The term coding & marking is used in the manufacturing and packaging industries to cover the application of variable data during late-stage production to identify key information about the product (serial number, batch number, use-by date, product name, description etc.). This can be for the benefit of the manufacturer – traceability, accountability, or marketing purposes; but is most commonly led by industry legislation and therefore a legal requirement of the business.
The application of data can be made in a multitude of different ways, including printing of a code with ink (coding), sketching a mark (marking) and sometimes covers labelling too.
Coding & marking systems are the equipment purchased to apply these codes and marks, and between the range of technologies available can vary greatly in cost, reliability, speed and quality. Most commonly, you have:
Thermal Inkjet Printers
Continuous Inkjet Printers
Thermal Transfer Printers
Large Area Printers
Laser Coders
Hot Foil Stampers