Hot stamping coder

Types of hot stamping coders

Hot stamping coders are machines that use hot stamp printing to print information directly onto products or packaging. Several types of hot stamping coders are available, including hand-operated, semi-automatic, and fully automatic hot stamping coders.

• Hand Stamping

  A hand stamping coder is an inexpensive and small hot stamping coder. It is typically made out of metal and comes with a handle, type holder, and impression die. The advantage of these stamp coders is that they can be used to manually stamp products or packaging. This is often done by applying pressure to the handle, which will transfer the ink from the die onto the product. The coder can sometimes be changed to print different messages or codes. However, the coder can only be changed to print a set message or code. Therefore, these kinds of stamping coders are usually only used for smaller product amounts where the message does not need to frequently change.

• Semi-Automatic Coders

  Semi-automatic hot stamping coders require manual operation for part loading, alignment, and labeling. Other than these manual functions, all operations are automatic. The production line can be sped up with this type of stamping coder. This is because, after the part has been manually placed in the machine and aligned, the stamping will automatically start marking the part. The semi-automatic stamping coder also has the advantage of being able to change the imprint message with the message on the stamp die.

• Fully Automatic Hot Stamping Coders

  A fully automatic hot stamping coder will have the stamping process done automatically. The programmer can set different imprint messages on the die, which will be stamped on the part continuously without having to replace it manually. This kind of coder is best for when there is high demand, and the programmer wants to have different messages or images continuously stamped on various parts.

Specifications and maintenance of hot stamping coders

• Coder type: Hot stamping coders are made of different materials. The most common are metal and ceramic. The metal hot stamping coders are typically made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, which is strong and not easily deformed. The metal hot stamping coders have good corrosion resistance and can be used in various industries. The ceramic hot stamping coders can withstand very high and low temperatures and have good electrical insulation performance.
• Print size: The printing size of a hot stamping coder refers to the maximum size it can print. It is usually expressed in length x height. A hot stamping coder commonly printing sizes are 50mmx25mm, 100mmx50mm, etc. The size can be customized according to the requirements of different applications.
• Dye foil colors: The dye foil color of a hot stamping coder refers to the color of the foil used for printing. Common dye foil colors include gold, silver, red, blue, etc. Different dye foil colors can be used to create different effects, and the choice of dye foil color can be based on individual needs.
• Printing speed: The printing speed of hot stamping coders is generally expressed in meters per minute (m/min) or prints per minute (PPM). Hot stamping coders with different specifications and models have different printing speeds. Some may print 200-300 items per minute, while others may print 500-700 items per minute.
• Frames and plates: The frame and plate of a hot stamping coder refer to the part that holds the stamp. They are usually made of steel or aluminum alloy. The material has good strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, which can ensure the stability and longevity of the hot stamping coder.

Maintenance tips

Frequent cleaning and maintenance can extend the service life of hot foil coders and ensure optimal printing quality and performance.

• Regular cleaning: Regularly clean the stamping die, printer head, and ink roller of the hot stamping coder to remove ink residue and debris. Use a soft cloth or brush and a mild solvent for printing ink, ensuring no damage to the equipment parts.
• Lubrication: Parts like the coder's moving components, guide rails, and gears should be lubricated regularly for a smooth operation. Lubricants that are appropriate should be chosen according to the coder's manual, and an even layer should be applied to avoid over-lubrication or under-lubrication.
• Check the ink: Ensure the ink in the coder is sufficient and check its consistency and quality. Refill or replace the ink if necessary to avoid printing issues caused by insufficient ink or low ink quality.
• Pay attention to the temperature and pressure: Hot stamping coders operate under specific temperature and pressure requirements. Maintain the proper temperature and pressure settings for the material and printing parameters to ensure stable operation and high-quality printing results.

Industry scenarios of hot stamping coders

• Packaging industry

  In the packaging industry, hot stamping coders are used to stamp variable information such as dates, batch numbers, expiration dates, and product codes on different types of packages. They can be used on surfaces like cardboard, plastic, and labels. For example, in food packaging, hot stamping coders can print production and expiration dates on beverage cartons, food packaging bags, and labeling for products.

• Product labeling

  In the product labeling industry, hot stamping coders are used to print product labels, including barcodes, QR codes, and price tags. These codes are usually printed on containers, tags, or stickers using hot stamping coders, facilitating inventory management and sales tracking.

• Electronics industry

  In the electronics industry, hot stamping coders are used to mark product information on electronic components and devices. For example, stamping coders can print serial numbers, model numbers, and manufacturing dates on items like integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, and consumer electronics like televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. This ensures easy traceability and contributes to quality control.

• Auto industry

  In the auto industry, hot stamping coders are widely used for vehicle identification and component marking. They can print vehicle identification numbers (VIN), engine numbers, chassis numbers, etc., on auto parts like engine assemblies, chassis, and body panels. Hot stamping coders ensure accurate auto parts tracking and quality control.

• Building materials and plumbing

  In the construction and plumbing industries, hot stamping coders can print product information such as brand names, model specifications, and manufacturing dates on building materials and plumbing fixtures. They can be used on various materials like pipes, valves, and architectural hardware.

• Medical industry

  In the medical industry, hot stamping coders can print various medical devices and equipment's product information, including model numbers, production dates, and expiration dates. This ensures traceability and helps comply with regulatory standards.

• Textile and garment industry

  In the textile and garment industry, hot stamping coders can print trademarks, logos, product composition, washing instructions, etc. They are commonly used in clothing, bags, and other textile products, ensuring the products meet the standards and enhancing brand recognition.

These are just a few examples; hot stamping coder machines can be applied in many industries and fields. Their versatility and efficiency make them an indispensable tool for marking and coding in various manufacturing and packaging environments.

How to choose hot stamping coders

When buying these types of coders, it is important to choose ones that are easy to use and understand. So, look for features like user-friendly displays, simple button controls, and clear operator manuals. Also, consider the training needs of the employees who will use the coder. Moreover, packaging machines should be compatible with the stamping coder. Furthermore, the stampers have to be in sync with the production line and workflow to avoid delays and improve efficiency. It is also important to consider the maintenance and service requirements of the stamping coder. Select machines that are easy to maintain and have long service intervals.

Additionally, a stamping coder with low maintenance requirements will save businesses valuable time and money. Ink and foil supplies for the coder should also be easy to find. Suppliers of these items should be reliable with prompt delivery services to ensure the business' operations run smoothly without any interruptions. Finally, buyers need to evaluate the energy requirements of the stamping coder they intend to purchase. Consider the energy consumption of the coder and select ones that are efficient.

Q&A

Q1. Is hot stamping the same as foil stamping?

A1. Hot stamping is different from foil stamping. In hot stamping, the die's temperature comes from internal heating elements, while in foil stamping, it gets heated using hot plates.

Q2. What is the difference between hot stamping and blind embossing?

A2. Unlike blind embossing, which only uses pressure to create raised lettering, hot stamping embossing dies apply a combination of pressure and heat.

Q3. Why is hot stamping used?

A3. Hot stamping is popularly used for adding details like yearly expiration dates, lot numbers, and barcode printing on products is valuable.

Q4. Does hot stamping fade?

A4. Because it engraves the surfaces of items instead of merely printing them, hot stamping creates images that will last a lifetime, never fading or wearing away.