One of the most common areas where time is lost on production lines is the date coding process. A clogged nozzle, incorrect date information, or slow drying speed—errors that can each be measured in minutes but can add up to thousands in product losses.
Therefore, an efficient inkjet date coding system not only “writes” but also codes error-free and consistently without stopping production.
In this guide, prepared with the field experience of Electrojet engineers, 7 effective ways to increase coding efficiency .
1- Automatic Date and Lot Update
Manual date changes are one of the most common sources of human error. If the date isn't updated during a shift change, thousands of products will ship with incorrect information.
Solution:
In Electrojet inkjet systems, production dates and lot numbers are integrated into the ERP system or internal clock module. This automatically updates the date information daily, eliminating the need for user intervention.
Extra tip : Fix date formats (DD.MM.YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD) on the software side. This will reduce errors in the reporting process.
2- Automatic Cleaning Cycle to Reduce Downtime
One of the biggest factors that reduces coding efficiency is nozzle clogging. Manual cleaning is both time-consuming and increases solvent consumption.
The Electrojet JetPro series printhead features an automatic "self-clean" function. This system cleans the nozzle between prints, eliminating downtime.
Conclusion:
- No need for extra cleaning at the beginning of each shift
- Less ink waste
- Consistent print quality
3- Speed Synchronization: Automate Encoding and Band Matching
When production line speed changes, coding density also changes. This can create unreadable codes or overlapping print on some products.
Solution:
Electrojet control software instantly analyzes the data from the belt speed sensors and automatically adjusts the printing frequency.
Thanks to this synchronization:
- Each product is coded at the same distance
- Font height and readability remain constant
- Print clarity remains intact even with increased speed.
Pro tip: Be sure to use the “Encoder” connection of the machine actively; this will increase the speed efficiency by 100%.
4- Smart Ink Management
One of the hidden factors affecting production efficiency is ink and solvent optimization. As ink density changes, so too do print color, drying time, and readability.
Electrojet's InkFlow Management system;
- Automatically measures ink viscosity,
- Adds solvent if necessary,
- Maintains optimum density with every print.
With this system, ink consumption is reduced and environmental impact is minimized.
5- Correct Printing Position and Automatic Distance Calibration
Product sizes and packaging types can vary across production lines. Even a 1–2 mm change in the printhead distance during manual adjustments will reduce print quality.
The automatic z-axis calibration system found in Electrojet inkjet devices detects product height and adjusts the print head position at the millimetric level.
Benefits:
- No calibration required for product changes
- Constant print density
- Minimum errors in fast format transitions
6- Digital Tracking of Production Data
Productivity begins not only on the line but in data management . Electrojet systems automatically record every code printed during the production process. These records include the date, time, batch number, and operator information.
This data traceability and plays an important role in error analysis processes.
Extra tip: Review the reporting module weekly. Seeing which shifts have the most errors helps you optimize your process.
7- Regular Maintenance and Operator Training
The human factor is as important as the technology. Devices without regular maintenance shorten nozzle life, contaminate sensors, and reduce print performance.
The Electrojet maintenance plan includes the following routines:
- Weekly filter check
- Monthly print head cleaning
- Full system calibration every 6 months
Additionally, short-term training for operators:
- Ink change,
- Software settings,
- Troubleshooting steps
should be taught.
Electrojet technical team provides these trainings free of charge, on-site or online.
Every Second is Valuable, Every Code Must Be Perfect
Production line downtime costs lost production capacity, and poor print quality costs customer confidence.
Improving productivity the right technology + automation + training . Electrojet inkjet systems combine these three areas into a single platform, making seamless, reliable, and efficient
Increase the efficiency of your production line.
Get a free technical analysis from Electrojet engineers and create a customized efficiency report for your line.
