With a high value item such as a cosmetic product , the look of the packaging is an all important part of the marketing, but it will almost certainly have to carry some form of coding - at the very least a lot or batch code. If that code is to be applied on line, the options are limited to either a simple contact method such as embossing or to a low-resolution inkjet device. If a high resolution is needed so as not to detract from the overall look of the pack, a technology such as Thermal Inkjet could be answer as true type fonts can be used at a resolution of up to 600dpi to give a very clear, sharp code. Employing a Hewlett Packard cartridge, such systems are clean in operation and require no maintenance, beyond changing the cartridge: an operation that changes the whole ink delivery system. The APS Apsolute has a range of both alcohol and water based inks, meaning that even non-porous surfaces such as blister foils and coated cartons can be successfully coded.
Another alternative for producing a high quality code is to print the packaging material - particularly a carton or sleeve – offline. Not only can a high-resolution method such as thermal transfer be employed, but also far more information can be printed than online which could help cope with language variants or a list of contents on a generic carton. Rotech have a wide range of feeders for offline overprinting that employ different feeding technologies and can have a range of coding technologies fitted.