Date Coder DS-1188
Key Features:
- Technology & Type: Continuous Motion Hot Ink Roll Date Coder (Mounts on horizontal packaging machines like flow wrappers)
- Printing Speed: Up to 300 prints per minute (synchronizes with packaging film speeds up to 35 meters per minute)
- Print Area Options:
- T-Type (Axial): Up to 40 mm (13 lines, max 20 characters per line)
- R-Type (Radial): Up to 45 mm (10 lines, max 13 characters per line)
- Font Sizes: Available in 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 3.5 mm types
- Consumables Required: Standard hot ink rolls 36x 32mm & 36x40mm)
- Print Contents: Manufacturing Date (MFG), Expiration Date (EXP), Lot/Batch Numbers, and custom text
- Control Unit: Separate digital control box with LED display for temperature adjustment and speed sync
- Power Supply & Rating: AC 220V / 50Hz (or 110V / 60Hz); power rating approx. 100W–130W
- Trigger Input: Photoelectric sensor, proximity switch, or microswitch/PLC signal inputs
- Orientation Options: Available in Right-Hand (clockwise) or Left-Hand (counter-clockwise) configurations
- Substrate Compatibility: Flexible packaging film, plastic pouches, aluminum foil, polypropylene, laminated films, and paper labels
The DS-1188 (also known as the DS1188 Hot Ink Roll Coder) is an online date coding printer engineered specifically for integration with continuous and intermittent packaging machines. Commonly mounted on horizontal flow wrappers, pillow packers, and vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) systems, it provides reliable, high-speed marking for production lines in food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging.
Key Capabilities & Standout Features
- Continuous Line Synchronization: Designed to mount directly onto automated packaging machinery, syncing with web speeds up to 35 to 40 meters per minute.
- High-Speed Output: Capable of printing up to 300 to 370 cycles per minute, keeping pace with fast-moving packaging lines without causing production bottlenecks.
- Smudge-Proof Solid-Ink Technology: Utilizes heated solid hot ink rolls ($\Phi 36 \times 40$ mm) that melt during application and dry instantly upon contact with film, preventing smearing on non-porous surfaces.
- Versatile Type formatting: Supports both T-Type (axial) and R-Type (radial) brass type holders, accommodating up to 13 lines of customizable alphanumeric characters for manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and lot numbers.
- Substrate Compatibility: Marks seamlessly on flexible packaging materials, including plastic films, aluminum foil, laminated pouches, paper labels, and polypropylene.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Technology | Continuous Hot Ink Roll Coder (Inline Packaging Attachment) |
| Cycle Rate | Up to 300 cycles/min |
| Web Speed | Up to 35–40 m/min |
| Print Area (T-Type) | Up to 40 mm (max 13 lines, max 20 chars/line) |
| Print Area (R-Type) | Up to 40.5 mm – 60 mm (max 10–11 lines, max 13 chars/line) |
| Consumables | Standard Hot Ink Roll (36x32mm or 36x40mm) |
| Controller | Digital control box with LED display for temperature and timing regulation |
| Electrical | AC 220V ±10V, 50/60 Hz, 130W power rating |
| Dimensions & Weight | Print Head: 120 × 100 × 140 mm (~2.0 kg) | Control Box: 180 × 160 × 125 mm (~1.0 kg) |
Why Choose the DS-1188 Date Coder?
- Ultra-Low Cost Per Print: Solid hot ink rolls provide an exceptionally economical operating cost compared to thermal transfer ribbon (TTO) or liquid ink systems, making it ideal for high-volume, cost-sensitive packaging operations.
- Instant Drying on Flexible Films: The thermal transfer of solid ink produces crisp, instantly dry marks that resist friction and rubbing as packaged goods move down the conveyor line.
- Compact & Modular Design: The separate controller and print head structure allow easy installation into tight mechanical frames on flow wrappers and vertical pouch packers.
