Tetra Pak Printing | InkJet Inc.

 

Tetra Pak aseptic packaging solutions are used by brands in the food and beverage industry to house thousands of products per day. To achieve this level of output, businesses commonly rely on industrial production lines that move at hundreds of meters per minute. For peak performance and to avoid costly downtime, companies must use line hardware that is capable of reliable performance day in and day out. This is especially true when it comes to industrial printing. 

 

Companies are required by both supply chain guidelines and federal regulations to place traceable codes and markings on their products. Examples include:

  • Lot codes
  • Serial numbers
  • Expiration dates
  • Barcodes/data matrices
  • Batch numbers
  • QR codes         
     

If these codes are missing, poorly placed, or contain incorrect information, companies may need to perform costly recalls, pay penalties, risk bad publicity, and/or sour supply chain relationships. Fortunately, industrial Tetra Pak printing isn't difficult when you have the expert help of InkJet, Inc. 

 

By offering an array of quality printers and diverse ink options, InkJet, Inc. can help your company ensure traceable markings are placed properly and consistently.

Marking Solutions for Tetra Pak Printing

When it comes to printing on Tetra Pak, companies can choose from a variety of equipment to complete their coding applications. The best hardware choice will depend largely on an operation’s individual needs. 

 

InkJet, Inc. carries multiple printer models and laser systems to meet different Tetra Pak coding and marking needs. Our systems offer industrial outer protections, fast coding speeds, consistent accuracy, and intuitive controls. Moreover, we maintain a robust ink catalog filled with specialty inks that are ideal for specific conditions and applications.  

 

This table lists our various Tetra Pak printing systems and their general specifications. Additional information on each machine can be located further below. Click the title in the table’s leftmost column to jump to a specific solution.

InkJet, Inc’s Tetra Pak Marking & Coding Options

Coding Technology

Operating Method

System Options

Maximum Resolution and Print Height

Maximum Marking Speed

Cost Factors

Continuous Inkjet Printer

Propels pressurized ink droplets toward the substrate

DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, and Pigment

70 DPI at 15 mm height

320 m/min.

Low to moderate unit cost, low consumable cost

Thermal Inkjet Printer

Uses heat to pressurize and eject ink droplets toward the substrate

Anser U2 Models

400 x 300 DPI (height varies by model)

76.2 m/min

Low unit cost, moderately consumable cost

Anser A1

600 x 600 DPI at 1” height (2” height with stitched print heights)

300 m/min with HP cartridges, 150 m/min with IUT cartridges

Moderate unit cost, moderate consumable cost

Anser X1

600 x 600 DPI at 1” height (2” height with stitched print heights)

300 m/min

Moderate unit cost, moderate consumable cost

Continuous Inkjet Printers: DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, and Pigment

 

 

Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are non-contact production line printing systems designed to mark substrates moving at 300 m/min and above. CIJ printers can operate up to 24 hours daily with zero downtime because they’re built with powerful ink circulation systems. The speed, wide ink compatibility, and versatile printheads of CIJ printers enable users to mark thousands of products daily with long-lasting, highly legible codes. 

 

InkJet, Inc. meets diverse coding needs by maintaining a comprehensive CIJ ink catalog with dozens of formulas compatible with Tetra Pak substrates. We have over 30 years of experience producing ink and carry numerous formulations for particular properties, including:

 

  • Superior substrate adhesion
  • Heat resistance
  • Alcohol resistance
  • Rub resistance
  • Ultra-quick dry times
  • Anti-transfer properties
  • Extreme temperature resistance
  • Soft and hard pigmentation
  • Oil/grease penetation
  • Condensation penetration          
     

InkJet, Inc.’s superior product selection includes printer & ink options to suit your production environment, output demands, and substrate challenges. 

InkJet, Inc. carries three CIJ systems:

  1. DuraCode Keyboard
  2. DuraCode Touchscreen
  3. DuraCode Pigment Printer

 

All DuraCode systems can mark porous and non-porous substrates at speeds up to 320 m/min. Equipped with an IP55 outer structure and able to operate in temperatures ranging from 41-113° F, the DuraCode CIJ can withstand potentially hazardous environmental elements to deliver consistently excellent results.          
 

The DuraCode Keyboard and Touchscreen offer the same specifications and compatibility with ink formulas. The only difference between them is their input medium. The DuraCode Pigment has identical specifications as the DuraCode Keyboard and Touchscreen but uses pigmented ink instead of dye ink. 

 

See the chart below for a closer look at the DuraCode models’ most important specifications. 

Specification

DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, & Pigment CIJ Printers

Nozzle

40, 50, 60, 70 μm

Print Height

1.2-15 mm

Maximum Print Speed

Up to 1,050 ft./min (320 m/min)

Print Distance

1-3 in. (25.4-76.2 mm)

Input System

Touchscreen or Standard Keyboard / WYSIWYG

Print Font

5x5, 7x5, 9x6, 11x8, 16x11, 24x17, 32x22

Operating Environment
  • Temperature: 5-45° C (41-113°F)  
  • Humidity: 0%-90%, no condensing

User Defined Field

Bar Code, QR Code, Logos, Clock, Counter, Classes, etc.

