Labels and codingWhy is the position of date codes inconsistent?
Practical guidance for date codes: find why weights, levels, positions, torque or finished packs vary during a run.
Read the answer →Labels and coding
How to package date codes
Best-before, use-by or production dates printed onto packs. Use the questions below to diagnose the symptom, check the process and choose the most suitable machinery route.
18practical answers
3relevant solution routes
7ordered checks per answer
1clear route to ask us
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Questions about date codes
Start with the symptom rather than guessing the machine. Each answer gives likely causes, checks, brief information and relevant solution websites.
Labels and coding
Labels and codingWhy is applying or printing date codes too slow?
Practical guidance for date codes: separate true machine speed from waiting, handling, replenishment and short stops.
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Labels and codingWhy do date codes cause web breaks, jams or missed applications?
Practical guidance for date codes: trace the first loss of control instead of repeatedly clearing the final jam.
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Labels and codingHow do I reduce wasted date codes and rejected packs?
Practical guidance for date codes: reduce product loss, damaged packs, film waste and avoidable rejects.
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Labels and codingHow do I clean equipment used for date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: plan access, product removal, safe cleaning and verified return to production.
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Labels and codingHow do I change between different date codes formats quickly?
Practical guidance for date codes: make product and pack changes repeatable, measurable and easier for operators.
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Labels and codingHow do I check material and surface compatibility for date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: check materials, seals, adhesives, films, closures and product-contact parts.
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Labels and codingWhich labelling or coding machine is best for date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: match the machine principle to the real product, pack, output and acceptance criteria.
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Labels and codingHow do I automate applying and verifying date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: automate the limiting operation without creating a new bottleneck.
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Labels and codingHow should I inspect and verify date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: define what a good pack is and how defects will be detected and handled.
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Labels and codingHow do I operate equipment for date codes safely?
Practical guidance for date codes: control product, machinery, operator and site hazards through competent assessment.
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Labels and codingHow do I prevent repeated faults with date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: turn recurring faults into controlled inspection, service and replacement actions.
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Labels and codingHow do I connect date codes to line controls and data systems?
Practical guidance for date codes: coordinate product flow, controls, accumulation, guarding and restart behaviour.
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Labels and codingHow do I move from manual to automatic date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: move from manual to semi-automatic and automatic production in sensible stages.
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Labels and codingHow do I stop wrinkles, lifting or poor print quality with date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
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Labels and codingHow should reels, packs or data be supplied for date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: present products, packs, caps or components consistently to the next operation.
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Labels and codingHow do moisture, dust and temperature affect date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: understand how the production environment changes product and machine behaviour.
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Labels and codingWhat information is needed to specify equipment for date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: capture samples, dimensions, output, acceptance tests and site constraints before buying.
Read the answer →What normally controls the result?
Reliable identification needs a controlled pack surface, correct label or ink, stable web or print path, accurate triggering and verified finished data.
- Pack surface and presentation
- Label, liner, adhesive or ink
- Sensor and trigger position
- Web tension or print-head distance
- Wipe-down, rotation and code verification
Information that makes a recommendation more accurate
- Pack samples
- Label reel or print substrate
- Label size, gap and reel direction
- Required code or artwork
- Position tolerance
- Line speed and data interface
Specialist solution routes
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Questions customers also ask
Open a question for a concise answer, then use the detailed guide above for the full production checks.
Why is the position of date codes inconsistent?
Practical guidance for date codes: find why weights, levels, positions, torque or finished packs vary during a run.
Why is applying or printing date codes too slow?
Practical guidance for date codes: separate true machine speed from waiting, handling, replenishment and short stops.
Why do date codes cause web breaks, jams or missed applications?
Practical guidance for date codes: trace the first loss of control instead of repeatedly clearing the final jam.
How do I reduce wasted date codes and rejected packs?
Practical guidance for date codes: reduce product loss, damaged packs, film waste and avoidable rejects.
How do I clean equipment used for date codes?
Practical guidance for date codes: plan access, product removal, safe cleaning and verified return to production.
How should I use the How to package date codes page?
Practical answers for packaging date codes, including common faults, ordered checks and relevant Lancing machinery routes.