Compare the DIRECT PART MARKING methods. Direct part marking is done by INKJET MARKING, LASER MARKING, THERMAL TRANSFER and HOT STAMP marking. These are the four methods for marking directly on packages or containers. The marking choice depends on the material to be marked, the size of the marking and the speed of the process.

The ink jet printers are divided into two categories: large print and small print characters. The large print models are for printing on cases. This may be in a single or in multiple lines. Small print models are intended for a much broader range of applications. These go from date codes at the neck or edge of containers to bottles still wet from rinsing. The print heads can be single line to 4 plus lines being printed simultaneously.

One advantage of laser marking over ink jet is the fine resolution of the marking. In the laser head, a set of mirrors is driven by computer signals to deflect the beam at tremendous speed to form the desired marking. Because of the fine resolution, the letter height with some models can be as small as 0.05 inch. The maximum height with most models is around 2 inches

Hot stamp printers use an ink ribbon. The hot stamp print head is heated and transfers the information though the ribbon onto the product in a stamping motion. The printers listed here have the applicators included and are ready to be added to a packaging line.

Thermal transfer printers have a print head made up of a fine matrix of semiconductor points. (300 points/inch or dpi) These points are selectively heated. The system uses a ribbon which has dry ink on the side in contact with the product. The hot points of the print head melt the ink on the ribbon and transfer it to the product