Will the inkjet print come off after lamination?

Normally, the printed codes after film lamination will not fall off with proper treatment and protection.

 

  • Relationship Between Lamination and Coding

    Lamination is a common manufacturing process used to enhance product protection and aesthetics. Coding, on the other hand, refers to spraying identification information onto product surfaces for traceability and management purposes. Consequently, lamination and coding are often performed concurrently in production.

  • Does Lamination Affect Coding Adhesion?

    Due to the smooth surface of laminated materials and the poor adhesion of some materials, there is concern that codes may peel off after lamination. In practice, however, proper lamination processes can ensure code adhesion. For example, surface treatments such as sanding or applying primer before coding can improve adhesion. Additionally, adhesives and curing agents can be added after coding to protect the print.

  • How to Prevent Code Peeling After Lamination

    To prevent codes from peeling after lamination, select appropriate lamination materials and processes, such as using lamination films, coated lamination, or heat pressing. Conduct quality inspections on coded products, and implement protective measures during storage, transportation, and handling. For special requirements, alternative marking methods like laser engraving or stamping can be used to eliminate the risk of code peeling.

Conclusion

In summary, lamination and coding are often performed together in production, and proper processes can ensure codes do not peel after lamination. For products requiring coding, suitable lamination materials and processes, along with enhanced adhesion and the use of adhesives, can effectively protect printed codes.

Four Steps to Quickly Troubleshoot UV Coding Machine Failures

When a UV coding machine suddenly malfunctions on a production line, taking prompt action to minimize downtime and restore operations is critical. This article outlines rapid troubleshooting and maintenance methods for UV coding machine issues to help you resolve emergencies and get production back on track as quickly as possible.

  • Immediate Shutdown and Power Cutoff

    When a fault is detected in the UV coding machine, first shut down the equipment immediately and disconnect the power supply. This ensures safety and prevents the fault from escalating further.

  • Identify the Fault Type

    After shutdown, perform an initial troubleshooting check. Determine whether the issue is mechanical, electrical, or caused by other factors. Through observation and inspection, identify the fault type as accurately as possible.

  • Locate the Root Cause

    Once the fault type is confirmed, proceed to identify the specific cause. Inspect components and systems that may lead to the issue, such as the printhead, inkjet system, and drive system. Check for loose connections, damaged parts, or other abnormalities.

  • Quickly Repair the Fault

    Carry out prompt repairs based on the root cause. For simple issues like loose connections or required cleaning, perform immediate fixes. For more complex problems requiring additional time and expertise, consider seeking technical support or assistance from maintenance personnel.

  • Testing and Commissioning

    After repairing the fault, conduct testing and commissioning to verify the effectiveness of the fix. Restart the UV coding machine and perform simple operational tests. Ensure print quality is normal, the equipment runs smoothly, and no other abnormalities are present.

  • Preventive Measures and Maintenance

    In addition to rapid fault resolution, preventive measures and regular maintenance are critical. Regular equipment inspection and maintenance—such as cleaning the printhead and replacing consumables—can reduce the frequency of failures and improve equipment reliability and stability.

Conclusion

When a UV coding machine malfunctions unexpectedly during production line operation, rapid handling and repair are essential. Key steps include immediate shutdown and power cutoff, identifying the fault type, locating the root cause, performing prompt repairs, conducting testing and commissioning, and implementing regular maintenance and preventive measures. Effective response allows for quick production recovery, minimizes downtime, and ensures the normal operation of the production line.

Can different brands of ink be used interchangeably on inkjet coders?

Absolutely not. Please only use original UV ink and matching solvents.

Inks from different brands are developed and manufactured to match the performance, ink systems and other specifications of their respective inkjet coders. Due to vast differences in chemical compositions, mixing inks of different brands will greatly raise the risk of clogged filters and printheads. This will disrupt normal production lines, and consequently increase factories’ operational and equipment maintenance costs.

Can expired ink for inkjet coders still be used?

As an inkjet coder manufacturer, we often receive customer inquiries regarding ink usage. Many clients ask whether unused ink will expire, if out-of-date ink is still usable, and whether different ink models can be used interchangeably on the same machine. We will answer these questions below.

  • Does ink expire?

    The answer is yes, ink does expire. Shelf life varies for different types, models and brands of ink, including small character ink, solvents and UV ink. Generally, ink can be stored for 6 to 15 months, while the shelf life of solvents is usually over 18 months. You may check this information when placing orders.

  • Can expired ink or solvents still be used?

    It is not recommended to use any ink or solvents past their shelf life.

Precautions for Inkjet Coders

I. Correct Startup Procedure

To start the machine correctly:
  1. Turn on the screen power supply (wait about 30 seconds after the screen starts normally).
  2. Turn on the printhead switch (after 30-40 seconds).
  3. Open the coder software, select or edit the print data, and start printing.

