How to Print Codes on Wet Bottles Without Smudging or Downtime

Have you ever bought a cold beverage, noticed some codes or important information on the bottle, and wondered how they’re printed on a wet surface?

Well, the process is not easy and manufacturers typically use specific equipment and technology. Oftentimes, due to the moisture characteristics, manufacturers face some critical challenges, like smudging and even downtime.

That being said, are there any specific technology or techniques that manufacturers may use to resolve such challenges?

Challenges of Printing on Wet or Condensed Bottles

Printing on wet bottles presents significant challenges for manufacturers especially dealing with its moisture characteristic, ink adhesion, and production line downtime.

Surface Moisture and Ink Adhesion Issues

Moisture is one of the biggest challenges manufacturers face because it creates a barrier that prevents ink from properly adhering to the product’s surface.

Many manufacturers often struggle to overcome this and are always trying to look for a way on how to print codes on wet bottles reliably. 

Impact on Code Clarity and Readability

Ink typically does not spread evenly on wet or moisture surfaces, eventually causing the prints to fade quickly and become unreadable.

In several cases, the codes may look sharp while the others have missing elements. This is a serious issue that not merely affects traceability, but also with regulatory compliance.

Production Line Downtime from Smudging

Smudged prints on wet bottles often require manual inspection, causing operators to stop the production line to clean equipment or adjust printer settings.

This process needs a lengthy process which disturbs the overall operational efficiency.

What You Need to Print on Wet Bottles

Overcoming the above challenges to ensure code readability and provide scannable results, manufacturers surely need specialised technology, ink formulation, and suitable printing systems.

The following section will give you further explanation on how to print codes on wet bottles with the right and smart solution.

Specialised Ink Formulations

Specialized inks are usually solvent-based and designed to dry quickly, even on wet surfaces.

These inks contain adhesive agents as well, that help inks bind properly to any kind of materials, including PET and glass bottles.

Fast-Drying, Non-Contact Printing Technology

Along with fast drying ink technology, coding on wet bottles also requires non-contact printing technologies. It works without the need for physical contact with bottles’ surfaces, hence preventing products’ damage.

Suitable Printing Systems for Beverage Lines

Using a suitable printing system for beverage lines is just as important as choosing an advanced non-contact technology. The systems should handle moisture and high-production line speeds to deliver scannable codes.

Best Printing Technologies for Wet Bottle Surfaces

As we have learned from previously, addressing the challenges on how to print codes on wet bottles—one of the solutions lies in using suitable printing technology. But, what are the best solutions that manufacturers can use?

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Printers

Continuous inkjet (CIJ) remains the top and most reliable solution to code on wet bottles. It is commonly used to print expiry dates, particularly on glass, HDPT, and PET bottles. 

Its excellency to adapt in high speeds production, making it a perfect choice for beverage lines, even in cold conditions.

Thermal Inkjet for Cold Fill Lines Is it Possible?

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers propose ultimate advantages with easy operation and high-resolution results. But, is it possible to utilize this technology for cold fill lines?

Yes. It basically supports cold fill line operation and is frequently used for beverages and foods packaging. 

TIJ printers use specialized inks formulated for cold environments and moisture exposure. The system also supports various materials, from metal, glass, and plastics.

UV or Laser Marking When to Consider

UV or laser marking does not employ inks for coding, instead it uses laser etching. With this unique characteristic, many consider to use laser or uv printing for permanent bottle coding, but only on dry and semi-dry surfaces.

Tips to Optimise Coding on Bottles in Moist Conditions

Sometimes, manufacturers feel unsure how to print codes on wet bottles effectively while creating excellent print results. So, let’s work on these practical guidelines to optimise the entire process.

Adjusting Printhead Placement and Line Speed

Adjust printhead placement accordingly and if needed, test different placement angles to ensure precise marking and coding. 

It’s also important to calibrate the line speed to confirm well-synchronization between timing and movement.

Managing Condensation in Cold Environments

Condensation often leads to ink smudging which hugely impacts on code readability. So, managing condensation especially when you are printing on bottles with cold liquids becomes crucial.

It can be performed by using moisture-resistant inks, using high-velocity blowers, and keeping the coding environment low humidity.

Regular Maintenance for Consistent Results

Printers tend to face more stress when they are placed in moist and cold areas. Regular maintenance, especially the preventive ones can help your printing machine stay functional and prevent unwanted downtime during the operation runs.

Benefits of Using the Right System for Wet Bottle Coding

When using a suitable and proper system for your bottle coding runs, you will gain essential benefits just like the following. 

Consistent Print Quality at High Speeds

Once you effectively implement the best practices on how to print codes on wet bottles with the right system and technology, it is highly possible to maintain consistent and readable codes across every bottle packaging.

As a result, only few products are rejected, your high-speeds production won’t get interrupted, and ultimately leading to maximum efficiency.

Reduced Rework and Waste

The right printer technology, such as continuous inkjet printers, have the capability to deliver legible and reliable codes even in moist conditions. 

They can ensure proper adhesion, prevent smudging, and minimise misprints, thus eliminating the need to reprint and reduce waste. 

On a further note, misprints generally force manufacturers to halt the production, but when using a maintained system, it absolutely will affect smooth running production and minimize the chance of downtime waste. 

Reliable Traceability and Compliance

Traceability and regulatory compliance are two essential aspects that can guarantee customer safety and supply chain integrity. 

The right printing technology ensures clear codes that can be scanned and accurately tracked throughout the distribution chain.

Real-World Applications: Beverage and Water Bottling Plants

What does real-world application of printing codes on beverage and water bottle plants look like? Find out in the following instances!

Printing on PET Bottles in Cold-Fill Applications

PET bottles frequently filled in cold temperatures, increasing the potential of ink smudging. CIJ generally resolves this matter as it supports coding in cold areas with high-speed lines.

Ink Selection for Sparkling Water or Juice Lines

Sparkling water and juice bottles need specialised ink solution to withstand condensation. The right ink selection that is typically recommended for this matter includes food safe with chemically stable inks.

Choosing the Right Partner for Wet Bottle Coding

Understanding how to print codes on wet bottles is clearly essential to overcome the common challenges faced by manufacturers, especially in cold-fill applications. Specialised ink, suitable printing system, and the right technology all of these considerations become the crucial aspects manufacturers need to pay attention to.

Since every packaging requires the right system and technology, so does with PET bottles, glass bottles, and other beverage lines.

Read About: Choosing the Right Technology and Placement for PET Bottle

Markcom Global presents a smart technology to fill the need of reliable coding solutions on wet and cold-fill lines. Our solution is versatile and has been proven to be the ultimate choice across industries. 

Explore our best technology now and get a personalized recommendation from our expert team!

References:

https://www.linxglobal.com/en/solutions/applications/bottle-coding/

https://inkjetinc.com/blogs/default-blog/resources-how-to-print-on-glass-bottles-ij

https://www.linxglobal.com/en-in/solutions/applications/printing-on-bottles/

https://www.domino-printing.com/en/industries/beverage/pet/printing-on-pet