Date & Batch Coding
Apply production dates, expiry dates, batch numbers or variable information to bottles, labels, pouches and cartons using a suitable coding system.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION & QUALITY CONTROL
Explore ZONESUN solutions for date and batch coding, product marking and packaging inspection. Choose equipment to suit your packaging material, production speed and quality control requirements, with options for integration into automated lines.
CHOOSE BY PRODUCTION TASK
Start with what you need to print, mark or check. Match the equipment to your product, packaging format and production requirements.
Apply production dates, expiry dates, batch numbers or variable information to bottles, labels, pouches and cartons using a suitable coding system.
Use laser marking on compatible materials for durable product identification. Select the laser type around the material and required marking result.
Apply branding or graphics with screen or pad printing. Product shape, artwork size, ink and curing method guide the configuration.
Check packaged product weight against a set range. Consider product stability, spacing and required weighing performance when planning the station.
Select a metal detection system according to product characteristics, packaging material, opening size and the required detection performance.
Inspect specified items such as code presence, label position or packaging appearance, with camera and lighting selection based on the inspection task.
MATCH THE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR PACKAGING
Choose a printing or marking method around your material, code content and operating process.
| Technology | Typical Task | Key Selection Points |
|---|---|---|
| Inkjet Coding | Date, batch and variable information printing; barcode options depend on the model. | Ink adhesion, surface condition, print distance, code size and line speed. |
| Ribbon Coding | Contact date or batch printing on compatible packaging; capabilities vary by coding method. | Ribbon type, packaging material, print area and synchronization with the packaging machine. |
| Laser Marking | Durable identification on materials compatible with the selected laser. | Laser type, material response, marking contrast, speed, extraction and guarding. |
| Screen Printing | Logos, text and graphics on suitable bottles, containers or other surfaces. | Product shape, artwork area, color requirements, ink and curing process. |
| Pad Printing | Small graphics or text on curved and irregular product surfaces. | Print position, pad selection, artwork size, ink and product fixture. |
Ribbon coding selection: Hot stamping ribbon coders and thermal transfer overprinters (TTO) use different printing methods. Confirm the actual machine type and whether it supports your required variable data before choosing equipment.
CONNECT WITH YOUR BOTTLING & PACKAGING LINE
Plan each station around a stable product flow, an accessible marking surface and a clearly defined inspection target.
Guide, space and orient products so the print area or inspection feature is consistently presented.
Apply the required information at the appropriate stage of filling, capping, labeling or packaging.
Check selected weight, metal detection or visual criteria using equipment matched to the task.
Where configured, divert failed products and transfer accepted products to downstream packaging.
Example workflow: Actual station order depends on your process. Label inspection follows label application; weight and metal detection stations are positioned according to product condition, packaging compatibility and inspection objectives.
KEY SELECTION POINTS
Define these six points to help narrow down a suitable machine and integration approach.
Specify glass, plastic, metal, film, labels or paperboard, together with dimensions, surface finish and the target print or inspection area.
Provide a sample of the dates, batch numbers, text, logos or barcodes, including character height, number of lines and update requirements.
Share products per minute, conveyor speed and product spacing. Required performance must be assessed under your actual operating conditions.
Define the weight range, contaminants or visual defects to be checked, along with acceptance criteria and how failed products should be handled.
Confirm whether products are upright, flat, rotating or moving intermittently. Stable positioning supports repeatable printing and inspection.
Provide conveyor height, available floor space, utilities and environmental conditions such as moisture, dust or cleaning requirements.
CUSTOMIZED AUTOMATION
ZONESUN AutoPack focuses on automated bottling lines and customized solutions. Integration options are evaluated around the selected equipment and your project requirements.
Assess conveyor width, height, transfer points and product spacing to connect with filling, capping, labeling and packaging equipment.
Evaluate guides, fixtures or handling arrangements to present bottles, containers and packs consistently at the work station.
Review sensors, encoder needs and machine signals to coordinate coding or inspection with product movement where supported.
Discuss alarms, reject mechanisms and collection arrangements where available, based on the product and inspection task.
Identify adjustments or change parts needed for different product sizes, print positions and inspection settings.
Plan equipment access, station order and downstream transfers around output requirements and the available production space.
CODING & INSPECTION FAQ
CUSTOM CODING & INSPECTION SOLUTION
Share your product and packaging samples, required code content or inspection targets, production speed and existing line layout. ZONESUN can help evaluate suitable equipment and integration options for your bottling or packaging process.
Helpful details: product dimensions · packaging material · code example or inspection criteria · required output · line photos or layout