II. Daily Maintenance and Care

  • Do not touch the printhead surface directly with hands or other objects. Only use the provided special dust-free soft cloth to wipe the printhead in one direction; do not rub back and forth.
  • During printing, ensure the product does not scrape the printhead, as this may cause damage.
  • When printing with UV ink, protect the printhead from light and dust. If printing is stopped for less than 12 hours: squeeze ink to wipe the printhead, perform a line test to check for clogged nozzles, and cover the printhead with its cap.
  • Before daily startup: perform priming and a line test to check for clogged nozzles. Before shutdown at night: squeeze ink and perform a line test (do this twice daily), then wrap the printhead with a black plastic bag.
  • After each use: squeeze ink again, wipe the printhead with a dust-free cloth, perform a line test to confirm no clogged nozzles, then shut down. (The line test effect is shown in the image on the right.)
  • The optimal distance between the printhead and the product is 1mm to 3mm.
  • If not used for 12 hours to 2 days: moisten a dust-free cloth with maintenance solution, place it on the printhead cap to keep the printhead moist. Perform daily priming and line tests.
  • If not used for 5–7 days or longer: moisten a dust-free cloth with maintenance solution, place it on the printhead cap to keep the printhead moist.
  • If not used for more than 15 days: thoroughly clean all ink inside the printhead, cover with the printhead cap, and then wrap the printhead with a black plastic bag.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance via Ink Priming & Line Test

Perform the following maintenance by priming ink and running a line test to check for clogged nozzles, if any of the following conditions occur:
  • During printing, print quality declines, characters are unclear, or individual nozzles are clogged.
  • The coder has not been used for an extended period.
  • The coder is being started for the first time.
After the coder has been running for some time, a small amount of ink residue may accumulate on the printhead.

 

Specific Cleaning Steps:

  1. Stop printing and keep the ink path unobstructed.
  2. Press the ink priming switch to let ink flow out of the printhead until no air bubbles remain in the nozzles.
  3. Moisten a dust-free cloth with cleaning solution and wipe the nozzles. Restart the machine, print a test sample, and inspect the print quality.
  4. If print quality is still unsatisfactory, repeat the above cleaning steps.

Which label design software is compatible with LION TEC UV Inkjet Coders?

LION TEC UV Inkjet Coders support three mainstream label creation software: Bartender, Cosesoft and NiceLabel. When combined with our intelligent UV inkjet system, these tools help you complete printing tasks efficiently at low cost, and also enable material processing during production.

UV inkjet coders are among the iconic equipment in the printing industry, with extensive applications and advantages in fields such as labels, hang tags, and cards. The continuous innovation and development of UV inkjet technology have brought numerous new technologies and applications to the industry, further driving the growth of the label printing market. We will also bring more intelligent and cost-effective inkjet coding equipment to the label application industry, creating greater value for the sector!

What precautions should be taken when using an inkjet coder, and how to maintain it?

Both the inkjet coder and its ink must be stored and used in accordance with standardized procedures. To maintain the performance and efficiency of your coding equipment, and to prevent damage or other losses caused by human operational errors, Lanyin, a professional inkjet coder manufacturer, introduces the key precautions for using inkjet coders. We hope this guidance will assist you in the operation of industrial inkjet coders.

1. Power Supply of the Inkjet Coder

  • The inkjet coder operates based on high-voltage deflection, which generates and accumulates static electricity during use. If the static electricity builds up to a certain level, it may cause sparks or fires. Therefore, proper grounding is essential, and the ground wire must be inspected regularly. Poor grounding can lead to problems such as poor ink drop breakup and low print quality, so the inkjet coder must be grounded.
  • If the fuse of the inkjet coder is burned out, please replace it only with a fuse of the same specification.

 

2. Ink for the Inkjet Coder

When using the inkjet coder, always wear safety goggles and protective gloves. The ink and solvent used as consumables are corrosive, so avoid contact with skin, eyes, nose, and other parts of the body as much as possible. The ink contains volatile components, so ensure adequate ventilation. If ink accidentally gets into the eyes, flush immediately with plenty of clean water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention promptly if discomfort persists after rinsing.
Because the inkjet coder requires precise charging of ink droplets, the ink is highly sensitive to moisture. Never allow water to enter the ink.

 

3. Inkjet Coder Consumables

  • All used cleaning materials, such as cleaning tissues, pose a fire hazard. They must be collected and properly disposed of immediately after use.
  • The consumables of the inkjet coder, especially solvent-based inks, are flammable. During use, keep them away from open flames to avoid unnecessary losses.

 

4. Operating Environment for the Inkjet Coder

  • No open flames near the inkjet coder

    Many inks used in inkjet coders are solvent-based and flammable. Smoking or welding near the coder can cause fires or other safety hazards due to the solvents.

  • Ensure static interference is eliminated

    The inkjet coder is a precision electronic device, especially the printhead, which requires ink droplet charging and high-voltage deflection. If static electricity is not properly grounded or interfered with by other large equipment, it may cause potential damage to the device. Minor issues include unstable operation and poor print quality; severe cases may result in burnt circuit boards or damaged display circuit boards.

