Pack details
Material, shape, print area, label or direct print, and whether the pack is dry or handled soon after coding.
Inkjet coding guide
thermal inkjet ink for plastic
Plastic packaging needs the right ink chemistry and enough dry time so small text, barcodes and QR codes remain readable.
What to check firstSend your requirement
Check the pack, code and production line before choosing the printer
Guide to thermal inkjet ink selection for plastic packaging, labels, films and coated cartons.
The right recommendation depends on the material, print area, expected contrast, dry time, production speed and how operators will change messages. Lancing can look at your sample pack and advise whether CIJ, TIJ, large character or handheld inkjet is the best fit.
Print content
Date, batch, lot, expiry, serial number, barcode, QR code or simple product identification.
Pack surface
Plastic, glass, metal, carton, label, sleeve, pouch, tray, sack, case or coated packaging.
Line details
Speed, printhead position, product sensor, encoder, brackets, guards and operator access.
Need this on a live line?
Send the pack type, code example, line speed and available space. We can suggest the best coding route before you commit to a machine.
Where it fits
Typical production requirements
These pages are written around real packaging problems: substrate, line speed, print position, operator changeover and traceability content.
Line details
Speed, product spacing, conveyor movement, guarding, operator access and available mounting space.
Code details
Number of lines, date format, batch or lot content, barcode or QR size and data source.
Related advice
Useful inkjet coding links
Compare machine types and related print requirements before requesting a recommendation.
Questions
Common questions
Can this type of inkjet coder print dates and batch numbers?
Yes. The usual print content is a date, batch number, lot code, expiry date, barcode, QR code or production reference. The best technology depends on the pack surface and line speed.
Will the code dry on plastic, glass or film?
Ink choice and print position matter. A sample pack check helps confirm contrast, adhesion and dry time before installation.
Can a coder be fitted to an existing packaging line?
Most installations can be designed around an existing conveyor or machine using brackets, sensors, encoders and practical guarding access.
Ask Lancing to recommend the right coder.
Share your product, code content, line speed and pack material for practical UK advice.
Record the accepted ink and plastic combination
Treat a successful sample as a result for a defined substrate and ink combination. Record the pack supplier, material description, surface finish and printed area together with the ink reference used in the assessment. This gives purchasing and production a useful reference if packaging or consumables later change.
Use the conditions the mark will meet after printing. Agree when it is checked, what handling exposure matters and which result is acceptable. Include any label or coating on the print face rather than assuming that the underlying plastic description alone represents the surface being marked.
- Change control
- Revisit the sample result when the print surface, ink or relevant handling condition changes.
- Trial record
- Retain the message, substrate identification and agreed adhesion or readability observations.
Does PET or HDPE identification alone determine the ink choice?
It helps frame the enquiry, but the actual surface and required performance still need assessment using representative packaging.