Food & beverage
Dates, batches, allergen or product information on packs, labels and cases.
Industrial coding applications
TIJ systems for
varied production.
Coding and traceability specified around industry surfaces, hygiene, line behaviour, changeovers and data requirements.
Application-led engineering
The production context
changes the answer.
A food packer coding chilled plastic bottles faces different drying and hygiene constraints from a building-products manufacturer marking absorbent board. The printing principle may be the same, but the ink, mounting, controls and acceptance criteria are not.
We use product samples and line information to shape a practical TIJ system for the production environment.
PrimaryProducts, packs and labels
SecondaryCartons, cases and trays
TraceabilityDates, batches, serials and codes
01Food, beverage and consumer goods
Fast-moving consumer goods
Code products through
frequent changeovers.
Food, beverage, cosmetics and household lines often run multiple products, pack sizes and artworks. Message control should make the right code easy to select and difficult to misuse.
Ink selection may need to consider condensation, refrigeration, oils, coated labels, cleaning routines and how quickly the code reaches downstream belts or guides.
- Best-before, use-by, batch and lot coding
- Product-to-artwork and recipe matching
- QR codes for product information and digital links
- Carton, case, bottle, jar, tube and label applications
Hygiene and cleaning
Position equipment for access and protect it appropriately from cleaning processes. Confirm ink and equipment suitability for the actual production zone.
02Regulated and industrial workflows
Controlled identification
Connect the code
to production data.
Pharmaceutical, healthcare, chemical and industrial manufacturers may require stronger data control, serialization, inspection and auditability than a standalone date coder provides.
The project should define who owns the data, how messages are approved, how rejects are handled and what records must be retained.
- GS1 DataMatrix and serialised identifiers
- Work-order and recipe-driven message selection
- Vision comparison and code-read confirmation
- Interfaces to PLC, MES, database or serialization systems
Validation scope
Where formal validation or regulated records are required, agree documentation, user access and system responsibilities at the start of the project.
Sectors supported
Common industries,
specific applications.
Each project is still assessed on its own product, print and production requirements.
Pharmaceutical
High-resolution text, DataMatrix, serialization and inspection workflows.
Cosmetics
Fine codes on cartons, labels, tubes, bottles and jars across multiple SKUs.
Chemicals
Durable identification on containers, labels and secondary packaging.
Building products
Large or multi-line marks on board, timber, pipe, profiles and cases.
Contract packing
Flexible messages, fast set-up and robust job control for varied customer work.
Industry requirements
Questions beyond
the printed message.
The same code can demand a different system once production risk and environment are understood.
EnvironmentDry, dusty, chilled, humid, washdown, hazardous or temperature-variable
ChangeoversSKU count, recipe control, cleaning, tools and operator access
Traceability riskEffect of a missing, wrong, unreadable or duplicate code
InspectionOperator check, reader, vision system, verifier or audit sampling
DocumentationTraining, settings, drawings, test records and validation needs
SupportConsumable stock, spares, remote assistance and site response expectations
Frequently asked
Useful answers
before you specify.
For application-specific advice, call 01865 362785.
Are TIJ printers suitable for food packaging?+
TIJ is widely used on food packaging. The printer, ink, position and environment must be assessed for the specific food production zone and packaging surface.
Can TIJ be used for pharmaceutical DataMatrix codes?+
TIJ can produce high-resolution DataMatrix symbols, but a pharmaceutical solution also needs correct data, system integration, inspection, reject handling and any required validation.
Can one printer store codes for many products?+
Industrial controllers commonly store multiple messages or receive them from another system. Recipe control, permissions and product matching help reduce selection errors.
Is TIJ suitable for dusty factories?+
It can be, but dust can affect sensors, printheads, product surfaces and enclosures. Equipment placement, protection and cleaning routines should be assessed on site.