How to Choose the Right Coding and Marking Technology for Different Packaging Materials
1. Why Does Packaging Material Matter?
Packaging materials have different physical and chemical properties.
Paper and cardboard are generally porous and can absorb ink, while plastic films and coated materials may have low surface energy and require inks with better adhesion. Metal surfaces require a completely different marking approach, while glass and certain plastics may be better suited to laser or specialized inkjet technologies.
Before selecting a coding or Marking Machine, manufacturers should consider:
- Packaging material and surface characteristics
- Production line speed
- Required print or marking resolution
- Content to be printed
- Marking durability
- Contact or non-contact requirements
- Production-line integration
- Ink or consumable requirements
Selecting the right technology based on these factors can improve code quality, production efficiency, and long-term operating costs.
2. Coding and Marking Technologies for Paper and Cardboard
Paper bags, corrugated boxes, cartons, labels, and other paper-based packaging are widely used in food, pharmaceutical, logistics, and industrial applications.
Recommended technologies: Tij and PIJ/UV Inkjet
TIJ printers are well suited for printing production dates, expiration dates, batch numbers, barcodes, QR codes, and other variable information on cartons and paper packaging.
They offer high-resolution printing in a compact system and are relatively easy to integrate into conveyor-based production lines.
For applications requiring higher-resolution graphics, larger print areas, or specialized inks, piezoelectric inkjet technology can provide additional flexibility.
For example, DANA's online TIJ systems are designed for production-line coding and can support applications such as dates, barcodes, and QR codes on packaging materials.
Typical applications:
- Corrugated cartons
- Paper bags
- Food packaging
- Shipping boxes
- Pharmaceutical cartons
- Labels
3. Coding on Plastic Film and Flexible Packaging
Plastic film is commonly used for food packaging, household products, industrial bags, and flexible packaging.
Common materials include PE, PP, PET, and other plastic films.
Recommended technologies: CIJ, TIJ, PIJ/UV Inkjet, or Laser
The best solution depends heavily on the type of plastic, surface treatment, production speed, and required durability.
Cij Printers are widely used for high-speed, non-contact coding on plastic packaging. They can continuously print production dates, batch numbers, lot numbers, and other variable information while products move along a production line.
TIJ printers can provide higher-resolution text, barcodes, and 2D codes when the material and ink are suitable.
For applications requiring high-resolution printing or specialized inks, UV inkjet systems can provide additional options for non-porous substrates.
Laser marking can also be considered when a permanent or ink-free identification method is required. However, the appropriate laser source should be selected according to the specific plastic material.
4. Coding on Metal Packaging and Components
Metal packaging and metal components require a different approach from paper and plastic.
Common substrates include:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Carbon steel
- Tinplate
- Metal-coated materials
Recommended technology: Fiber Laser
Fiber laser marking is commonly used for permanent identification on metal surfaces.
It can be used for:
- Serial numbers
- QR codes
- DataMatrix codes
- Barcodes
- Logos
- Product identification
- Traceability information
Compared with ink-based coding, laser marking does not require ink cartridges or continuous ink supply during marking.
For manufacturers that require durable identification that can withstand abrasion or demanding industrial environments, fiber laser marking can be an effective solution.
5. Coding and Marking on Glass
Glass bottles and containers are widely used in beverages, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.
Recommended technologies: CIJ and CO₂ Laser
CIJ printing is commonly used for high-speed coding on bottles and containers. Its non-contact printing process allows codes to be applied while products move continuously through the production line.
For applications requiring permanent marking, CO₂ laser marking can be considered for suitable glass surfaces.
The final choice depends on:
- Production speed
- Required permanence
- Bottle shape
- Marking content
- Contrast requirements
- Production-line configuration
6. Marking on Plastic Products Requiring High Precision
Not all plastics respond to laser energy in the same way.
Some plastic products may experience excessive heat or surface damage when using conventional laser systems. In applications where fine marking and low thermal impact are important, UV laser marking can be an alternative.
Recommended technology: UV Laser
UV laser marking operates at a shorter wavelength and can provide fine, high-precision marking on suitable plastic materials.
