Tech Tip Sheet 1: On-Line Coders

Optel Vision inspection systems are designed to ensure 100 % inspection of your product packaging. Get the most out of your vision inspection systems with the latest tips for On-Line Coder set ups on your packaging line.

Hot Stamp Coders

• Worn and loose printing plates cause distorted, poorly printed and damaged code. Aluminum plates are prone to wear and result in poor print quality over time.
• Steel printing plates deliver superior print quality and ensure minimum false reject rates.
• Check print head regularly to ensure print plates are tight and secure.
• Ensure that air pressure is constant and that other machines on line do not cause any pressure drop during operation.
• Loose mountings can significantly reduce print quality. Check tensions regularly and adjust for best quality.

Thermal Transfer Coders

• To help data readability, use encoders in applications where line speed is variable.
• If font size used is too small, code degradation will occur and false reject rates will increase.
• Ensure that air pressure is constant and that other machines on line do not cause any pressure drop during operation.

Inkjet Coders

• Ensure printing surface is suited to the coding application.
• Lines with variable speeds must use encoders.

Laser Coders

• Cleaning of equipment on a regular basis ensures optimum inspection.
• Surface shape and color must ensure that the proper print contrast is achieved.

* In all coding applications, product stability is critical to code quality.