Laser coding system used by Procter & Gamble Tambrands

Tambrands, a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, introduced a new vector-based laser printing system for the packaging of TAMPAX (women's tampon brand) products, effectively improving the quality of coding and the reliability of product tracking, and reducing downtime on the production line. Supplies. After the successful trial of the first Videojet Inc. Focus S10 laser coding system, Tambrands added another 10 systems, which are currently in use at the Aubum factory.

Procter & Gamble Co., Ltd. recognizes that the necessary information is used to identify the original production information on the packaging box, not only for product coding and anti-counterfeiting, but also extends to all other aspects and becomes a good start. P&G sells nearly 300 products on the market, targeting 5 billion consumers in 140 countries.

Tambrands compared various carton coding methods and finally selected Videojet laser code systems with accurate identification, reliable performance and repeatability. With Videojet's logo solution, it is important to be able to trace back to the source of the product's production, not only to prevent suspicious products from entering the market, but also to reduce the volume of returns and the expenses incurred thereby.

Select laser coding system

Before choosing the coding system, Mr. Pat O`Brien, the technical director of Tambrands, began to investigate and evaluate the methods of printing codes for various cartons. O`Brien collected information on unit prices, installation fees, equipment performance, print quality, repairs and consumables costs from various manufacturers of inkjet printers and laser coding equipment. Next, Mr. O`Brien sent a package box to each printing equipment supplier and attached a technical note. The supplier returned to the box as required. O`Brien evaluated one by one and finally selected Vicky's Focus S10 laser coding system.

Videojet's laser coding system prints and encodes high-speed on fiberboard cartons from Procter & Gamble's Tambrands products, meeting P&G's requirements for product tracking.

When selecting the laser system, O`Brien noticed that the Focus S10 laser system is slightly more expensive than the inkjet printer, but the system has no consumables and is more reliable than the inkjet printer. In addition, the system uses clear and long-lasting words and codes. The resolution is high, and the machine is compact and easy to install on most production lines.

Mr. O`Brien said: “The benefits and improvements that we can recognize are that the code is clearer, longer lasting, and more reliable. Because the paper box is dark blue and the colors are strong, the results printed on fiberboard are very good. The encoder can adjust the font size according to the size of the carton, for example, in the small package, and according to the thickness and strength of the cardboard, the printed characters are different, but the encoding font size and spacing are not changed.

According to Widek, the vector laser coding system guides the laser beam through the print head energy, and the printed letters and numbers are clearer and more accurate than the traditional pin and printer. The system's user controller is portable, with a password protection system, equipped with a large keyboard and touch screen, on the screen display all aspects of data required by the user. The printer uses air-cooled, carbon dioxide (CO2) technology to make the operating environment cleaner and does not require fluid media and components.

Mr O`Brien said that since choosing Videojet's coding equipment and technology, they have begun to integrate the Focus S10 laser coding system into the existing production line. In March 2002, they installed the first Focus S10 printer. After a month of testing, they confirmed that they could meet P&G's production standards.

Good training

Mr. O`Brien also stated that the technical support of laser coding system manufacturers is also perfect. Procter & Gamble's electrical operators received a comprehensive and in-depth technical training from Videojet on the new laser coding system. After training, Videojet also developed application software that meets actual needs for other P&G production lines.