Labelling machine selection
Coordinate label construction, application position and variable-data requirements.
Coding and quality-control guide
Coding and inspection should be specified as a controlled process. Define the data, substrate, print window, verification rule and line response so that a correct, readable mark remains associated with the correct pack.
Provide the exact variable content, maximum number of lines, character height, barcode or two-dimensional symbol, date format, batch logic and any fixed text. Mark the permitted print area on the actual label, film, carton, cap or container. Include the substrate colour, gloss, texture, curvature, moisture, temperature and movement at the printing point.
Decide whether coding occurs on the packaging material before application, on the finished pack, or through a print-and-apply label. Each route changes the print window and verification point. A code printed on a label web may be easier to control, but the project must still ensure that the correctly coded label is applied to the intended product.
| Application route | Selection questions | Integration considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Inkjet coding | Ink adhesion, drying, contrast, throw distance, substrate, line speed and environment. | Encoder or speed tracking, product detect, print delay, low-ink alarm, cleaning and extraction where relevant. |
| Thermal-transfer or hot-ribbon coding | Ribbon and substrate compatibility, print area, dwell, pressure, temperature and material motion. | Film web control, registration, print-ready signal, ribbon status and location before sealing. |
| Print and apply labelling | Label size, stock, print density, data source, applicator method and target surface. | Product tracking, print queue, applicator cycle, label-present confirmation and reject/alarm response. |
| Pre-printed label or packaging | Artwork control, supplier quality, version identification and variable data still required. | Line clearance, material verification and prevention of mixed reels, labels or cartons. |
A sensor that sees a dark mark does not prove that the code is correct. Define the inspection level. Presence inspection confirms that something is printed; optical character recognition or verification can compare characters against expected data; barcode reading can confirm encoded content; and a verifier may assess print quality against the applicable specification. The technology and sampling or 100% requirement must be agreed for the product and risk.
Where GS1 identification is used, follow the current GS1 specifications for data, symbol, size and placement. Verify the symbol on the finished pack because curvature, overwrap, print contrast and application position can affect scanning even when the source artwork is correct. The GS1 UK website is an authoritative starting point for current standards and guidance.
Define the distance and number of products between inspection and rejection. The controls must track each result through stops, gaps and speed changes. If products can be manually inserted or removed between the two points, the tracking method needs additional review.
The reject system should remove the failed pack positively and confirm that the action occurred. Define what happens if the reject bin is full, the reject device fails, or several consecutive failures occur. In some applications the safe response is a controlled stop rather than allowing uncertain product to continue.
Variable data should come from a controlled source. Define who selects or approves the recipe, whether the production order sends data automatically, what the operator can edit and how a mismatch is prevented. At changeover, the line-clearance procedure should remove previous labels, film, cartons and printed material, reset counters and verify the first acceptable pack.
If the site requires records, define the data to retain, time reference, batch association, user access and network responsibilities. Avoid assuming that a printer’s internal log equals a complete line record; it may show a command was issued without proving the mark was readable and applied to the correct pack.
Browse printing, coding and sealing equipment, inkjet coding, hot-ribbon coding, print-and-apply labelling and pallet labelling.
Coordinate label construction, application position and variable-data requirements.
Plan product tracking, signals, rejection and fault recovery across connected equipment.
Create acceptance tests for correct data, readable output, inspection and reject confirmation.
Only if presence is the defined requirement. It does not confirm that characters are correct or readable. Specify whether content, barcode data, print quality or position must also be checked.
It should be placed where the failed product can be tracked reliably from inspection and removed without creating another hazard or damaging good packs. The distance and intervening product handling must be included in the controls design.
It can where a suitable interface is defined. Agree data fields, message timing, recipe ownership, validation, network responsibility and the response to missing or conflicting data.
Application, curvature, overwrap, substrate and print process can change scan performance after artwork approval. Finished-pack verification checks the result that customers and supply-chain scanners will encounter.
The response depends on the process risk. A controlled stop, alarm and line clearance may be more appropriate than repeatedly rejecting packs. Define the threshold and recovery procedure before commissioning.
Ready to discuss the application?
Send Lancing the product, pack and project information for an application review and tailored quotation.
© Copyright 2025 by Lancing Ltd - all right reserved terms & conditions