Meat Packer Improves Case Coding with Laser Coder
PREVIOUS PROCESS:
The customer was previously using high resolution inkjet coders to print unique weight codes and serialized GS18 barcodes on outer cartons. Codes were not readable by the customers in Japan, resulting in chargebacks to the meat processor in excess of $100 per carton. Print and apply labels were also used to identify product both before, during and after the use of inkjet coding, however environmental conditions prevented label adhesion to the carton.
SOLUTION CRITERIA:
Replacement equipment needed to be washdown, operational in 38˚ environment, and produce readable barcodes at a rate of 1 every 4 seconds.
APPLICATION CHALLENGES:
Immediately after cartons are sealed and coded, they are put into a 40˚ blast freezer with winds in excess of 150 mph. Labels fell off in this environment, which caused significant chargebacks.
IDT SOLUTION:
ID Technology provided the K1070 SHS laser with Marca software. In order to produce a readable mark on the carton, IDT suggested the use of Codestream by Fujifilm. The laser receptive product is applied to the cartons at the carton converter. When lased, the coating produces a permanent, readable mark on the corrugate. A Fumex extractor was also supplied by ID Technology to vacuum away the water vapor, which is the only byproduct of the lasing process. The K1070 laser prints on the cartons both statically and dynamically within 4 seconds. Variable information is received from a database for every carton then the variable data and barcodes are printed on two coated areas of each carton. Actual print time is 1.38 seconds. (See Video)
COST SAVINGS / PRODUCTIVITY GAINS:
Customer achieved full ROI within 8 months of system installation.
ID Technology designs, manufactures and integrates custom identification systems and is recognized as a leading single-source provider for labeling, coding and marking equipment.
