Intermittent coding machine

Types of intermittent coding machines

The intermittent coding machine can be divided into the following categories based on its structure and functions.

• Servo motor coding machine

  The machine is driven by a servo motor, which provides precise control over the coding and printing process. In the intermittently working mode, the coder's operation may stop and start at regular intervals while the conveyor continues to run. This can achieve the desired print quality and consistency on the product.

• Flexo coding machine

  Flexo printing is a process that prints on a substrate using an easily stretched inked elastic element. Usually, this element is made of rubber. The printing process in this style suits packaging materials, corrugated board, paper, and adhesive tape. Thanks to its trademark elastic inks, which can be spread on various materials, it can offer economical and high-speed printing solutions. It also boasts simple operation, quick ink drying time, and gorgeous print quality.

• Hot stamp coding machine

  A hot stamp coder operates by heating a stamp that imprints information such as dates, batch numbers, and other relevant details onto a substrate or packaging material. This imprinting process spares the material from the risk of being damaged, and the stamp can be customized to suit various requirements.

  The machine offers several benefits: It offers better imprint quality, durability, and legibility. The markings are resistant to smudging, scratching, and fading, and the imprinting process is environmentally friendly, as it does not require the use of ink.

• Laser intermittent coding machine

  The laser coding machine generates a code by beaming a laser onto the substrate material, such as plastic, metal, or cardboard. The laser creates the code by either etching or marking the material without physical contact. Also, without any interruption to the coding process. Normally, no replacement parts are required because there are none to wear out.

• Inkjet intermittent coding machine

  Inkjets work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto a surface through a series of nozzles to form letters, numbers, and other symbols. High-speed coding messages are printed on various surfaces, including packaging materials, labels, and products. The advantages of these kinds of machines are their high speed and versatility.

Specification and maintenance of intermittent coding machines

Intermittent coding systems provide a variety of specifications to meet different needs, so it's important to know their maintenance requirements as well so that they can continue to function reliably and produce high-quality results.

A key part of any coding machine is its power supply. Usually, it involves mains power between 110 and 240V/AC or DC of a similar range. The machine's working mechanism is often belt-driven, or it might be chain-, gear-, or servo-driven. In some models, machine parts will have slip drives or clutches to enable better control over the coding process. Operating speeds vary, depending on the machine's model, at around 30 to 300 strokes per minute. Stroke lengths can range from 55mm to 202mm. Printing areas range from 25mm to 150mm, and the back plate can be as long as 200mm.

The coding may be done in 1-2 lines or more, with a maximum of 16 lines over an area of 60mm x 90mm. The coding can be done in letter heights of 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", or 3/4", and the font can be fixed, variable, or a combination of both. It can be made up of letters, numbers, logos, and dates or batch codes. For variable data, there could be time, date, temperature, weight, countdown, or up numbering, and for sequential data, there could be a date & lot # format. With some machines, other variables could include clock time, date, countdown, & temp. Transmission resolutions of intermittent coding machines vary, but they are mostly in the range of 1200 to 600 DPI. Many machines also offer barcode printing options. Standard machine dimensions are around 350 mm x 330 mm x 550 mm. The machine usually weighs about 10 kg.

Machine maintenance can include tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and replacing or adjusting parts at regular intervals. Operators should follow the schedule set by the manufacturer to ensure a continuous high-quality output and to extend their service life. Some basic maintenance practices include:

• Cleaning: Intermittent coding machines should be cleaned regularly to remove dust, ink residue, and other contaminants. Both the outside of the machine and the print head, ink roller, and other components inside it should be cleaned.
• Lubrication: Parts that move, like gears, chains, and belts, need to be regularly lubricated to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement. The ink used for coding is usually oil-based. Machines can be either hot or cold foil coding machines. With continuous coding, intermittent coding can leave clearer, sharper images. Intermittent machines can also be used with laser, inkjet, and hot stamp technologies. Both the hot and cold foil stamping methods leave a clear, crisp image. Inkjet stamping uses a new patented dot matrix dispensing technology that forms a perfect matrix of dots to give sharp and crisp codes. Some machines will need lubricant on printer ribbons or other printer parts.
• Inspection: Components like belts, gears, ribbons, and ink cartridges in coding machines are bound to suffer wear and tear. They need to be regularly inspected and replaced when required so that the machine maintains good print quality.
• Adjustment: Sometimes, coding machine components have to be adjusted, like print head alignment or ink flow control, to maintain optimal performance.

