutions from Fam Printing include systems based on TIJ technology, which can be assessed according to the specific application requirements.

Neither technology is universally superior. The choice between CIJ and TIJ should be based on actual production needs and the desired results.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Marking Solutions for Your Business

Selecting the right industrial marking system requires an assessment of the actual operating conditions. Before choosing a solution, companies should consider the following factors:

• Product and material: The surface, shape and characteristics of the substrate to be marked.
• Information to be printed: Text, variable data, barcodes or 2D codes.
• Print quality and readability: The required code dimensions, contrast and definition.
• Production speed: Line throughput and product handling methods.
• Operating environment: Working conditions and factors that may affect print performance.
• Integration: Compatibility with existing processes and equipment.
• Long-term management: Consumables, operating costs and technical support availability.

When necessary, print tests on the actual materials help assess ink performance and print quality before installation. It is also important to distinguish between the ability to print a code, its actual readability and any verification or compliance checks required by the application.

Why Choose Fam Printing for Industrial Marking Solutions?

Selecting the right marking solutions requires technical expertise and a practical understanding of manufacturing processes. Fam Printing supports companies in assessing their industrial marking and coding requirements, guiding them through the different stages of the project.

Depending on the application, support may include application analysis, technical consultancy, assistance in choosing between CIJ and TIJ technologies, print tests on different materials, system installation and configuration, operator training, and after-sales technical support.

This approach allows companies to assess each solution under actual operating conditions, avoiding decisions based solely on equipment specifications.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Marking Solutions

Choosing the right marking solutions means identifying a technology that meets the requirements of the product, the information to be printed and the production line. CIJ and TIJ technologies offer different application possibilities, which should be assessed through a targeted technical evaluation.

Contact Fam Printing to discuss your company's requirements and identify the industrial marking solution best suited to your production process.