The usual paths have so far been followed when it comes to individual marking of products. Hot stamping units, thermal transfer printers or inkjet printers applied the expiry date, batch number and possibly a price to the products on each filling or packaging line. “This will change in future”, said Christian Riediger, engineer and project manager at KVP.
“From 2008, all sales packagings of veterinary products in Europe must be supplied with the two-dimensional data matrix code according to specifications from the IFAH“. The aim behind this is to create more space for variable data in order to be able to incorporate the GTIN (Global Trade Item No.) into the variable data. The GTIN will replace the EAN code and is an internationally approved, standard and globally unique 8-, 13- or 14-digit article number for products and services.
It will enable the use of scanner technology and make electronic communication significantly easier. It will allow fast and accurate tracing.

KVP is intended to be the test pilot for the introduction of the data matrix code in the entire Bayer Group. “It was therefore particularly important to establish a profile of the exact requirements we have for the printed image and where and with what devices the code is to be applied”, explained Christian Riediger. The following points were then set down in the specifications. The printed image must be scratch-resistant and have high adhesive strength in order to withstand the frictional forces and abrasive finger sweat during transport and handling.
Another point was the contrast, which must be particularly high in order to achieve optimum legibility. The quality of the code, i.e. the print quality, was also particularly important: KVP will apply a classification scale of A to F and accept anything above a C. It was soon clear where the ideal location for markings is: directly onto the upright and filled folding box. There is a lot of space along the repackaging route, no special machine factors have to be taken into account and there is no need to intervene in the packaging process.
This meant that the decision by default was with non-impact marking systems. This also made sense, as given the large number of different packaging units and sizes it would be risky to use a thermal transfer printer, for example, with the huge cost that this involves, and run the risk of the printed image being affected by folded edges or the like following a product change.

“We decided internally to go for the inkjet printer", revealed Christian Riediger. “The laser printer did not give us enough flexibility. We would have to preprint a color field or use a special varnish in order to achieve a good contrast. In addition to that, we have more than 800 different packagings in stock which we didn’t want to replace”. We chose six inkjet printers from well-known manufacturers for our internal tests. Apart from the requirements already mentioned, it was important for us that we had the possibility of changing the content of the data matrix code inline. Furthermore, the printer was to be easily integrated into the line and communication between the camera and inkjet system had to be programmable. After a number of tests, the alphaJET from KBA-Metronic was revealed to be the most suitable printer for our needs”. The “Data Matrix” project began at KVP in the middle of 2005. The software for a higher-level system was developed by PCE and was soon ready for operation. One year later, from the middle of 2006, 15 alphaJET printers in the single- and dual-head version were in use.

“It is already fair to say that planning, development and implementation have been successful”, enthused Christian Riediger. “The alphaJET printers are working without any problems and meeting all requirements even for everyday multiple-shift operation. The printers are filled with MEK adhesive ink which offers extremely good properties, due in part to the smaller drops. The dots are cleanly placed, produce a high contrast value and are particularly abrasion-resistant. The printing quality is good and reaches classification C under ISO 15415.
With the dual-head units, which are also compatible with 2-line systems, we affix the expiry date, batch number and GTIN in plain writing in addition to the data matrix code. We certainly believe that we have made the right decision in opting for the alphaJET. We discovered in the course of operation that the printers offer considerable potential for savings thanks to the solvent recovery. The consumption of solvent has fallen significantly for the same period of use compared to the printers we used previously. This is pleasing not only from a financial point of view, the emissions values at the individual stations are lower.
We regard the data matrix code on our sales packagings not only as an onerous fulfillment of an obligation to comply with the edict of an institution, but also as an opportunity for the future. It is perfectly possible, for example, to encrypt variable data in this code and thus affix a range of pieces of information on each individual sales packaging. A “24” data matrix code can have up to 52 ASCII characters or 60 numbers. In view of the ease with which the changeover was completed, we will now gradually equip further lines with the alphaJET.
We are also delighted to have a German partner at our side in the form of KBA-Metronic who is on the scene and can actively steer our technical developments as required.

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