Domino launches hi-tech packaging coding

Many of the company's coding solutions have been developed to print directly onto food and food packaging. Domino claims that these solutions integrate seamlessly into existing lines and comply with FDA, MAFF and EEC regulations.

Typical applications include eggs, PET, flexible packs, flow wrap, cartons, cans and corrugated outer cases. In addition, the company has worked closely with wine, spirits, beer and soft drink suppliers.

Foremost in Domino's line-up will be its A-Series range of continuous ink jet printers, which have been developed to offer a wide range of reliable coding solutions. The A-Series range at the Interpack show includes the A300 continuous ink jet printer, which prints up to four lines of text with a variety of print formats that include logos, bar codes/dot codes, automatic serial numbering/batch coding and real time clocks.

Alongside the A-Series range, Domino will also demonstrate products from its S-Series line of scribing laser systems, designed for high quality coding applications. The S-Series, which includes the S100, S200 and S300 models is designed to offer a complete range of print and speed capabilities and has been developed to offer a simple, compact and cost effective coding solution with the smallest laser head.

Using CO2 laser technology, the S-Series produces permanent marking of text, graphics and variable data on a variety of substrates such as paper, plastic, glass and cartons.

Achieving greater efficiency within the printing and packaging sector has become a key objective due to rising costs. Flint Ink North America for example announced a price increase for packaging ink products ranging from 5 to 7 per cent depending on ink type. The increase, effective of 1 December 2004, came in response to the rising costs of transportation, energy, and raw materials that are integral to printing inks.

Limited raw material supply, an escalating issue worldwide, has exacerbated the problem. Since the beginning of 2003, raw material feed stock costs have increased from 9 per cent for ethylene to 190 per cent for benzene. Crude oil costs are up 65 per cent and natural gas is up 67 per cent.

These costs have consistently been passed on to printing, packaging and manufacturing firms. With retailers reluctant to increase consumer prices, those stuck in the middle have had little choice but to absorb increased costs.

Domino will also be demonstrating the Product Traceability System, (PTS). The PTS meets the different requirements of the EAN UCC for barcode standards and conforms to the RFID mandate, currently being introduced by major retailers.

Importantly, it provides bar coding and RFID encoding plus validation of both codes. Thanks to the capability of separate RFID tag and barcode validation, it is possible to provide different levels of information in each. It is a modular, non-contact system that that allows either code to be placed in the position of choice in just over one metre of conveyor length.

Domino will also be showing its C-Series of high-resolution large character ink jet printers. The C-Series printers use Piezo technology to print barcodes, text, and graphics onto porous substrates such as corrugated outer cases, trays and sacks.

The inkjet and laser manufacturer will be unveiling its new innovations at the forthcoming Interpack exhibition from 21 April to 27 April 2005.