Cardboard Printing Best Practices | InkJet, Inc.

Printing on Cardboard Packaging: Best Practices

1) Printing Technology

✔ Inkjet Printing: Propels ink droplets toward the substrate

✔ Laser Printing: Creates a light beam to mark or engrave the substrate 

✔ High-Resolution Case Coders: Propels oil-based ink droplets to create stark codes

✔ Print-and-Apply Label Machines: Auto-prints and applies labels to passing materials

2) High-Quality Inks

✔ Select inks compatible with cardboard surfaces for optimal adhesion and longevity

✔ UV-curable or solvent-based inks are suitable depending on the printing technology used

3) Print Position and Quality

✔ Ensure the printer is correctly calibrated and aligned for precise placement of codes

✔ Maintain and clean the printing equipment regularly to prevent smudging and maintain print quality

4) Barcoding and Variable Data

✔ Use barcodes for efficient tracking and inventory management

✔ Utilize variable data printing capabilities to include unique identifiers, batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and other relevant information

5) Vision Inspection 

✔ Incorporate vision inspection systems to verify the accuracy and quality of printed codes to catch errors and ensure compliance

6) Print Testing

✔ Conduct print tests on sample cardboard materials to assess print quality and durability before full-scale production.

7) Packaging Automation Integration

✔ Integrate printing systems into the overall packaging automation process to enhance efficiency and reduce manual handling

8) Training and Documentation

✔ Train personnel on proper printing procedures and equipment maintenance

✔ Document standard operating procedures for printing and coding to maintain consistency

InkJet, Inc.’s Printing on Cardboard Packaging 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

Laser Marking Solution

Creates a concentrated light beam to mark or engrave the substrate

F8100F Fiber, F8100C CO2, LDR 7100, and F8100U UV Laser Marking Systems

Lenses up to 300mm x 300mm 

2,000 characters per second

High unit cost, little to no consumables

Hi-Res Case Coder

Propels oil-based ink droplets to create stark codes

Precision Series 18mm & 72mm

180 DPI at 18 mm height or 72 mm height

Low to moderate speed

Moderate unit cost, low consumable cost

Print-and-Apply Label Machine

Auto-prints and applies labels to passing materials

Evolabel

300 DPI (height varies by printer model)

60 m/min

High unit cost, moderate consumable cost