Essential Guide to Coding and Marking in the Chemical Industry

Working in the chemical industry means dealing with some seriously harsh conditions, such as extreme heat, constant humidity, dust, and grease-covered surfaces. These factors can mess with your coding and marking systems, causing labels to smudge and peel.

When that happens, you risk losing traceability, falling out of compliance, or even facing costly product recalls. If you’re looking for the right solution that can handle these tough environments, read our guide to make sure your product codes stay readable!

Why Coding and Marking Are Essential in the Chemical Industry?

Coding means putting a special set of numbers or letters on products or chemicals. It helps people easily identify what a chemical is, what it’s used for, and what safety precautions are needed. Without codes, things could get mixed up, which might lead to accidents or mistakes.

Marking is about labeling or tagging things with important info, like warnings, instructions, or the chemical’s name. It’s a way of communicating quickly and clearly. For example, some chemicals are dangerous or toxic, so marking them with big warning signs is crucial for workers to stay safe.

Why does this matter? Because the chemical industry deals with substances that can be harmful if used the wrong way. 

If you don’t know exactly what a chemical is or how to handle it, accidents can happen and sometimes serious ones. Coding and marking help everyone know exactly what they’re working with and how to handle it safely.

How to Choose the Right Coding and Marking Technology?

The way you mark something depends on whether the material’s smooth, rough, shiny, or something else. Let’s look at how this affects your choice.

Considering Surface and Material Types

If your product has a smooth surface, like plastic bottles or metal cans, you can usually use printers that print directly onto the surface. Inkjet printers or laser marking systems work well here. They’ll print clearly and last a long time, suitable for the chemical industry.

For rougher materials, like cardboard boxes or wooden pallets, you might need a different kind of printer. Some printers can handle these rough surfaces, but they may need special inks or a bigger print head to make sure the code stays readable.

Shiny surfaces can be tricky because they can reflect light, making it harder for the printer to make clear marks. For these, you might need a laser marking system, which can create high-quality, permanent marks even on shiny materials.

If you’re marking something flexible, like plastic wrap or bags, the printer needs to be able to print while the material moves around. A thermal inkjet printer or continuous inkjet printer might be your best bet, as they can mark things as they move through the line without damaging the material.

Read About: Understanding the Various Industrial Coding and Marking Solutions

Identifying Your Specific Printing Needs

You need to pick a coding and marking system that matches the speed, space, and setup of your production line in the chemical industry. The easier it is to fit into your existing process, the better it will work for you in the long run!

Integrating with Your Production Line

First, think about what you’re marking. Is it a big container, a small bottle, or something else? The size and shape of the product matter because some machines work better with certain types of items.

Then, how fast do you need to print? If your production line is running fast, you need a printer that can keep up. You don’t want to slow things down just to add codes or labels.

Some printers are made for high-speed lines, like continuous inkjet or laser marking systems, which can print quickly without holding up production. Next, consider where the printer will go.

Is there room on your production line for the printer? Some systems take up a lot of space, while others are smaller and more compact. You want a printer that fits into the available space without causing any problems for your workers or equipment.

Some chemical industry production lines may change products or packages. If that’s the case, you want a printer that’s easy to set up or change. Look for printers with simple controls, quick changeover options, and ones that don’t require a lot of maintenance or special skills.

If you use other machines or software to track inventory, quality control, or production schedules, make sure your printer can connect with them. Some coding systems can link up with your existing systems so everything works together.

Meeting Durability Standards for Tough Environments

Working in a tough environment means your marking system needs to be built to last, even more so when things get dusty, wet, or hot. So, how do you find the right one for your operation?

Finding the Perfect Coding and Marking Machine for Your Operation

Think about the conditions your machine will be exposed to. If you’re in a place with a lot of dust or dirt, you need a printer that’s sealed well and won’t get clogged up easily. Machines that are IP-rated (which means they’re dust proof or waterproof) are a good choice for these types of environments.

Next, consider temperature. If your operation involves extreme heat or cold, make sure the coding system can handle it. Some printers can operate in higher temperatures, like those found in food processing or chemical plants, while others are built for cold environments.

Another thing to think about is chemical resistance. If your operation involves chemicals or harsh cleaning agents, you’ll need a printer that won’t get damaged by exposure to these substances. 

So, look for printers made with durable materials or special coatings that can stand up to chemicals without wearing out. Also, check out the maintenance needs. Machines in tough environments often require more upkeep.

Look for systems that are easy to clean, have long-lasting parts, and don’t need constant repairs. You want something low-maintenance so you can focus on running your operation, not fixing the printer.

Lastly, make sure the coding or marking system you choose provides clear, permanent markings even in these tough conditions. If the print fades or smears too easily, you might end up with unreadable codes, which is a big problem for tracking and safety.

In short, finding the right coding and marking machine for the chemical industry with tough environments comes down to picking a system that’s durable, easy to maintain, and built to handle the specific challenges of your operation.

 

References

https://inkjetinc.com/blogs/default-blog/industries-inkjet-printing-for-chemical-packaging-ij

https://www.industrialprinterservices.co.uk/industries/chemicals-industry/

https://www.videojet.in/in/homepage/industry-solutions/chemicals.html

https://www.linxglobal.com/en/white-papers/coding-marking-solutions-for-the-chemical-manufacturing-industry-white-paper/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/printing/coshhessentials/