Wire, Cable & Tube
Reliable, readable codes on fast-moving, curved and continuous products
Ensure traceability and production control without slowing extrusion or
winding processes
winding processes
Challenges in Wire, Cable & Tube Industry
Coding in wire, cable, and tube production must function under continuous, high-speed conditions with minimal tolerance for interruption. Surfaces are often curved, flexible, and vary in color or material—from plastics to metals—posing adhesion and readability challenges. Print positions must remain consistent despite product vibration, extrusion speed fluctuations, and coiling tension. Additionally, codes need to be resistant to abrasion, UV exposure, and environmental wear during transport and installation. Integration must happen inline, often in confined spaces close to moving parts. Rework is rarely an option, making first-time code
accuracy critical.
accuracy critical.
Substrates
- PVC insulation
- PE and PP coatings
- Rubber sheathing (EPR, TPE)
- Metallic tubes (aluminum, copper)
- Silicone tubing
- Corrugated or spiral tubing
Print Samples
Continuous Inkjet Printer
CIJ printers are ideally suited for marking extruded materials. They handle curved, narrow surfaces at high line speeds with excellent adhesion on PVC, PE, PU, and more. Specialized inks support abrasion resistance, UV stability, and contrast on dark or colored substrates. CIJ offers non-contact, continuous operation, adapting easily to variable extrusion speeds and tight line layouts. It’s a proven solution for cable meters, identification codes, or batch markings with minimal maintenance and easy integration.
CO2 Laser Coder
Laser coders provide crystal-clear, durable codes on thermoplastics, elastomers, and even some coated metals. In high-throughput environments, they operate without consumables, making them well-suited for long runs and low maintenance demands. When configured correctly, laser systems offer excellent readability and edge definition—even on fast-moving, narrow products. CO₂ variants cover a range of materials, enabling permanent coding for safety, compliance, or branding without physical contact or wear parts.
Vision System
Vision systems play a key role in ensuring correct, legible marking under tough conditions. They monitor code presence, contrast, and alignment on small diameters or fast-moving coils. Real-time feedback enables closed-loop control or automatic rejection if codes are missing or unreadable. This is especially critical when markings are used for safety identification, batch tracking, or regulatory labeling. Vision systems also support length-based verification (e.g., meter marks), helping maintain consistency over long production runs.
