Industrial Thermal Transfer Overprinters for Permanent Date & Batch Coding

Why Are Your Date and Batch Numbers Always Rubbing Off? Common Factory Coding Problems and Solutions

Many manufacturers struggle with date codes and batch numbers that fade, smear, or rub off during packaging, transportation, or storage. This issue is especially common on flexible packaging materials such as plastic films, laminated foil, and coated paper. In most cases, the root cause is an unsuitable coding technology or incorrect consumable selection.

Traditional inkjet or stamp-based systems often fail to bond properly to smooth or non-porous surfaces. Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature changes, and high-speed production lines further reduce print durability. As a result, unreadable codes lead to compliance risks, product recalls, and customer complaints.

Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTO) provide a reliable solution by transferring solid ink from a ribbon directly onto the packaging film using controlled heat and pressure. This process produces sharp, high-contrast codes with excellent abrasion resistance. When combined with the correct ribbon type and optimized print settings, TTO technology ensures long-lasting, clear date and batch information—keeping your production line compliant, efficient, and worry-free.