Folding cartons can be labeled at various stages in the production process. They are often printed or labeled immediately before or after filling. However, marking is also possible in the folded "original state". Kraus Maschinenbau, the specialist for feeding and separating systems for paper and flat products, offers the "FK Codingline", a special machine concept for coding folding boxes in a wide range of formats. Thanks to its modular design, the Codingline can be equipped with different coding technology and adapted to customer requirements.

Kraus has developed a high-speed system with labeling technology from Bluhm Systeme for a Polish filter manufacturer. Two labelers and two large-format thermal inkjet printers are integrated into the line. As the folding boxes are dispensed onto a suction belt via a friction feeder and transported further by means of a vacuum system, coding is possible at any point on the products.

Initially, labeling is carried out by two Legi-Air 4050AC label pressure dispensers. These systems apply labels without compressed air; they are robust and suitable for round-the-clock use. The proven dispenser technology comes from the Alpha series, which Bluhm has been developing for decades. Most of the parts used are standardized parts from mass production. Depending on the version, the dispensers can simultaneously label products from above and below at a speed of 50 meters per minute. They process label sizes from 14 by 20 to 148 by 210 millimetres. Depending on the format, application of up to 600 labels per minute is possible.

Printing with thermal transfer or direct thermal printing process possible

The dispensers use print module technology from leading global manufacturers. The two FK Codingline systems are equipped with Novexx print modules. These "Print Engine Modules" are particularly suitable for cardboard and plastic adhesive materials. They print using either thermal transfer or direct thermal printing at a maximum resolution of 300 dpi and achieve speeds of up to 400 millimetres per second. As the printing speed exceeds the dispensing speed, the pre-printed labels run into a so-called buffer loop, from which they can be further processed without any time delay.