Diagraph's Blog

When it comes to contract packaging, companies are increasingly looking to consolidate their code printing requirements. Using multiple devices to print onto different sized containers and different material types is costly and inefficient. Companies now need to offer a full-service solution to be relevant and competitive.

Coding requirements may differ between the primary and secondary packaging. These requirements include printing on different substrates such as plastic, cardboard and metal. Traceability requirements such as visible, permanent codes to manage product recalls may not differ, but code sizes will likely be different. You could be wasting time and money if you are using multiple printers to achieve these requirements.

New packaging trends

Contract packagers also need to support packaging trends such as new substrates, packaging product shapes and sizes and environmental initiatives such as reducing materials. For example, packaging a product that offers single serving portions as well as the standard size portions requires a coder which can print the same information on different packaging shapes and sizes. The information must be accurate, legible and permanent to ensure traceability—it’s no use if a code can be smudged or wiped off a particular substrate.

Keeping costs down

Many contract packaging companies are introducing manufacturing techniques to cut costs and improve competitiveness. By implementing the right printing technology into your contract packaging business, you can significantly cut costs, remain competitive and offer more to your customers.

You can significantly cut costs in the following areas with a single printing solution:

• Equipment costs. Purchase and maintain a single coder that can complete all your required tasks for primary and secondary packaging.
• Maximize efficiency. The production line is only as fast as the coder, so choose a coder with high reliability and long service intervals that is also quick and easy to maintain.
• Quick set ups. Ensure you can switch product runs quickly to keep the production line moving for longer. Choose a coder with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for quick set ups.

Product Identification Equipment

Diagraph’s Linx continuous inkjet printers (CIJ), thermal inkjet, large character printers, laser coders and thermal transfer overprinters can print information such as text, dates, barcodes and logos on a wide range of porous and non-porous substrates. This enables both primary and secondary coding with easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain printers, making your contract packaging operation more efficient and cost effective.

• Reliability: Diagraph’s coders are industry leaders in reliability, with long service intervals and robust design. For example, the Linx CIJ 8900 coders have an enclosure rating of up to IP65 to ensure the highest reliability. They can be self-serviced in minutes with no special training required.
• Ease of use: Our coders have intuitive interfaces which make it easy to select and store messages. Consumable changes such as ink or ribbons are simple and mess-free and can even be done without stopping the printer in some situations, saving you downtime.
• Mobility: Our Linx 8900 CIJ printers can weigh as little as 24 pounds complete with fluids, making it quick and easy to move between production lines and set up for coding.
• Versatility: Diagraph’s printers offer flexibility in print orientations with no compromise on print quality or printer reliability. Laser coders are recommended for advanced applications due to their any-orientation configuration.
• Flexibility: The Linx 8900 printers are available with a range of inks or ribbon colors and types for most porous and non-porous substrates.

Find out how Diagraph can help you expand your contract packing capabilities by contacting us.