IP Rating

IP55 Industrial Protection

Gross Weight with Complete Package

45 kg / 99 lbs

Standard Features

Font library - Multi-language support - Traverse printing - 90-degree vertical printing - Special counter Counter replacement - Clock replacement - Encoder port - USB port - Ink recovery pump - Solvent flush pump - Micro print

Optional Add-Ons

Serial port - Network LAN connection - Positive air pump

Thermal Inkjet Printers: Anser U2, X1, and A1 Models

 

 

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers are smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than CIJ systems. While CIJ systems typically weigh around 100 lbs and cost around $10,000, most TIJ models weigh only 5-10 lbs, with prices starting around $1,499.00. 

 

Although thermal inkjet systems are compact and lightweight, they offer impressive coding specifications. For example, the Anser U2 Smart can create 400 x 300 DPI codes up to 0.5” tall (1” tall with the Anser U2 SmartOne). Higher-end TIJs like the Anser X1 can create 600 x 600 DPI codes up to 2” tall with stitched printheads. 

 

TIJ printers are often designed for slower speed lines and intermittent coding tasks, but some TIJ models also offer high-speed capabilities. InkJet, Inc. carries numerous plastic-compatible TIJ printers with varying specialties and price points. Our current options include:

The Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne Thermal Inkjet Printer

The Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne Thermal Inkjet Printer: Compact and cost-effective, the Anser U2 Pro-S is an excellent choice for rigid plastic printing in applications that do not require CIJ-level marking speeds. The Anser U2 Pro-S offers a 76.2 m/min max printing speed, 400 x 300 DPI max resolution, 0.5” max print height, intuitive operation, and easy installation. 
The Anser A1 Thermal Inkjet Printer:

The Anser A1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: The first all-in-one TIJ that offers 2” printing and mid-message DPI adjustments, the Anser A1 is both powerful and affordable. Built with 2 cartridge slots, the A1 can create 2” tall markings with varying DPI elements (e.g., 300 DPI QR code with 150 DPI text). The A1 maxes out at 300 m/min for product marking applications with certain cartridges. Users control the A1 through a large touchscreen interface.
The Anser X1 Thermal Inkjet Printer

The Anser X1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: Even though the Anser X1 is a thermal inkjet printer, you wouldn’t know that from its spec sheet. With printing speeds up to 300 m/min, the Anser X1 is one of the most powerful TIJs on the market today. Beyond industrial speed marking, the Anser X1 offers a 600 DPI max resolution, a 2” max print height (with stitched printheads), IP66 protection, and the ability to control two production lines simultaneously.

See the chart below for a closer look into how our TIJ options compare to one another:

InkJet, Inc’s Thermal Inkjet Printer Options

Specification

Anser U2 Pro-S

Anser A1

Anser X1

Max Printheads

1

2

2

Display

3.5” Color LCD with LED backlight

5” Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen 480 x 800 (portrait)

7” Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen (800 x 480 px)

Input Device

Pocket-sized IR remote keypad

Touch Screen

Touch Screen

Print Height

0.5”

1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads

1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads

Print Resolution

400 x 300 DPI

300 DPI

600 x 600 DPI

Print Speed

76.2 m/min

121 m/min

300 m/min

Print Distance

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

Operating Temp.

0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)

5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)

5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)

IP Rating

N/A

N/A

IP66

Dimensions and Weight

(L/W/H) 4.5” x 3” x 2.4” 

0.49kg (1.08 lb) – excluding cartridge and bracket

(L/W/H) 6.7” x 5.4” x 4.9”

1.8kg (3.97lb) w/o guide plate

(L/W/H) 11.5” x 5.6” x 2”

2.7kg (6lb)

 

Find the Best Ink for Tetra Pak Printing

InkJet, Inc.’s ink line

Regardless of whether you’re using a continuous inkjet printer or a thermal inkjet printer, you won't be able to successfully mark your materials without the right ink. Fortunately, InkJet, Inc. offers a diverse ink portfolio full of unique formulas, including those compatible with Tetra Pak substrates.         
 

At InkJet, Inc., we have been developing ink formulas for over 30 years. From this experience, we have acquired the necessary knowledge to provide companies with the best formulas to fit their needs. Furthermore, if you have distinct substrate requirements that go beyond what standard formulas can deliver, we offer custom ink services to meet every specification. We can customize formula offerings to accommodate your precise requirements, including, but not limited to:         
 

  • High-temperature resistance
  • Alcohol resistance 
  • UV readability
  • Thermochromic properties (i.e., color changes after the retort cycle)
  • Different color varieties

Need Help With Tetra Pak Printing? InkJet, Inc. Is Here to Support You

Tetra Pak aseptic packaging is a great asset in many food and beverage applications. However, it can be difficult to find the right combination of hardware and ink formula to successfully print on this material with precision and consistency. Fortunately, InkJet, Inc. has the printers, ink, and expertise necessary to provide you with the best equipment to fit your Tetra Pak printing needs. Call us today to learn how we can help improve your operation. 
 

InkJet, Inc. is a printer, distributor, and ink manufacturer with years of experience providing top-quality solutions for inkjet printing. For more information related to Tetra Pak printing, contact us online today or call 1(800) 280-3245.

 

 

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