Views: 222 Author: Loretta Publish Time: 2026-02-15 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● How Inkjet Printing Works for Date Coding
● What Is Date Coding and Why It Matters
● Common Types of Date Codes on Packaging
● Real-World Examples of Date Coding in Action
● CIJ vs TIJ for Inkjet Date Coding
● Key Benefits of Inkjet Date Coding for Manufacturers
● Practical Steps to Implement Inkjet Date Coding
● Latest Trends and Innovations in Inkjet Date Coding
● Common Inkjet Date Coding Challenges and How to Avoid Them
● Take the Next Step to Improve Your Date Coding
>> 1. What is the main purpose of inkjet date coding?
>> 2. Is thermal inkjet always better than continuous inkjet?
>> 3. Can the same ink be used on cardboard and plastic?
>> 4. How fast can inkjet date coders print?
>> 5. What happens if a date code is missing or unreadable?
Inkjet date coding is the process of printing traceable date information directly on packaging using inkjet printers, helping brands, retailers, and consumers manage product freshness, safety, and compliance.
Inkjet date coding combines inkjet printing technology with standardized date formats to mark products with sell-by, use-by, best-before, production, or lot dates on the packaging surface. These codes support traceability across the supply chain and ensure that products are sold and consumed within the intended time window.
Inkjet date coders can mark plastic bottles, glass jars, cans, cartons, corrugated boxes, metal, films, and more, using fast-drying inks tailored to porous and non-porous materials. Modern systems support handheld, inline, and conveyor-mounted configurations that integrate directly into existing production lines.
Inkjet is a non-contact printing method where a printhead ejects microscopic droplets of ink to form characters, numbers, and barcodes on moving or stationary products.
There are two main inkjet approaches widely used for date coding:
- Continuous inkjet (CIJ):
- A continuous stream of ink droplets is generated, electrically charged, and deflected to form characters on fast-moving products.
- Excess ink is recirculated through the system for reuse.
- Thermal inkjet (TIJ):
- Tiny resistors rapidly heat the ink, creating a bubble that propels droplets through nozzles to the substrate.
- Printheads are compact and inherently clean, making integration into tight packaging lines easier.
Both technologies can achieve crisp, high-contrast date codes, but they differ in speed, maintenance needs, and long-term operating cost.
Date coding is the practice of marking products with time-based information such as manufacture date, expiry date, or best-before date to support product safety, inventory rotation, and regulatory compliance. A clear date code helps retailers rotate stock correctly and gives consumers confidence that they are buying safe, high-quality goods.
In many sectors like food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, date coding is a regulatory expectation or requirement, not just a best practice. When combined with batch and lot numbers, date codes are a key element of full product traceability during recalls or quality investigations.
Most consumers see date codes every day without recognizing the terminology. Below are the most common formats used on retail packaging:
- Sell-by date
Indicates the last day a manufacturer recommends the retailer offer the product for sale to ensure optimal quality for the end consumer.
- Use-by date
Shows the final date suggested for consumption while the product is expected to be safe and of intended quality; eating it later may increase risk or degrade taste.
- Best if used by / Best-before date
Refers primarily to product quality, not safety; the item typically remains safe after this date, but sensory attributes such as flavor or texture may decline.
- Production or manufacturing date
Marks when the product was actually produced or packaged and is often combined with batch or lot codes for internal traceability.
- Julian or coded dates
Sometimes manufacturers use numeric or alphanumeric codes (for example, day of year plus year digits) to encode production information in a compact, machine-readable format.
Inkjet date coding appears on a wide range of everyday items:
- Beverage: Bottling lines print production and expiry codes on PET bottles, cans, and multipack cartons.
- Food: Bakeries mark best-before dates on bread bags and cardboard trays; frozen food manufacturers code cartons and pouches.
- Pharmaceuticals: Blister packs, vials, and cartons display batch, lot, and expiry information for regulatory compliance.
- Cosmetics and personal care: Mascara tubes, jars, and folding cartons carry production and period-after-opening information.
- Industrial products: Lubricants, chemicals, and building materials include batch and production dates for warranty and traceability.
In all these cases, inkjet printers are valued for their ability to print legible codes at production speed on varying materials.
The choice between continuous inkjet (CIJ) and thermal inkjet (TIJ) has a major impact on print quality, running cost, and sustainability.
Aspect | Continuous inkjet (CIJ) | Thermal inkjet (TIJ) |
Printing principle | Continuous ink stream, droplets deflected to substrate | Bubble of heated ink ejects droplets through nozzles |
Typical use | High-speed lines, small characters on curved or irregular objects | High-resolution codes and graphics on cartons, labels, and cases |
Maintenance | Requires periodic servicing, filters, and fluid management | Minimal wear on moving parts, often maintenance-free cartridges |
Total cost of ownership | Higher long-term fluids and service costs | Lower total cost of ownership for many date-coding applications |
Environment and cleanliness | Potential overspray, odor, and ink mist in production area | Cleaner operation with fewer emissions and less waste |
For many expiry-date and lot-code applications, TIJ offers sharper, easier-to-read codes and lower operating cost, while CIJ remains attractive where very high line speeds or challenging geometries are involved.
Inkjet date coding delivers several business-critical advantages:
- Regulatory compliance
Helps meet labeling and traceability requirements in food, beverage, pharma, and other regulated industries.