Consider These Factors to Maximize ROI with Your UV Inkjet Coder

UV inkjet coders are intelligent coding systems, and their operation and print quality are often affected by multiple factors. Learn a little more about UV inkjet coders every day to better understand your equipment and maximize the return on investment from your coding solution!

The main factors affecting the print quality of UV inkjet coders include the working environment, ink issues, substrate material, ink supply negative pressure, and curing lamp problems. The general working environment requirements for UV inkjet coders are: a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C, humidity between 15% and 75%, and a proper ground connection.
The print quality of a UV inkjet coder mainly depends on the following aspects. By addressing these factors, you can maximize your return on investment with the coder. A detailed introduction is provided below:

 

1. Ink for the Inkjet Coder

At some production lines, the working environment fails to meet requirements, with temperatures that are too low or too high, or humidity that is too high or too low. This prevents the UV inkjet coder from achieving normal print quality.

 

2.Ink Issues

Key properties of UV ink include viscosity, surface tension, pH value, and electrical conductivity. Using ink with properties tailored to different products is essential to achieve optimal print quality.

 

3.Substrate Material

A single type of ink may not perform well on all materials. For example, the print results of the same UV ink will differ significantly between highly absorbent cardboard boxes and plastic films.

 

4.Ink Supply Negative Pressure

     For UV inkjet coders:
  • A lower negative pressure value leads to excessive ink flow, causing ink buildup.
  • A higher negative pressure value reduces ink flow, leading to broken ink streams.

    Insufficient printhead negative pressure causes ink leakage, while excessive negative pressure hinders ink droplet ejection. Therefore, the negative pressure must be adjusted to the appropriate level for optimal print quality.

 

5.Curing Lamp and Other Issues

UV inkjet coders typically require matching LED curing lamps. Except for a few materials that do not require curing, most materials may fail to meet print quality requirements without exposure to the curing lamp. Additionally, issues with the computer system or software can also result in poor print quality.
LION TEC Industrial Marking Technology is a professional UV inkjet coder manufacturer. We provide scientific and cost-effective solutions and high-quality, timely after-sales service to help you easily resolve all kinds of inkjet coder usage issues. This avoids unnecessary production downtime and losses, ensuring smooth production and helping you reduce costs and increase efficiency. For more information, please feel free to contact us!

How to Maintain the Printheads of UV Inkjet Coders When the Machine Is Shut Down for More Than Two Weeks?

The printhead is the core component of a UV inkjet coder, and its maintenance is a key part of equipment management. As a professional manufacturer of UV inkjet coders, we have accumulated rich industry experience. Most manufacturers using UV inkjet coders often inquire about printhead maintenance procedures for short-term shutdowns, such as weekends, single-day weekends, or holidays lasting about one week.
However, some enterprises need to suspend production and shut down their UV inkjet coders for more than two weeks due to production line adjustments, factory relocation and other special circumstances. So what are the proper maintenance practices for UV printheads during such long downtime?
  • First, clean the printhead of the UV inkjet coder with cleaning solution.
  • Fully replace the ink inside the printhead with cleaning solution.
  • Remove the printhead from the UV inkjet coder and store it on the original dedicated base delivered with the printhead.
  • Attach a Teflon film moistened with cleaning solution to the nozzle surface.

Special Notes for Storage Methods: Always prevent the nozzle surface from drying out, regardless of the storage method adopted.

3 Tips to Fix Distorted Printing on Inkjet Coders

During operation on production lines, inkjet coders may occasionally produce distorted prints. This results in blurry product markings and spoils the overall appearance of product packaging.
Wondering how to resolve this issue? Follow these three practical solutions shared by Lanyin, a professional inkjet coder manufacturer. Be sure to bookmark this guide!

  • First, inspect the inkjet coder itself. Run a test print on several samples manually to confirm that the machine is operating normally.
  • If the inkjet coder is working properly, check the conveyor belt for speed synchronization issues. Printing distortion is most commonly caused by mismatched speeds between the conveyor and the coder.

    Most inkjet coders print on products as they are carried past the nozzle by the conveyor. Unstable conveyor speed — whether too fast or too slow — will cause printed characters to deform: characters will be too close together if the speed is too slow, or spaced too far apart if it is too fast.

    To resolve this, adjust the print width setting in the coder’s menu to match the raster print speed with the conveyor’s movement speed. You can also use data from the synchronizer to align the two speeds and eliminate printing distortion.

  • If the above two checks do not resolve the issue, investigate other external factors. Inspect the belt tension and check for motor vibration. Also consider other forms of external interference with the coder, such as mechanical faults caused by motor vibration or improper belt tension.
We hope these methods help you learn how to troubleshoot inkjet coder issues during daily maintenance, ensuring stable production line operation.

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