Batch coding is an essential part of any manufacturing process, whether it is food and beverage production, pharmaceutical, or automobile sectors. Batch codes are required for traceability that allow a product to be tracked through all phases of production, processing, and distribution. 

Batch coding is an essential part of any manufacturing process, whether it is food and beverage production, pharmaceutical, or automobile sectors. Batch codes are required for traceability that allow a product to be tracked through all phases of production, processing, and distribution. Each batch number is made of various distinguishing identifiers pertaining to the product, production line, date, time, and other relevant information.

These codes are created using a table top batch coding machine, available in different varieties. Choosing the right batch coding equipment is thus critical to ensure that your products move smoothly through a supply chain.

In this blog, we will discuss the different types of Batch Coding Machines and determine which is best suited to your industry.

Types of Table Top Batch Coding Machine

Based on operations

Manually operated batch coding machine:

Hand-operated batch coding machines are usually only appropriate for limited manufacturing runs. Manual coding equipment comprises traditional heated stamps, and ink pads or sticker roller coding devices. This particular type of machine is typically used by small business owners who produce a smaller range of goods, usually by hand and for limited distribution.

Semi-automatic Batch Coding Machine:

Semi-automatic batch coding systems are electrically controlled and automatically apply codes, but they do not combine with automatic supply lines, product feeding and collection need to be done by hand only.

Automatic batch coding machine:

An automatic batch coding machine is put on data products as they move along a manufacturing line, with no operator involvement required. Once an automated batch coder is configured with the necessary code, product feeding and writing happen automatically until the product or code is changed. For large-scale manufacturing or programmed production lines, automatic batch coding systems are the most preferred option.

Based on Surface Contact or Non-Contact?

Table top batch coding machines, whether manual, semi-automatic, or automatic, are further classified as contact or non-contact. Your business and the sort of product produced at your manufacturing unit will determine whether you need a contact or non-contact batch coder.

Contact batch coding machines:

This batch-coding machine makes direct contact with the external surface of the product or packaging that needs to be coded. Traditional rubber or metal stamps, as well as automated thermal transfer overprinting (TTO) devices, are included in contact batch coding machines.

Non-contact batch coding machines:

Non-contact batch coding machines do not directly touch the surface of the good to be coded; instead, apply the desired code with methods such as lasers and ink sprays. Non-contact devices are ideal for batch codes that have to be altered on a regular basis. Continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers, and laser coders are examples of non-contact batch coding solutions.

Based on Technologies Used 

Thermal transfer overprinting:

Thermal transfer over printers (TTO) are used to create high-quality codes on flexible films and labels at high speed. TTO printing is a popular method for batch labelling processed and convenience food items, with printers integrated into packaging and processing machines such as tray sealers, flow wrappers, and baggers.

In TTO, coding process, a code is transmitted directly onto a product package or label by applying heat to an ink ribbon in a defined target area. It is done in a manner that the print head comes into contact with the print area to create a code.

Continuous inkjet printing:

Batch coding with continuous inkjet printers is used in a wide range of industries, including food, beverage, industrial, and production. These printers can print on surfaces ranging from thin plastic sheets to thick ridged metal.

Thermal inkjet printing:

Thermal inkjet printers are non-contact ink coding machines capable of producing high-resolution prints at a faster speed. These are perfect for bulk coding drugs and medical gadgets with highly sophisticated codes and messages.

Laser coders:

A non-ink-based batch coder is preferred for a few applications in industries like the beverage industry. This machine is capable of printing codes mainly to write batch codes on foil seals, PET, and glass; therefore, it is mainly used to print codes on the bottom of beer cans, wine bottles, and water bottles.

Find Your Best Fit at B2BStreets:

These are different types of table top batch coding machines mainly available on the market and are used by different industries. Based on your products and unit, you can determine which one among these will be best suited to your business. Regardless of the type you need, you can find the range of batch coder machines on B2Bstreets. Simply visit B2BStreets- the largest online B2B marketplace, and search for the machine you need. You will get a list of the best manufacturers for table top batch coding machines near you. Visit here: https://b2bstreets.com/