- Flexible production
Digital printing makes it simple to switch dates, batches, SKUs, and even logos without changing plates or stamps.
- High-speed, non-contact marking
Supports modern production lines where products move rapidly and may have non-flat surfaces or delicate packaging.
- Improved readability and brand perception
High-resolution codes reduce consumer confusion and support a more professional shelf appearance.
- Traceability and recall management
Precise date, lot, and line information can be encoded to quickly isolate affected products during a quality event.
When you are planning or upgrading an inkjet date-coding setup, it helps to follow a simple step-by-step approach:
1. Define application requirements
Consider product types and materials, line speeds, code content such as dates, lots, and barcodes, and print locations on each SKU.
2. Select suitable technology (CIJ vs TIJ)
Match print speed, code size, substrate, and budget to the right technology with help from an experienced supplier.
3. Choose ink type and color
Use fast-drying inks for non-porous materials, high-contrast colors for dark or transparent packaging, and low-odor or food-grade options where needed.
4. Integrate the printer into the line
Mount printheads at the appropriate distance and angle, ensure stable product handling, and connect to existing conveyors or packaging machines.
5. Configure date formats and templates
Set local or regional date formats, add automatic counters, lot codes, and barcodes using the printer's controller interface.
6. Train operators and establish QA checks
Provide brief training on cartridge changes, cleaning, and daily checks; implement routine inspections to confirm legible, accurate codes.
Inkjet date coding continues to evolve as manufacturers look for higher efficiency and better data integration:
- Connected and smart coders
Newer systems support remote monitoring, job downloads over the network, and integration with MES or ERP platforms for centralized data control.
- Eco-friendly inks and lower-waste systems
Development of low-VOC, low-odor, and longer-lasting inks reduces environmental impact and operator exposure.
- Higher-resolution and multi-head setups
Multi-head TIJ and high-throw-distance printers enable marking on larger cases or multiple lanes simultaneously, while maintaining legible codes.
- Improved user interfaces
Touchscreen controllers and simplified interfaces help operators switch jobs, adjust layouts, and monitor ink status with minimal training.
These innovations make inkjet date coders more accessible for small and mid-sized manufacturers that need professional coding without complex infrastructure.
Even robust systems can encounter issues if not properly configured or maintained:
- Smudged or unreadable codes
Often caused by slow-drying ink on non-porous substrates or contact with conveyors or guide rails before drying. Mitigate this by matching ink to substrate, optimizing distance and orientation, and allowing sufficient drying time.
- Missing or incomplete characters
Can result from nozzle blockages, incorrect sensor timing, or unstable product handling. Introduce regular cleaning routines, verify sensor placement, and stabilize conveyors or product fixtures.
- Inconsistent print position
Caused by varying product spacing or speed fluctuations. Use guides, encoders, or synchronized triggers to ensure consistent triggering and positioning.
- Unexpected downtime
Results from poor preventive maintenance, lack of spare cartridges, or untrained operators. Establish basic maintenance schedules and keep essential consumables and backup settings on hand.
Addressing these issues proactively increases uptime and ensures that every product leaves the line with a clean, accurate code.
If your products rely on clear, reliable date codes to protect your brand and meet regulatory expectations, now is the time to evaluate whether your current coding solution fits your line speed, substrates, and compliance requirements. Reach out to a specialist inkjet date-coding partner to review your existing setup, test sample prints on your actual packaging, and identify a CIJ or TIJ solution that improves code quality, reduces downtime, and lowers your long-term operating costs.
Contact us to get more information!
The main purpose of inkjet date coding is to mark products with time-based information such as production, expiry, or best-before dates to support safety, quality, and traceability across the supply chain.
Thermal inkjet is not always better than continuous inkjet. TIJ typically offers cleaner operation and lower maintenance, while CIJ is better suited for ultra-high-speed lines or very small characters on irregular surfaces.
The same ink cannot always be used on cardboard and plastic. Porous cartons often require different ink formulations than non-porous plastics, so manufacturers select inks specifically formulated for each substrate.
Industrial inkjet date coders are designed to keep up with typical packaging line speeds in food, beverage, and industrial applications and can print legible codes on each product or case as it passes the printhead.
If a date code is missing or unreadable, products may need to be reworked, relabeled, or even rejected by retailers, and in severe cases it can complicate recalls, increase risk, and damage brand reputation.
1. https://blog.sneedcoding.com/blog/what-is-inkjet-date-coding
2. https://www.videojet.com/us/homepage/resources/glossary/product-coding/date-coders.html
3. https://www.durable-tech.com/blog/date-coders-and-date-coding-equipment
4. https://rnjet.com/what-is-date-coders-date-coding-machine/
5. https://mahisystems.in/continuous-inkjet-printer-buying-guide-2025/
6. https://www.weber-marking.com/blog/expiry-date-printer/
7. https://maplejet.com/product/inkjet-coding-machine-for-date-codes/
8. https://kgkjetindia.com/resources/blog/the-ultimate-buyer-guide-to-industrial-coding-machines-in-2025
9. https://www.tourmalineenterprises.com/uncategorized/comparison-of-continuous-vs-thermal-inkjet-printing-solutions/
10. https://blog.sneedcoding.com/blog/types-of-inkjet-coding-you-should-know
