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In industries where accuracy and traceability are paramount, the method used for marking lot numbers can significantly impact product safety.
Among the most commonly used technologies, inkjet and hot stamp printing are the top choices for this purpose.
Both of them offer their own advantages, but when it comes to reliability, which technology should companies employ?
Keep reading to find out which method delivers the most consistent results for lot number marking!
How Hot Stamp Printing Works
Before we jump directly to the comparison of inkjet vs hot stamp printing, it is beneficial to learn how hot stamps work first.
This printing technology is also popular as thermal transfer and hot foil stamping. It is frequently applied for labeling and creating decorative effects on products packaging for branding purposes.
It basically works by using heat and pressure to transfer lot numbers or other beneficial information onto products’ surfaces. The process involves a custom die that is heated to a certain temperature and pressed onto a foil roll containing pigmented layers.
Once the die has contact with foil and the packaging surfaces, the heat will cause the foil to release from its carrier and create durable and crisp prints.
This technology is commonly used in retail products and automotive parts with precise details and vibrant colors.
Why Inkjet Printing is the Better Choice
Despite its unique and long lasting imprint results, hot stamps can be more expensive to set up. For this reason, many businesses comparing inkjet and hot stamp printing consider inkjet printers a better choice, especially for lot number marking.
In contrast to hot stamps, inkjet does not require the use of custom dies and plates which offers faster set up and lower cost for small production.
This technology is a versatile choice for many industries as it works well in a wide range of materials, including plastic, cardboard, metal, glass, and even flexible packaging.
With quickly drying ink, inkjet printers can also provide legible results. The system allows for customization without the need to reset settings, making it highly efficient for fast-paced production.
Combining its lower cost with high precision results and adaptability, inkjet printers can be a more reliable choice for many businesses.
Read About: Inkjet Printing for Industrial Marking: Unveiling a Precise and Versatile Solution Introduction
Comparing Inkjet and Hot Stamp Printing
When comparing inkjet vs hot stamp printing, it is necessary to consider several important aspects, including the setup cost, durability, quality, and applications.
Here’s a more detailed explanation about them.
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Setup & Cost
Inkjet printers are generally more efficient in cost especially for small production runs because it does not need custom plates. Meanwhile, hot stamps offer a more expensive setup since it requires custom dies for each design.
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Durability
Talking about durability, inkjet printers are best for products that do not face extreme environmental conditions. On the other hand, hot stamps are more ideal for products exposed to harsh and extreme conditions.
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Print Quality
If you are considering print quality with color flexibility, inkjet can be a primary choice as it supports a wide range of ink or full color prints. It can also produce crisp detailed images and sharp text.
As for hot stamps, it typically only uses a limited range of colors, like metallic, silver, and gold for creating glossy print results that’s often more visually striking.
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Applications
In terms of applications, inkjet is way more ideal for printing complex information in a wide range of materials. The technology is best for printing lot numbers and barcodes for traceability.
For hot stamps, this printing technology is often used for high-end packaging or branded items, especially in creating elegant finishes.
Why Inkjet Printing is the Smarter Investment
Among inkjet vs hot stamp printing, inkjet is considered a smarter investment for businesses seeking a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
Here’s the complete reasons that you need to know:
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Affordable Initial Investments
Inkjet printing has a much lower initial cost and does not require expensive settings, making it an affordable choice, especially for small and medium size businesses.
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Flexibility and Quick Setup
This technology offers quick setup and flexibility for various designs and product variations. It must be ideal for businesses with frequent changes in product labeling or varying lot numbers.
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Speed and Efficiency
Inkjet can work at a rapid speed which is well-suited for large quantity production. This ability helps businesses to maintain a fast-moving manufacturing process and consumers’ high demand.
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Sustainable and Environmental Friendly
For businesses who aim to reduce footprints, inkjet offers a sustainable solution. This is due to the use of water-based inks that have less impact on the environment compared to other printing methods.
Looking for Best Inkjet Printer Solution for Your Business?
Both inkjet vs hot stamp printing have their excellency, but for businesses who look for flexible, cost-effective, and reliable lot number print results, inkjet stands out as the number one go-to solution.
At Markcom Global, we provide high-quality inkjet solutions for your marking and coding needs. Learn how we can help you in simple steps, contact us today!
References:
https://inkjetinc.com/blogs/default-blog/resources-inkjet-lot-code-printer-ij
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