Usage scenarios of an intermittent coding machine

An intermittent coding machine serves multiple industries thanks to its versatile capabilities. One of the most common uses is for date coding on products. Many industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic, must include expiration or manufacturing dates on their items. An intermittent coding machine can efficiently print such information on packaging materials to help customers understand the product better.

Various brands use an intermittent coding machine for batch production numbering. This usually applies to products that require serial or lot numbers, including electronics, textiles, and liquor. These machines can create distinct serial numbers on items to assist enterprises in tracking production runs, inventory management, and product authenticity.

Intermittent coding machines are also commonly used for printing barcode information. Many retail, automotive, and logistics industries use them to print barcodes for product identification, inventory control, and supply chain management.

Stamping logos and graphics on packaging materials is also a common use of coding machines. Many companies use coding machines to imprint logos on their products for brand identification and promotion. This is typical in the construction and beverage industries.

Intermittent coding machines can print messages and instructions on a product. Many companies use these machines to imprint safety warnings and handling instructions on packaging materials. They can also print anti-tampering and product authenticity messages for customers.

Some intermittent coding machines can print in multiple languages. Manufacturing companies that export products to different countries often use them. The machine helps businesses to comply with regulations and adapt to different market needs.

How to choose intermittent coding machines

Selecting the suitable intermittent coding machine is essential to ensure it meets intended packaging and operational needs. When choosing an intermittent ink coding machine, the following factors to consider:

• Production line compatibility:

  An ideal coding machine should seamlessly integrate the existing packaging system to avoid disruptions. Besides, it should be compatible with different packaging materials and formats.

• Code requirements:

  Whether the required coding includes large, complex graphics or small, simple dates and numbers, the intermittent coding machine should meet these specifications. Machine programming flexibility is also a key to adapting to changing coding requirements.

• Production volume:

  When dealing with a high volume of packages, a faster intermittent coding machine that minimizes downtime and has a robust, reliable design is ideal. For lower volumes, a more straightforward, cost-effective model may be sufficient.

• Print technology:

  Choose an intermittent coding machine with the correct print technology for the business's needs. For example, consider factors like resolution and image quality when deciding between laser, inkjet, or other printing technologies.

• Machine's usability and maintenance:

  Select a code machine that's easy to operate, with user-friendly controls and clear instructions. Consider the intermittent coding machine's design for easy maintenance, including fast ink cartridge changes and printer cleaning procedures.

• Compliance:

  Choose a coding machine that meets relevant industry standards and regulations to avoid legal problems or potential penalties.

Intermittent coding machine Q&A

Q1: What are some advantages of intermittent coding machines?

A1: The intermittent motion coding device is less costly than continuous coding machines. The machines can create crisp, clear, and highly legible imprints on a broad range of materials. Intermittent coding machines are versatile. They can be used in various industries and applications with different kinds of coding.

Q2: What are some limitations of intermittent coding machines?

A2: The main limitation of an intermittent coding machine is its speed. Coding information is only printed when the machine is in motion. The machine's printing rate is slower than continuous coding machines.

Q3: What maintenance tasks should be performed on intermittent coding machines regularly?

A3: The machine should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of ink residue and debris. Loose parts should be tightened, and any damaged or worn components should be replaced to ensure reliable operation. Routine lubrication of moving parts helps minimize friction and prolongs the lifespan of the machine. Lubrication also ensures smooth and accurate coding. Intermittent coding machines should be calibrated periodically to maintain accurate spacing and alignment of the codes.

Q4: What types of codes can be printed using an intermittent coding machine?

A4: An intermittent coding machine can print barcodes, lot numbers, product information, expiration dates, and other regulatory information as required.

Q5: Can an intermittent coding machine be integrated with other packaging technologies?

A5: Yes, an intermittent coding machine can be integrated with other packaging technologies such as label application, bag-making, and filling systems to create a complete packaging line solution.