The challenge

• UDI labelling in plain text and as a data matrix code
• Ink must adhere to high-gloss cardboard
• Easy operation for all employees

The result

• Inkjet printing system automatically encrypts the data and applies it directly
• Matt area provided for printing
• With each ink change, a ‘new printer’ is available.

‘One of our customers sells medical products and therefore needed what is known as UDI labelling,’ recalls Christoph Weber, Operations Manager and COO at SKS AG. UDI stands for “Unique Device Identification”. This is based on a law requiring the complete traceability of medical products. The UDI label consists of the individual GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number), the LOT number and the date of manufacture. This data must be applied to the products in plain text and encrypted as a machine-readable data matrix code.

UDI with data matrix and plain text

Christoph Weber and his team approached the marking provider Bluhm Weber Group with this requirement. Bluhm Weber Group recommended a thermal inkjet printing system that automatically encrypts the data into a two-dimensional code and can apply all the print information to the products at lightning speed and in a way that is resistant to abrasion. The Markoprint X1JET printer is compact and therefore quick and easy to use.

SKS employees scan the respective order in advance. The i-Design software installed on a PC automatically generates the serial numbers, encrypts all data into the corresponding data matrix codes and transfers the information to the printer via Ethernet.

Patented cartridge system

The printer was connected to a conveyor belt and equipped with an ink cartridge from HP. To ensure that the water-soluble ink adheres to the high-gloss cardboard, a matt area was specially provided for printing. Thanks to the patented Click'n Print process, operators can change the ink cartridges with a single hand movement.

Since the print head is part of the cartridge, each ink change is like having a ‘new printer’. This makes the X1JET virtually maintenance-free. During longer printing breaks, users can remove the cartridge from the device and close it with a cap. This prevents the ink from drying out.

The photocell integrated into the printer detects passing products and automatically triggers printing as soon as the correct print position is reached. The X1JET then prints the print data onto the packaging with a print quality of 600 dpi. For technical reasons, a maximum print height of 12.5 millimetres can be achieved.

7,500 units per day

With the HP printhead used at SKS, coding can be carried out at a speed of up to 90 metres per minute. ‘With the Markoprint printer, we label up to 7,500 units per day,’ explains Andreas Thoma, assembly foreman. ‘Because it is so easy to use, all employees get along with it very well.’