Troubleshooting Common Issues with Coding and Marking Machines

A coding and marking machine is required to guarantee that items have critical information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, and barcodes. These devices improve operational efficiency and product traceability and help organizations comply with industry rules.

However, these systems, like any other mechanical or electrical system, are susceptible to operational problems. Certain difficulties, ranging from slight hitches to major failures, may interrupt operations and impact output quality. That’s why we need to troubleshoot the issues.

Importance of Troubleshooting

When your printing equipment malfunctions, it may put your whole production line to a stop. Thus, troubleshooting is critical for swiftly identifying and resolving difficulties, ensuring that activities can restart without substantial delays.

Aside from restoring functionality, effective troubleshooting helps to reduce recurring issues and the risk of long-term device damage.

Regular troubleshooting allows businesses to improve their manufacturing processes. By discovering bottlenecks and inefficiencies, operators may make necessary modifications to improve machine performance. Furthermore, it reduces expenses by avoiding regular repairs or replacements.

So, in today’s competitive market, when meeting deadlines and maintaining product quality are critical, troubleshooting is a talent that every operator should possess. It not only protects productivity but also assures that clients obtain items of the greatest quality.

Common Print Quality Issues

Print quality is one of the most frequently encountered issues with a coding and marking machine. Poor print quality can render crucial product information unreadable, leading to compliance issues and customer dissatisfaction.

One of the main causes is clogged printing nozzles. Below are the details of how to troubleshoot, how it happens, and what you can do as the solution.

Clogged Nozzles

For troubleshooting, clogged nozzles are a leading cause of poor print quality. This issue arises when dried ink or debris blocks the tiny nozzles in the printhead, preventing the ink from flowing smoothly. Common signs of this problem include streaky, faint, or incomplete prints.

To prevent clogs, clean the printhead regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most printers have a built-in purging mechanism to remove dried ink from the nozzles.

Furthermore, preserving ink cartridges in a regulated environment and utilizing new ink may considerably minimize the risk of ink jams.

Air Bubbles in Ink Supply

Air bubbles are another prevalent problem that might degrade the operation of a coding and marking machine. This might sound minor, but air bubbles can significantly impact the quality of prints, causing faint or incomplete markings. It’s because these bubbles interfere with the ink flow, leading to inconsistent or faded prints.

Air bubbles in the ink supply can be tricky to identify, but the effects are often visible in the print quality. Improper cartridge installation or leaks in the ink system might result in fading prints or missing label portions, causing production delays and expense increases.

Identifying and treating the core problem might help keep operations running smoothly. So, let’s look at some relevant issues below, such as how the surrounding environment can influence your printing.

Incorrect Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity might have an unexpected effect on your marking machine’s functionality. Variations in these circumstances often lead to air bubble formation, which affects ink flow and drying durations.

When the temperature is too low, the ink thickens, making it difficult for the machine to operate properly. On the other hand, high temperatures could thin the ink, which could lead to gaps and uneven covering. In the same way, static electricity can build up when humidity is low, and ink can dry slowly when humidity is high.

Keep the temperature between 16°C and 35°C and the humidity between 40% and 60% to avoid these problems.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers may assist regulate the conditions, resulting in consistent performance from your printing machine.

Ink Quality and Compatibility

Not all inks are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to problems, including the formation of air bubbles. Poor-quality ink or unsuitable formulas may also lead to blockage or uneven distribution, resulting in unsatisfactory prints.

Incompatible ink does not properly flow through the machine’s mechanism, resulting in bubble formation. Furthermore, expired or damaged ink may introduce particles or abnormalities, disrupting the ink supply.

The only best solution is to always use ink recommended by the marking machine manufacturer. Before committing to large-scale printing, test the ink on the intended substrate to ensure compatibility. Also, regularly check the ink’s expiration date to avoid using degraded products.

Maintenance Routines

Failure to perform routine maintenance is one of the most prevalent causes of persistent air bubbles and other printing issues. Without regular maintenance, small defects might compound, resulting in frequent delays in the printing process.

Over time, components like printer printheads and ink systems accumulate junk or wear down, diminishing their efficiency. Irregular cleaning and inspection may result in undiscovered leaks or blockages, accelerating the creation of air bubbles.

To remedy this issue, implement a regular maintenance schedule. This should include cleaning the printheads, checking the ink system for leaks, and fixing any worn-out parts. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will also assist in the machine’s optimal performance.

Enhance the Efficiency of Your Coding and Marking Processes

To maximize the efficiency of your coding and marking machine operations, it’s important to optimize both the machine’s performance and the overall production process. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Calibrate Speed and Alignment

Misalignment might cause distorted or missing marks, therefore frequent machine calibration is required.

Leverage Advanced Features

Today, many modern machines already have advanced functions like self-diagnosis and automatic cleaning.

Train Operators

Operators who have been properly trained have better capability to identify and solve frequent problems, as well as prevent errors.

Optimize Ink Usage

To save ink in ink-heavy applications, consider lowering the DPI or changing the font for your printing material.

Monitor Environmental Conditions

Maintaining optimal workstation temperature and humidity levels helps to maintain consistent performance.

Troubleshooting and regular maintenance are vital for ensuring that your printers run smoothly. Addressing the frequent concerns listed above will help you avoid expensive downtime while maintaining excellent production quality.

Remember that preventative maintenance improves machine performance and guarantees consistent, dependable prints. However, the quality of the coding and marking equipment is equally important. For the finest marking machine options, see Markcom Global’s list of thermal inkjet printers.

Read About: Industrial Inkjet Printer Manufacturers: The Essential Guide for Your Business Needs

 

Referensi

https://www.kaocollins.com/inktank/troubleshooting-thermal-inkjet-coding-problems/

https://www.arojet.net/a-news-troubleshooting-coding-and-marking-printers-common-issues-and-solutions

https://www.keyence.com/products/marker/inkjet-printers/resources/inkjet-printer-resources/common-coding-and-printing-errors-and-how-to-reduce-them.jsp