A date coder is a machine that prints date coding information like expiration dates, manufacturing dates, lot numbers, batch codes, barcodes, or other traceability details directly onto products or their packaging, often using Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) systems for clean, high-resolution, and low-maintenance printing.
A date coder is essential for printing accurate Best By, Use By, Sell By, Freeze-By, lot, and batch details directly onto your packaging. This information keeps products compliant, retail-ready, and easy to track throughout the supply chain.
Using a modern date coder helps ensure:
Regulatory compliance across food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries
Consistent product quality and shelf-life accuracy
Full traceability, including fast recall identification
Clean, readable, and reliable printing on any packaging material
Markoprint date coders deliver crisp, dependable codes with minimal maintenance.
Best by shows how long the product maintains peak quality.
Example: Best By 112525 or Julian 25325
Use-By indicates the recommended last day for safe consumption of highly perishable items.
Example: Use By 11-52
Sell-By guides store staff on how long the product should remain on display.
Example: Sell By 11/25/25
Freeze-By suggests when the product should be frozen to maintain its best quality.
Example: L18325
Expiration Date indicates the final date the product should be used.
Example: EXP 125001
Batch Code & Lot Code identifies the specific production run a product came from. Used for traceability, quality control, & recall management. Example: LOT L325A or BATCH 18325
Start by looking at your core production requirements:
Line speed – how quickly products move through your system
Packaging type – cartons, films, plastics, metals, or corrugated materials
Operating conditions – dry, dusty, refrigerated, or wash-down areas
Print expectations – clarity, resolution, and barcode readability
Maintenance preferences – how much upkeep or consumables you want to manage
Once you have these factors defined, you can select the coding technology that fits your workflow. In many cases, Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) is the ideal solution because it delivers sharp, high-resolution prints with almost no maintenance — which is why Markoprint is a leading choice.
X1Jet MK3 High-speed lines & standard packaging: High-resolution TIJ for cartons, plastics, and coated substrates.
X1Jet Stitch High-speed lines for tight spaces: High-resolution TIJ for cartons, plastics, and coated substrates.
X1Jet Pro Handhold Portable or off-line applications: Battery-powered TIJ for bottles, pouches, boxes, and larger items.
X1Jet LX Ultra Large, bold case printing: Prints up to 1 inch tall for corrugated boxes, trays, and bags.
IP-JET Wet, harsh, or sanitation-heavy environments: IP65 stainless-steel TIJ designed for moisture, dust, and wash-down conditions.
Reach out for a quote and we’ll recommend the best Markoprint model for your production line.
If you’d like to see the print quality yourself, send us your packaging material and we’ll create a free sample print for you.
Visit AT Information Products at Booth S-3014 to see our industrial coding and marking solutions in action
