Pharmaceutical Coding & Marking Solutions
In the fast-paced pharmaceutical industry, ensuring product traceability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency is paramount. Linx Printing Technologies offers advanced coding and marking solutions specifically designed to meet the stringent demands of pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
Why Choose Linx for Pharmaceutical Coding Solutions?
- High-Speed Performance: Our Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printers and laser coders are engineered to operate seamlessly on high-speed production lines, delivering clear and accurate codes without compromising line efficiency.
- Versatile Integration: With advanced TIJ printers and compact laser marking heads, Linx coders integrate effortlessly into existing production setups, minimizing downtime and eliminating the need for extensive line modifications.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Linx coding solutions support adherence to global pharmaceutical regulations, including the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD), by enabling the application of essential information such as batch numbers, expiration dates, and serialization codes.
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Applications of Pharmaceutical Coding & Marking Solutions
In the pharmaceutical industry, coding and marking are not just operational necessities, they are critical for regulatory compliance, product safety, traceability, and brand protection. Advanced coding technologies such as Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ), Thermal Ink Jet (TIJ), and Laser Marking play a vital role across multiple packaging stages.
- Product Identification: Each pharmaceutical product requires clear identification with details such as- product name or code, strength or dosage, manufacturer information
- Batch Coding and Lot Coding: Batch numbers are essential for – quality control and tracking production runs
- Expiry Date Marking: Expiry or “use by” dates are legally required and ensure consumer safety
- Serialization and Track & Trace: Global regulations (e.g., EU FMD, US DSCSA) mandate that pharmaceutical products include unique serial numbers for traceability throughout the supply chain- hence generate 2D Data Matrix or QR codes, prevent counterfeiting
- Direct Marking on Tablets and Capsules: Specialized food-grade inks and laser technology can code directly on pills or capsules
- Packaging Line Efficiency: Modern coding solutions are designed for integration with- blister packing machines, vial and ampoule fillers, cartoners and labelers
Types of Coding Solutions for Pharma Industry
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printers
Linx TIJ printers are best for high-resolution printing of alphanumeric text, barcodes, and data matrix codes.
Advantages:
- Clean, precise print—excellent for packaging with limited space
- Easy to use with disposable cartridges
- Great for blister foils, cartons, and labels
- High resolution suitable for compliance codes
Ideal for: Serialized barcodes, batch/expiry dates, fast line integration
Laser Marking for Pharmaceuticals
Offering permanent, high-resolution marking capabilities, Linx laser coders are ideal for micro-printing applications, including direct coding on capsules with characters as small as 0.8mm.
Advantages:
- Permanent, high-contrast codes (ideal for serialization and anti-counterfeiting)
- No inks or solvents (clean and eco-friendly)
- Excellent for small, complex codes on blister packs, cartons, glass vials, etc.
- Minimal maintenance and downtime
Ideal for: Serialization, 2D codes, expiry/batch on plastic, foil, glass, cartons
CIJ Printers for Pharmaceuticals
Designed for reliability and efficiency, Linx CIJ printers provide consistent, high-quality codes with minimal ink waste, making them cost-effective for pharmaceutical production.
Advantages:
- Extremely fast marking (up to 6 lines of code)
- Works on curved, uneven, or flexible surfaces
- Broad ink range including fast-drying, UV, and food-grade inks
- Reliable performance in cleanroom and sterile environments
Ideal for: Plastic bottles, tubes, pouches, ampoules, and foil seals
Specialized Inks for Pharmaceutical Coding Solutions
- Food-Grade Inks: Ideal for direct marking on ingestible products like tablets and capsules, ensuring safety and compliance.
- UV-Readable Inks: Enhance anti-counterfeiting measures with covert codes that are only visible under UV light.
- Adhesion-Specific Inks: Formulated to adhere to challenging substrates like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), ensuring durable and legible codes.
By choosing Linx Printing Technologies, pharmaceutical manufacturers gain access to cutting-edge coding solutions that ensure product integrity, facilitate compliance, and optimize production efficiency. Contact us today to learn how Linx can support your pharmaceutical coding and marking needs.
Why not get in touch with one of our sales reps to talk about how Linx can support your coding and marking needs?
Resources
Special Adherence Inks Datasheet
Food Grade Inks Datasheet
Related Products
Continuous Ink Jet
Non-contact, economical coding for consistent operation in challenging environments
Laser Coders
Fast, non-contact, reliable permanent marking. Options to suit various substrates and line speeds
TIJ Printers
Linx TIJ printers are best for high-resolution printing of alphanumeric text, barcodes, and data matrix codes.
FAQ
The best coding machine for pharmaceutical packaging depends on your specific needs. In general, the top-performing technologies for pharma are- Laser Coders (Linx CSL30/60), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printers, and Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) Printers (8900 series).
Yes, laser coding is safe for medicine bottles provided the correct laser type and settings are used for the specific packaging material and product. It supports traceability, anti-counterfeiting, and regulatory compliance without compromising product quality or safety. Speak to a Linx expert today or request a demo to see our pharmaceutical coders in action.