Blog & Buying Guides
Plain-language explanations to help you choose and run coding and packaging equipment.
Fiber vs UV vs CO2 Laser Marking: How to Choose
The three main laser types differ mainly in wavelength, and wavelength decides which materials absorb the beam.
CIJ vs TIJ vs Laser for Date Coding
Three technologies dominate date coding. Each wins in a different situation.
What Is a MOPA Fiber Laser and When Do You Need One?
MOPA sources add control over pulse width, which opens up marks a standard fiber laser cannot make.
Laser Coding on PET Bottles: Why Wavelength Matters
PET responds very differently to 9.3 µm and 10.6 µm CO2 light.
Laser Safety Classes Explained for Production Managers
What Class 1 and Class 4 mean in practice, and what an installation needs.
Getting Ready for 2D Barcodes at Retail
What changes on the packaging line when a 2D code joins or replaces the linear barcode.
How to Choose a Thermal Transfer Ribbon
Ribbon chemistry, printhead type and substrate must match for durable print.
A Practical CIJ Printer Maintenance Checklist
Simple routines that prevent most continuous inkjet stoppages.
Print-and-Apply Methods: Tamp, Blow or Wipe?
The applicator type decides speed, accuracy and which packs can be labelled.
Uniform vs Random Carton Sealers
How to match a case sealer to your box mix.
Tape vs Hot-Melt Case Sealing
Two ways to close a case, with different costs and benefits.
PP vs PET Strapping: Which Should You Use?
Strap material affects load security, cost and safety.
VFFS vs Premade Pouch Machines
Rollstock or premade pouches? Compare cost, speed and flexibility.
Shrink Film Types: POF, PE and PVC Compared
Choosing film for display packs and transit bundles.
Calculating the Total Cost of Ownership of a Coder
Purchase price is only one part of what a coding system costs.
Understanding Barcode Verification Grades
What an A-to-F grade means and how to improve it.
Cobot or Industrial Robot Palletizer?
Two approaches to automated palletizing and where each fits.
Extrusion, Injection and Stretch Blow Moulding Compared
Three ways to make a plastic bottle.
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