Best-before dates
Automatically calculated durability dates in the required customer format.
Packaging date coders · UK
Date, batch & expiry
code printers.
Industrial TIJ coding systems for best-before dates, use-by dates, expiry dates, lot numbers, batch codes and variable production data.
Answering the buying question
Print the right code.
On the right pack.
Short answer: a thermal inkjet date coder prints automatically changing dates, batch or lot numbers and other variable information directly onto moving products, labels or packaging.
The printer is only one part of the result. Code rules, substrate, ink, product position, speed, data ownership and verification must be specified together so operators can select the correct message and production can prove it was printed.
Reviewed by Oxford Traceability · Updated 25 August 2026
DatesBest-before, use-by and expiry
Batch + lotAutomatic variable identifiers
1D + 2DHuman and machine-readable codes
01Reliable variable coding
Code content and rules
Build the message
around production.
A dependable coding project begins by defining every field, its source and the rule that changes it.
Dates may be calculated from the production date, while batch numbers may come from an operator, work order, PLC or database. User permissions and recipe controls help reduce selection mistakes.
- Best-before, use-by, expiry and production dates
- Batch, lot, shift, time and line identifiers
- Counters, serial numbers and variable text
- Automatic rollovers and product-specific date offsets
Avoid ambiguity
Agree the date format, time zone, rollover time and source of every variable field before commissioning.
02Control and verification
Preventing coding errors
Detect the wrong code
before it travels.
The required control level should reflect the commercial and traceability risk of a missing, unreadable or incorrect code.
A simple application may use documented operator checks. Higher-risk lines can link message selection to recipes and use readers or vision inspection to confirm presence, content or code quality.
- Product sensing and speed measurement
- Recipe or work-order message selection
- Print confirmation, readers or vision inspection
- Line stop or reject response for failed codes
Acceptance criteria
Define what constitutes a pass, how often it is checked and what production must do after a failure.
Common coding requirements
Variable information
made repeatable.
One system can handle several data types when the controller, artwork and workflow are designed correctly.
Use-by and expiry
Critical date fields with controlled selection and documented checking.
Batch and lot codes
Production identifiers entered locally or supplied by another system.
Shift and time codes
Automatic fields that support root-cause analysis and traceability.
Serial numbers
Unique or sequential identifiers generated or received for each item.
Barcodes and 2D codes
Code 128, QR and DataMatrix carrying production or traceability data.
Application checklist
Information needed
for a useful trial.
Representative samples and real artwork give a stronger answer than a generic print demonstration.
Required messageExact dates, batch fields, static text, symbols and barcodes
Packaging surfaceFinished material, coating, colour, texture and cleanliness
Line conditionsNormal and maximum speed, product spacing and vibration
Date rulesOffsets, formats, rollover times, time zone and product recipes
Data sourceOperator entry, PLC, work order, database, MES or serialization system
Checking methodOperator inspection, scanner, vision comparison, verifier or reject system
Frequently asked
Direct answers
for production teams.
For application-specific advice, call 01865 362785.
What is the difference between a batch code and a lot code?+
The terms are often used interchangeably, but a business may define them differently. The important point is that the identifier links the item to a controlled production record and is applied consistently.
Can a date code printer calculate the expiry date automatically?+
Yes. Many industrial controllers can calculate a date from the production date using a product-specific offset. The rule, format, time zone and rollover time must be validated.
Can TIJ print date codes on plastic packaging?+
Yes when the finished plastic and production conditions suit a compatible fast-dry ink. Adhesion, drying time, handling and resistance should be proved on representative samples.
How can we prevent operators selecting the wrong code?+
Options include restricted user permissions, approved recipes, barcode-driven job selection, PLC or database control, confirmation prompts and downstream inspection.
Can the printed code be checked automatically?+
Yes. Depending on risk, a sensor, code reader or vision system can check presence, readability or expected content and trigger an alarm, line stop or reject action.