What Ink is Best for Flexible Packaging Printing?

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In general, the Linx inks can print with ease on flexible packaging with an inkjet coding machine. Variety of inks and fluids depending on the material and application requirements. Here are some popular ink types:

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  1. Solvent-based Inks:
    CIJ printers and some TIJ printers commonly use solvent-based inks. These inks contain pigments or dyes dissolved in a solvent that evaporates quickly. Indeed, leaving behind durable and high-quality inkjet printing on flexible packaging materials. Solvent-based inks offer good adhesion, quick drying times, and resistance to chemicals and abrasion.
  2. Water-based Inks:
    Water-based inks are suitable for use with some TIJ printers and flexographic printing systems. These inks contain pigments or dyes suspended in a water-based solution, making them more environmentally friendly than solvent-based inks. Water-based inks work well on porous substrates, such as paper and uncoated flexible inkjet packaging materials. But may not adhere well to non-porous materials without surface treatment.
  3. UV-curable Inks:
    UV-LED inkjet printers use UV-curable inks and offer excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to chemicals and abrasion. These inks contain photoinitiators that cure instantly when exposed to UV light. Additionally, creating high-quality inkjet coding on various flexible packaging materials, including plastic films and laminates.
  4. Hot-melt Inks:
    Thermal transfer over printers (TTO) uses hot-melt inks, also known as solid inks. Also, some drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printers use hot melt inks. These inks come in solid form, and the print head melts the ink during the printing. As a result, transferring it from a ribbon onto the flexible packaging material. Hot-melt inks offer good adhesion and durability, making them suitable for printing on thin films and labels.

When selecting the best ink for inkjet coder for printing flexible packaging printing, consider factors such as the printer type, packaging material, production speed, required print quality and durability, and environmental considerations. Each ink type has advantages and limitations, so choose the one that best fits your coding and marking requirements.

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How to print the expiry date on flexible packaging?

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print expiry date on packaging

Printing expiry dates on flexible packaging is essential for ensuring product safety, compliance, and traceability. Several methods are available for printing expiry dates on flexible packaging, each with advantages and limitations. Here are some popular options:

  1. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Printer:
    CIJ printers are widely used for printing expiry dates on flexible packaging because they can print directly on moving products on a production line. They offer high-quality, durable prints and can handle a variety of substrates, including flexible films and pouches. Choose an ink specifically designed for flexible packaging materials to ensure proper adhesion and durability.
  2. Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printers:
    TIJ printers use heat to eject ink droplets from nozzles onto the flexible packaging surface. They produce high-resolution prints and are suitable for applications requiring fine details or smaller text. TIJ printers work well for printing expiry dates on various flexible packaging materials, such as plastic films and laminates. Select an ink that is compatible with the specific flexible packaging material for optimal results.
  3. Thermal Transfer Over Printer (TTO):
    TTO printers use heat and pressure to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the flexible packaging surface. This method provides high-quality, durable prints and is particularly suitable for printing on thin films and labels used in flexible packaging. TTO printers offer excellent print resolution and can produce sharp, clear text, barcodes, and graphics.

Print Expiry Date on Packaging Films

print expiry date on packaging

When selecting a method for printing expiry dates on flexible packaging, consider factors such as the packaging material, production speed, required print quality and durability, and the complexity of the design. Each method has advantages and limitations, so choose the one that best fits your needs and requirements.

To ensure successful expiry date coding and marking on flexible packaging, follow these best practices:

  • Choose the appropriate printer and ink/ribbon based on your packaging material and application requirements.
  • Regularly maintain and clean the printer to ensure consistent print quality and prevent downtime.
  • Test the adhesion, readability, and durability of the printed expiry date on the flexible packaging material before full-scale production.
  • Implement a quality control system to monitor and verify the accuracy of the printed expiry dates throughout the production process.