When it comes to wet wipes production, the coding step might look small, but it’s actually a big deal. Every pack of wet wipes carries its own “ID card” — production date, batch number, QR code, or anti-counterfeiting mark — all printed precisely by a coding machine.
So, what exactly is a coding machine? And which type suits your wet wipes packaging line best? Let’s break it down clearly and simply 👇
🏷️ What Is a Coding Machine?
A coding machine (also called a date printer or marking system) is a device that prints key product information — such as production date, lot number, expiry date, barcode, or QR code — directly onto packaging materials like plastic film, paper pouches, or boxes.
In a wet wipes production line, the coding machine is often installed on the packaging machine, working automatically and synchronously with each sealing cycle. It ensures that every single pack carries accurate, traceable information — a must for quality control and compliance.
⚙️ Four Common Types of Coding Machines for Wet Wipes Packaging
1️⃣ Ink Wheel Coding Machine (Ink Roll Coder)
Consumable: Ink wheel，1 pcs Ink wheel can printing approx 90,000 pcs bags
Working Principle: Uses a heated metal wheel to transfer ink from the ink roll onto the film surface.
✅ Advantages:
Low cost, simple design, and easy maintenance
Fast and stable printing speed
⚠️ Disadvantages:
Can only print fixed text or numbers
Limited clarity, not suitable for barcodes or QR codes
💡 Best For: Basic or economy wet wipes packaging — like household or baby wipes.
2️⃣ Inkjet Printer
Consumables: Ink + diluent
Working Principle: Uses micro nozzles to spray fine ink droplets onto packaging film, forming text or graphics.
✅ Advantages:
Very flexible — can print QR codes, barcodes, logos, variable dates, etc.
High clarity, fast printing, and supports automatic variable data
Can link directly with the wet wipes packing machine’s PLC system
⚠️ Disadvantages:
Higher ink and solvent cost
Requires regular nozzle cleaning to prevent clogging
Sensitive to humidity and dust
💡 Best For: Mid- to high-end wet wipes, export products, and medical or disinfectant wipes requiring traceability.
3️⃣ Laser Coding Machine (Laser Marker)
Consumables: None (non-contact laser marking)
Working Principle: High-energy laser beams burn or discolor the film surface to create marks.
✅ Advantages:
No consumables — lowest long-term cost
Permanent marks that won’t fade or smear
Environmentally friendly and clean
Very high printing precision
⚠️ Disadvantages:
Higher initial investment
Not suitable for all film materials (some may deform under laser heat),for example PVC material and Transparent plastic films (PVC releases toxic gases, and transparent plastic films allow lasers to pass through without causing a reaction.)
💡 Best For: High-end or medical wet wipes, export products, or premium brands focusing on long-lasting and anti-counterfeit markings.
4️⃣ Thermal Transfer Overprinter (TTO Printer)
Consumable: Thermal transfer ribbon, 1 pcs can printing approx 35,000 pcs bags
Working Principle: A printhead heats the ribbon and transfers the ink layer onto the packaging film.
✅ Advantages:
Excellent print quality and clarity
Can print complex content — logos, QR codes,Barcode, batch codes
Supports real-time variable data (e.g., date/time auto updates)
⚠️ Disadvantages:
Ribbon cost slightly higher than ink wheel systems
Printing speed limited by heating and transfer process
💡 Best For: Premium wet wipes packaging, gift-set wipes, or products requiring detailed branding and high precision.
📊 Comparison Table — Four Types of Coding Machines
| Type | Consumables | Flexibility | Cost | Print Clarity | Maintenance | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Wheel | Ink roll | Low | ★ | ★★ | ★ | Economy wet wipes |
| Inkjet | Ink + diluent | High | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Export / high-end wipes |
| Laser | None | High | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | Medical / premium wipes |
| Thermal Transfer | Ribbon | High | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | Branded / gift wipes |
🧠 Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Coder
- 💸 Focus on cost control? → Ink wheel coding machine is budget-friendly and reliable.
- ⚡ Need flexibility and sharp printing? → Inkjet printer is your go-to.
- 🏆 Want premium, clean, and maintenance-free results? → Laser coding machine wins hands-down.
- 🎨 Looking for high-quality printing with logos or QR codes? → Go for thermal transfer coding.
Remember — the best coding machine isn’t the most expensive one, but the one that fits your product positioning, output capacity, and packaging material the best.