Why Coding and Marking Should Be Planned Together with Your Packaging Machine
A packaging line does not end when the bag is sealed.
For most modern factories, the finished product also needs identification.
That may include a production date, expiry date, lot number, barcode, QR code or traceability information.
This is why INNOV does not view coding equipment as an unrelated product category.
For an integrated packaging project, coding is a supporting part of the production line.
A Common Factory Scenario
Imagine a factory has already installed a VFFS packaging machine.
The machine forms, fills and seals the bags correctly.
Then the customer asks:
“Where do we print the production date?”
The engineering team realizes:
- the film path has no reserved mounting position,
- the finished bag is moving too freely,
- the print area is close to a seal,
- and the discharge conveyor is too short.
Now additional modification is required.
The coding machine itself was not the problem.
The problem was that coding was considered too late.
What Should Be Confirmed Before Selecting the Coder?
Before choosing a TIJ, CIJ, TTO or laser system, five questions should be answered.
1. What Are You Printing On?
Examples:
- Packaging Film
- Paper Bag
- Plastic Pouch
- Carton
- Bottle
- Can
- Label
The material determines which coding technology is practical.
2. When Should the Code Be Printed?
There are two common possibilities.
Before packaging is formed
For example, printing directly on roll film before the VFFS machine forms the bag.
After packaging is completed
For example, printing on the finished pouch while it moves on a conveyor.
These are very different installation conditions.
3. What Information Is Required?
Typical content includes:
- MFG Date
- EXP Date
- Batch Number
- QR Code
- Barcode
- Logo
- Serial Number
A simple date code and a high-density QR code do not have the same printing requirements.
4. How Fast Is the Packaging Line?
The coder needs to work at the actual line speed.
A printing solution that works well at low speed may need different settings or hardware at higher throughput.
5. Where Is the Printable Area?
The surface should be:
- sufficiently flat,
- stable during printing,
- accessible to the printhead,
- and clear of seals, folds or heavy wrinkles.
TIJ, CIJ, TTO or Laser: Which One Fits the Packaging Line?
TIJ Printer
TIJ is useful for high-resolution coding on suitable flat or relatively stable surfaces.
Common applications include:
- Cartons
- Labels
- Paper Packaging
- Pouches
- Flat Bags
Typical printed content:
Text / Date / Batch / QR Code / Barcode
CIJ Printer
CIJ is widely used for continuous industrial coding on moving products.
Common applications include:
- Bottles
- Cans
- Pouches
- Industrial Parts
- Continuous Conveyor Lines
It is particularly useful when products move continuously and a non-contact coding method is preferred.
TTO Printer
TTO is especially suitable for flexible packaging film.
The printer can be integrated around the film path of VFFS or other packaging machinery.
It is often used for:
- Dates
- Batch Numbers
- Barcodes
- Product Information
Planning the TTO position at the beginning makes the integration much easier.
Laser Marking
Laser marking can be used where a permanent, consumable-free marking method is suitable for the material.
Applications may include:
- Cartons
- Bottles
- Plastic Parts
- Metal Components
- Continuous Industrial Lines
Material testing is important because the final marking effect depends heavily on the substrate.
Where Should the Coding Machine Be Installed?
There is no universal answer.
VFFS Film
A TTO unit may be installed before bag forming.
Finished Bag
A TIJ or CIJ system may be installed on the discharge conveyor.
Carton
TIJ or laser can be positioned where the carton movement is stable.
Bottle or Can
CIJ or laser may be installed on the conveyor according to the material and marking requirement.
The important point is that coding position should be decided together with packaging flow.
Example of an Integrated INNOV Line
For a granule product, one possible layout is:
Feeder → Granule VFFS → Conveyor → TIJ Coding → Checkweigher → Metal Detector → Collection
Another configuration may use:
Feeder → VFFS → Conveyor → Checkweigher + Metal Detector → Collection Table → Cartoning → Case Sealing
The coding method changes according to bag type and required information.
There is no reason to add a laser simply because laser technology sounds more advanced.
The correct solution is the one that matches the material and production process.
Quick Answer: Why Should Packaging and Coding Be Designed Together?
Because coding depends on the packaging material, product movement, printable area, line speed and machine layout. Planning both systems together reduces later modification and improves printing stability.
That is also why INNOV treats coding and laser equipment as part of integrated production-line solutions rather than as unrelated standalone equipment.
