The best code position is reachable by the printer, stable through production, visible to the user and protected from seals, abrasion, condensation and downstream contact.
A good date-code position gives the printer a controlled surface, keeps the code readable through the pack's normal life and allows the required person or scanner to find it quickly. The position must stay clear of seals, folds, artwork, embossing, cap movement, labels and high-friction contact. It should also remain accessible across every approved format without unsafe or impractical adjustment.
Choose the position before the printer is specified. Moving the code later can change the printhead orientation, bracket, product sensor, encoder, ink, inspection camera and reject arrangement.
The correct point depends on product condition and pack movement. Coding before filling may provide a flat, dry surface but must remain correct for the final product and survive forming, filling and sealing. Coding after filling can put variable data closer to the finished pack state, but curvature, condensation, heat and restricted access may be harder to control.
| Pack format | Useful starting positions | Risks to check |
|---|---|---|
| Bottles, jars and tubs | Controlled side panel, shoulder, base or cap area where the chosen head can reach without product contact. | Curvature, rotation, condensation, moulding marks, cap handling, label coverage and bottle-to-bottle height variation. |
| Pouches and flexible film | Flat artwork panel away from seals, gussets and tear features, or the film web before forming where registration is controlled. | Film stretch, wrinkling, ink transfer, seal heat, pouch fill shape and movement after print. |
| Retail cartons and sleeves | Flat panel or flap with a clear artwork knock-out and stable presentation. | Varnish, glue flaps, folds, leaflet or label coverage, variable case orientation and scanner line of sight. |
| Outer cases | Side panel visible during warehousing and accessible to direct print or label application. | Corrugated bow, dust, straps, pallet pattern, handling abrasion and trading-partner label requirements. |
Map the pack from the printer to the finished pallet. Look for belts, guide rails, star wheels, cap chucks, label applicators, sleeves, heat tunnels, case packers and other packs that touch the code before it has dried or after it has been approved. A code can be correct at the printer and damaged a few seconds later.
Measure time and conveyor distance to the first contact. Use the actual ink, surface, temperature, message and speed rather than a nominal dry-time claim.
Confirm that operators, customers and scanners can locate the code on the finished pack, not just while the item is on the conveyor.
Record bracket, guide, sensor and message settings for each pack so the approved position can be restored without trial-and-error adjustment.
Mark the target area on each sample, run representative packs through the full line and agree a measurable tolerance from stable pack features. Retain photographs or approved samples showing the code after all downstream processes. For scanned codes, test the final orientation and viewing distance with the intended equipment.
Send photographs of the finished pack and the full line path.
Lancing can assess a practical code position and mounting point.