Coding and marking machines are essentials as industrial printing solutions for today’s production line. However, just as not all machines are created equally, you have to be careful in choosing the right equipment to buy.
Here are some of the tips that will guide you in finding the right coding and marking machines for your facility.
6 Tips to Find the Right Coding and Marking Machines
1. Consider Your Operational Requirements
It is important to find coding and marking machines that are suited for your desired applications. There are factors that you should also consider to make them useful for your operations.
- The budget set by your company
- Your desired speed
- The readability and permanence of the prints
- The types of substrates or materials where markings will be applied
- The data that you’ll require such as bar codes, graphics, and variable data
2. Know the Right Coding and Marking Option
Different coding and marking machines are made for specific purposes so you have to know which one will work for you. You don’t want to end with a machine that doesn’t have a barcoding capability when it is your requirement.
Will you benefit from inkjet or laser coders? Will a thermal printer work for your needs? If you’ll be using coding and marking machines for cartons and product packaging, an inkjet coder would be your best choice. However, it will have its limitations when used for barcoding. Laser coders on the other hand will have higher upfront costs but can work for some barcoding applications. The upfront investment for it can be offset as they can run for a longer period of time without issues.
3. Choose Efficiency
You can reduce costs related to your processes if you can increase your coding efficiency. Find coding and marking machines that can save you both time and money. This will allow huge-volume production while eliminating unnecessary waste of resources.
It is also important to not just look at the cost of the hardware but also the amount you’ll spend on the supplies and consumables. Oftentimes, running costs must be taken into consideration to know the real value of the coding and marking machines.
4. Don’t Overlook Future Changes
Keep in mind that packaging configurations continue to evolve. As they are changing faster than ever, you have to find a versatile coding and marking machine that can easily be configured with new packaging substrates. This will have an impact on your future sales as fresh packaging can influence how a product can be perceived by its target market.
5. Put Value on Flexibility
Integration is a very important factor that will help you make the most of your coding and marking machines. As technology moves at a fast pace, automation and integration should be prioritized. Stand-alone devices may no longer be your best choice especially with options for machines that can be integrated with other equipment to perform more actions.
6. Partner with Trusted Brands
One of the simplest ways to make the best of coding and marking machines is by choosing a trusted brand in the industry like Linx technology. Brands that have already built a good reputation stick to practices that protect their image. They are consistent in providing excellence and quality that adhere to ideal standards to ensure that your investment is safe with them.
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If you are running a facility and have packaging requirements to deal with, you’ll need the right coding and marking machines that meet your needs. While there are lots of options available, you have to be careful to make sure that your choice will help make your processes more efficient and bring out the best of your investment.
Need help in finding coding and marking machines? Elixir has a wide range of products from Linx that meet varying needs and applications. Contact us now so we can help you.