What awaits the branding and coding industry after the pandemic, with the impact of Industry 4.0? We are looking at Industry 4.0 from a different perspective, innovating with much more effective technologies while considering sustainability. We are exploring how connected systems, supported by machines and data, will transform into smart factories.
Traceability, while always important, has never been more crucial. Healthcare systems affected by the pandemic are responsible for the rapid development of vaccines and the accurate display of their information. Displaying this information prevents counterfeit drugs from entering the market. Similarly, food and beverages must have detailed information on their primary and secondary packaging, including the recommended consumption date , best before date, and nutritional information.
Increased consumption of packaged food due to the pandemic has also significantly increased the consumption of packaging materials. Consequently, inkjet coding , laser marking , and labeling systems have effectively contributed to market growth in this area. P&S Intelligence claims that the global market share for coding and labeling systems will exceed $7.5 billion by 2030. [ source ]
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Industrial Inkjet Printers: Transitioning to Thermal Inkjet Technology
The current printing industry has turned to inkjet printers to meet the new needs in this field. Two different technologies commonly found in these printers stand out. These are;
- Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
- Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)
Compared to CIJ printers, which provide continuous ink flow, TIJ can be described as a type of droplet-on-demand (DOD) inkjet technology that produces droplets only when needed. Due to its ability to work on a wider range of substrates and its cost advantage, TIJ is preferred in many fields such as pharmaceuticals and food packaging . It is becoming the preferred choice for printing technology on both porous and non-porous substrates.
At RYNAN, we are bringing to market a new generation of thermal inkjet (TIJ) technologies that require little maintenance, are cost-effective, easy to use, and environmentally friendly.
The Foundation of Our Production: Innovation
Due to the changes in circuit board technology within the scope of Industry 4.0, the space required for TIJ is now smaller. Our R20 series printer can be easily integrated into production lines without the need for a computer. It features a compact 7” touchscreen control panel that can be easily operated from anywhere in the production area. It allows the simultaneous use of two print heads for high-speed printing. Furthermore, the universal controller ensures ease of use.
RYNAN offers high-quality aqueous, solvent-based, and UV LED-curable inks for use in industrial printing applications. Featuring next-generation technologies, these aqueous inks are fade-resistant and water-resistant, providing excellent readability on flexible packaging and thin films.
Our solvent inks are BPA and benzophenone- free . These are important factors for safety standards . Our UV LED curable inks can be used to print on a wider range of substrates. This feature makes them particularly suitable for heat-sensitive flexible foils used in the food packaging industry.
You might also be interested in this article: Why is it important to check the expiration date of the food we buy ?
Technology Increases Productivity
Our technologically advanced inks have increased cap removal time, enabling intermittent printing with minimal production downtime. Extensive R&D has resulted in the development of unique ink formulas that increase non-porous substrate coverage. Our ink management cartridge system automatically recognizes the ink type and adjusts ink parameters for optimal printing .
The R20 Reach inkjet coding device now makes it possible to print on irregular and curved surfaces. With its 10mm throw distance using TIJ technology, print readability is comparable to CIJ systems, even at higher throw distances.
All these features make the R20 Reach a very effective candidate for direct product printing, such as for canning and bottling lines, irregular packaging, and industrial components.
Less with More Sustainability
As sustainability becomes increasingly important globally, businesses are seeking different solutions to reduce carbon emissions. TIJ printers stand out for their energy savings, consuming up to 80% less power than CIJ printers .
CIJ systems use solvent inks that have high levels of organic compounds released into the environment during printing. In contrast, TIJ systems use environmentally friendly inks developed by RYNAN.
Furthermore, solvent inks in CIJ systems can spill onto the work area and around the printing presses during periodic maintenance. This necessitates the use of additional solvents for cleaning. Our TIJ ink cartridges, however, are self-contained and use only what is needed for printing . This significantly reduces health risks and environmental damage .
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: What Does Industry 4.0 Look Like?
Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is making its presence felt more and more each day. In Industry 3.0, computers and automation systems were central. This Fourth Industrial Revolution, however, will utilize connected systems, embedded sensors, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and machine learning to bring "smart factories" to life .
Although many production lines today utilize automated processes, there are still gaps in communication. Identifying problems caused by these gaps, generating reports, and filling those gaps requires the human factor.
Smart factories, a product of Industry 4.0, are manufacturing areas where connected systems optimize the production line and data is shared and analyzed in real time.
Industry 4.0 Technology in the Coding and Marking Sector
As smart factories become more and more accessible each day, it becomes imperative for manufacturers to prepare by improving their technologies. Below are assessments of how technologies included in Industry 4.0 can increase productivity:
- It enables real-time data collection and preventative data analytics from a network of connected systems. By combining coding and automation technology, it significantly reduces downtime during equipment failures or cartridge changes.
- Cloud-based computing systems allow customers or business partners to remotely monitor how machines are performing. This can enable the early detection of certain problems related to routine maintenance.
- Robots can be used for repetitive tasks that previously required human intervention.
- It generates predictive inventory and demand analytics based on real-time production data. Production scheduling and supply chain optimization are also based on this data.
- The use of sensors allows manufacturers to be alerted to potential problems and reduce downtime. ( For example, detecting abnormal levels of variables such as humidity and temperature that could affect print production, or equipment not performing optimally, etc.)
- Machine learning analyzes data from sensors to automatically improve the efficiency and performance of equipment.
The Rise of the Sector
Today, manufacturers are concerned with minimizing downtime and eliminating the risks associated with outages. In the near future, connected systems and artificial intelligence will make it easier for manufacturers to respond to, develop, and adapt their needs in this area in real time.
As we continue to battle the pandemic, Industry 4.0 is drawing closer every day. Keeping up with this evolving technology and not missing the train is now a must for any brand. At RYNAN, our primary goal is high efficiency, productivity, and reduced waste in coding and marking . Connected systems, data, and integration allow for more effective prediction of changing demands. This enables the development of intelligent coding and marking systems that ensure continuity in production lines.
As Electrojet , we are the main distributor in Turkey for Rynantech (Thermal Inkjet), a Singapore-based company that is a leading firm in the sector with distributors in 65 countries . We offer professional solutions for all your TETT, STT, marking, and other coding needs. Contact us today for more detailed information.
Contact us to learn the most suitable devices for your business and free .
