Question 1

Why is marking important for pipes and plastics manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Here are some of the reasons you need clear and reliable marking on pipes and plastics:

Identification: The proper marking on pipes and plastics helps to differentiate products so customers can be confident they are getting the right product for their application.

Markings on pipes and plastics are often required throughout the product’s life to help identify it. For example, pipe markings include diameter, temperature and pressure rating, wall thickness, barcode, identification code, country of origin, standards compliance, and company logo.

Traceability: Codes can satisfy traceability requirements for customers. For example, pipes are used in various applications, from drip irrigation to tap water piping and sewage drain systems. If the pipe integrity is compromised, the code provides the information required for maintenance and repairs.

Ensure quality : Customers often have quality requirements for pipes and plastics, especially if they’re being used for buildings and infrastructure. Codes can assure customers that the products meet their strict quality needs. Branding marks can also be used to build the manufacturer’s brand reputation.

Question 2

What are common applications of inkjet printers for marking pipes and plastics?

Accepted Answer

Codes and marks on products can help with tracking and traceability, product identification, and compliance with government regulations – inkjet printers can print them all efficiently.

Some of this information may include:

Part identification and tracking
Date and time stamping
Lot coding
Regulatory compliance marking
Quality control marking
Decorative/brand marking, logos

Question 3

What are the main benefits of using inkjet printers for marking pipes and plastics?

Accepted Answer

Inkjet printers can solve the challenges of marking pipes and plastics, giving manufacturers a versatile and efficient solution.

Here are the benefits of inkjet printers:

Cost-effectiveness: Inkjet printers are an affordable marking solution with low operating costs.
Durability: Inkjet inks can create permanent, high-resolution marks that resist wear and tear, chemicals, and UV rays.
Versatility: Inkjet printers can print on various pipe and plastic materials, including PVC, HDPE, LDPE, and PP. They can also print a wide variety of variable data, barcodes, logos, QR codes, and serial numbers.
Speed and efficiency: Inkjet printers can mark pipes and plastics quickly and efficiently, even on high-speed production lines.
Customization: No facility is the same as the next, so you need a system that can be customized to meet your needs. That might mean printheads capable of marking variable data and barcodes in multiple combinations or ink capable of adhering to a range of steel substrates.

Perfecting pipe and plastic product identification

Marking Technology for Building Products Showdown