It can be considered for applications such as:
- Electronic components
- Plastic housings
- Medical packaging
- Precision plastic parts
- Product identification
- Small QR codes and DataMatrix codes
Material testing is important before selecting a UV laser because different plastics have different absorption characteristics.
7. Quick Guide: Which Technology Should You Choose?
| Packaging Material | Recommended Technology | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated cardboard | TIJ | Date, batch, barcode, QR code |
| Paper bags | TIJ / PIJ | Date, lot number, variable information |
| Plastic film | CIJ / TIJ / PIJ | Date, batch, barcode |
| PE / PP packaging | CIJ / PIJ / Laser* | Product identification |
| Metal | Fiber Laser | QR code, serial number, logo |
| Glass | CIJ / CO₂ Laser | Date, batch, permanent marking |
| Suitable plastics | UV Laser / Inkjet | Fine text, QR code, traceability |
| Cartons | TIJ / PIJ | High-resolution variable printing |
*Laser selection depends on the specific material and application.
8. TIJ vs. CIJ vs. Laser: What Is the Main Difference?
The following comparison can help manufacturers understand the basic differences between the major technologies.
| Technology | Main Advantage | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| TIJ | High-resolution, easy operation | Cartons, paper, suitable films |
| CIJ | High-speed continuous printing | Bottles, cables, films, moving products |
| PIJ / UV Inkjet | High-resolution and flexible printing | Packaging, traceability, specialized applications |
| CO₂ Laser | Permanent non-contact marking | Glass and suitable non-metallic materials |
| Fiber Laser | Durable marking on metals | Metal parts, components, traceability |
| UV Laser | Fine marking with low thermal impact | Suitable plastics and precision applications |
There is no universal coding technology that is suitable for every packaging application.
For example, a manufacturer producing corrugated cartons at moderate speed may benefit from a TIJ printer, while a high-speed beverage production line may require CIJ technology. A metal component manufacturer requiring permanent traceability would generally consider fiber laser marking instead.
9. Other Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Coding Machine
Material compatibility is only one part of the decision.
Production Speed
High-speed production lines may require CIJ or flying laser systems, while lower-speed applications may have more flexibility.
Print Content
Simple dates and batch numbers have different requirements from high-resolution QR codes, DataMatrix codes, logos, and variable product information.
Marking Durability
If the code must survive abrasion, chemicals, heat, or long-term outdoor exposure, laser marking or specialized inks may be more appropriate.
Installation Method
Consider whether the machine will be installed:
- On a conveyor
- Beside a packaging machine
- Above a production line
- On a rotary system
- In an automated production cell
The printer or laser system should be compatible with the available installation space and production-line controls.
Maintenance and Consumables
Inkjet systems require inks and other consumables, while laser systems generally do not use printing ink.
However, laser systems may require other considerations such as optical components, extraction systems, protective enclosures, and periodic maintenance.
10. Why Material Testing Is Important
Even when a material appears to be suitable for a particular technology, actual testing is strongly recommended.
The final result can be affected by:
- Material composition
- Surface treatment
- Color
- Surface roughness
- Coating
- Production speed
- Printing distance
- Laser parameters
- Ink selection
For laser applications, factors such as power, speed, frequency, focus, and number of passes can significantly affect the final marking result.
For inkjet applications, ink adhesion, drying time, print distance, resolution, and substrate characteristics should also be evaluated.
This is why sample testing can be an important step before selecting a production coding or marking system.
11. DANA Marking: Coding and Marking Solutions for Different Materials
DANA Marking provides a range of industrial coding and marking technologies, including TIJ, CIJ, high-resolution UV inkjet, CO₂ laser, UV laser, and fiber laser marking systems.
Our solutions can be configured for different materials, production speeds, marking contents, and production-line requirements.
From printing dates and batch numbers on packaging to permanent QR codes and serial numbers on industrial components, the appropriate technology depends on the actual application.
Need Help Choosing the Right Coding Technology?
If you are not sure whether you need a TIJ printer, CIJ printer, UV inkjet printer, CO₂ laser, UV laser, or fiber laser, DANA Marking can evaluate your material and marking requirements and recommend a suitable solution.
Send us your material, marking content, production speed, and sample requirements to discuss the right coding and marking solution for your application.