Laser marking cardboard boxes
TVH is a global supplier of parts and accessories for material handling, industrial and agricultural equipment with customers in over 170 countries, and is split into two business units: TVH Parts and TVH Equipment. As a company, TVH continuously invests in automation and optimisation of logistics processes to improve its service.
With its headquarters in Waregem, Belgium, TVH came into contact with Codipack, exclusive distributor for Macsa ID in this country.
Challenge
Due to the opening of a new logistics centre, our customer was looking for an up-to-date coding solution. In the old logistics centre, they used a print and apply machine for this application. The customer’s idea was to install two print and apply machines to apply a two-dimensional, unique code on two sides of each box. Each code contains ten numeric digits and is approximately 12 mm x 12 mm in size. The purpose of the code is to identify each box throughout the logistics process, up to and including shipping.
Once a box is identified by a reader/scanner, it proceeds to the picking department. There, the same unique code is scanned again and filled with the assigned products. In the next step, once the code is scanned, the shipping list is added. After that, the scanned code indicates which envelope should be added. In the final step, the unchanged code indicates which shipping label should be added to the box.
Given its importance at every stage of the process, the quality and legibility of the marking was crucial.
Macsa id solution
Both laser and inkjet printing options, were installed on a test line over a three month period. Once the test period was completed, the laser solution in this application was more reliable and had a better total cost of ownership.
The laser solution was ultimately successful due to:
- No consumables required, meaning a potential saving of 140,000,000 labels per year for the customer
- No interruptions on the production line due to label roll replacement
- No unplanned productions, interruptions or losses
A total of sixteen lasers were installed across eight production lines, with two on each. In case of emergency, a spare laser was provided as part of the solution.
The plant runs 24/7 and delivers on average:
- 192,000 boxes per day
- 1,344,000 boxes per week
- 70 million boxes per year
Codipack won this project ahead of its competitor thanks to the ultra-modern design, the available technical service and the modular design.
Need more info? Mail us at info@codipack.com