Fundamentals of Ink Marking

by Laurie Barcaskey

photo courtesy of EBS Inkjet-Systems

Stamps & Stencils, Portable Devices, and In-Line Systems apply marks directly onto product without disturbing the product integrity and eliminates the need to apply labels where adhesive may be a deterrent. Electronic devices provide versatility of changing marking detail quickly and automatically.

Varying ink options provide contrast to the substrate or when needed to define a process designation. Whether your need is in the manufacturing or packaging process, or at the final stage of shipping, current marking devices improve the process where industrial markers and stencils were  common tools of the trade.

• Stamps & Stencils most commonly used in hand stamping operations with rubber stamps, self-inking stamps or rubber rib-type & rollers. Oil-board or mylar stencils as pre-cut made-to-order or made in-house with manual or computerized machines are inexpensive options for larger text requirements or when applying shipping details.
• Portable Devices improve the legibility of manual ink stamping operations, as well as enable the marking details to include bar codes for improved traceability.
• In-Line Systems are most commonly used for automated lines where traceable identification such as batch, heat or product numbers need to span the length of a product, or application of the mark is done while the product travels through the production line.