Continuous inkjet coders (CIJ)
Non-contact coding for fast moving bottles, cans, containers and flexible packs.
View details →Food date coding
Use-by date printers for food packaging lines
Choose an inkjet date coding setup that keeps your use-by date legible, correctly positioned and easy for operators to change.
Inkjet coding requirement
Ask about use-by coding
Clear use-by date printing in production
Use-by date printing needs to be reliable because the code is often checked by customers, retailers and quality teams. Poor contrast, smudging or wrong positioning can cause avoidable rework.
Inkjet coders can apply use-by dates to labels, sleeves, cartons, trays, pouches, tubs and bottles, depending on material and presentation.
We look at line speed, cleaning routine, operator changeover and packaging material before recommending a system.
How should the approved use-by message be controlled?
Ask the product or quality team to supply the approved date text, format and change rules. Include any batch or lot fields, shift boundaries and required rollover behaviour in the enquiry. Agree who may change the message and how the first printed pack is checked after a change. If automatic date calculation or message locking is required, confirm it for the proposed configuration; do not assume those functions, or a shelf-life decision, follow from the ability to print a date.
Legible dates
Match print height, contrast and ink to the pack.
Operator changeover
Make date changes simple and controlled for production staff.
Pack material
Select inks and technology for labels, films, plastic, card or sleeves.
Compare options
Related inkjet coding machinery
Use these pages to compare the machinery and support that may suit your pack, line speed and code requirement.
Thermal inkjet printers (TIJ)
High-resolution date, QR and barcode printing for cartons, labels, sleeves and trays.
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Large character inkjet coders
Variable print for boxes, outer cases, trays and secondary packaging.
View details →Inkjet coding selection guide
Compare coder type, speed, pack material, code size and integration requirements before you buy.
View details →Questions before you buy
Common questions
Can inkjet printers print use-by dates?
Yes. Use-by dates are a common inkjet coding application on food and drink packaging.
How do I stop date codes smudging?
The printer, ink, drying time and print position must be matched to the pack material and handling process.
Can the printer add a batch code as well?
Yes. The message can normally include use-by date, batch number, lot code and other production references.