Packaging Industry
Primary and secondary packaging
Achieve consistent code quality across variable substrates
Challenges in Packaging Industry
Packaging lines today face frequent changeovers and tight production windows. Industrial printers & coders must integrate into dense line setups and remain accurate despite fluctuating speeds, gaps and process shifts.
Code placement requires precise triggering and stability, especially with pre-printed packaging or challenging surfaces like eggshells. Dust, humidity and line debris can affect print quality.
Despite all that, traceability and legibility must stay consistent without slowing changeovers or impacting OEE.
Substrates
- Coated Cardboard
- Flexible Films
- Thermoformed trays
- Form-Fill-Seal Films
- Tin & Cans
- Special Cases like egg shells
Print Samples
Continuous Inkjet Printer
CIJ printers offer flexibility for fast-paced packaging lines. They adapt easily to shifting print positions and diverse substrates including challenging surfaces like organic eggshells with original Food-Grade-Inks.
Quick-drying inks ensure legibility even on uneven or moving surfaces. CIJ technology is especially effective when space is tight, materials change often and real-time data needs to be printed inline.
Minimal integration effort and short changeover times make it a robust option for e.g. demanding mixed-product packaging lines.
CO2 Laser Coder
Laser coders provide permanent, high-contrast codes without ink or solvent use—ideal for operations looking to eliminate maintenance linked to fluids.
In packaging, lasers perform well where material formats are stable and long runs dominate. The non-contact process prevents smudging or mechanical wear, even at high speeds.
A good fit for clean lines aiming to reduce operating overhead long-term.
Vision System
Vision systems are essential for ensuring that each packed product leaves the line correctly marked. A Vision System verifies correct product codes, position, contrast, and legibility in real time. It can also automatically trigger ejection or alerts. In highly automated production lines, a vision system adds a layer of quality control that reduces downstream complaints and meets traceability requirements in regulated environments.
How Hitachi Coding and Marking Solutions Helped Fox Romania Optimise Production and Eliminate Errors
Fox Romania, a leading Romanian meat processor, enhanced its production by implementing Hitachi’s coding solutions. Previously reliant on manual labelling, which risked errors and compliance issues, Fox adopted Hitachi’s UX-D161W continuous inkjet and HTJ-4400 thermal inkjet printers. This shift enabled direct box printing, eliminating the need for label mismatches. The implementation of a centralised middleware solution has led to significant improvements in printer management, ultimately reducing the operator’s workload and training time. The scalable system integrates seamlessly with Fox’s ERP, MES and WMS, positioning the company for future growth.
