Coding and marking is an indispensable aspect of wood production that has existed since the earliest days of the logging industry. Coding and marking ensure the safety and consistency of products and allow clear communication along the supply chain. Wood markings can provide an abundance of critical information at every stage of the supply chain. Nature’s Packaging shares some of the information that can be communicated efficiently through the marking of pallets.
Legible and accurate marking on wood can provide reassurance that the pallet or other item meets international phytosanitary requirements. Coding and marking can verify that the wood has been treated to prevent the spread of invasive insect and plant species that could destroy local ecosystems if unknowingly transported via wood or other exports. The codes share the history of the pallet, including country of origin, certifying agency, producer, and treatment method, in an efficient, easy-to-read manner for people at each level of the industry.
Wood marking not only benefits those who handle the wood directly, by offering all of the information they need directly and concisely, but also protects everyone by ensuring the wood used in the various projects that affect our day-to-day life meets the highest standards of safety.
The coding and marking of wood supply crucial information to builders by signifying different models which can meet the varying needs of multiple industries. Especially as we consider a greener future, implementing more recycling of wood and other resources in construction and additional industries, coding and marking provide essential information to consider in its reuse, letting users know about its durability, age, and quality. Clearly marking wood with the correct code is essential to the success and safety of the wood industry and everyone who uses wood. REA Jet offers solutions to remain in compliance with marking requirements and continue this important communication between producers and users of pallets.
Evolution of Wood Marking
Marking wood has been a common practice since the 1840’s. Manual stamping is still used by some in the industry, but options have increased for wood marking with the development and implementation of modern technologies. Durable Tech gives an overview of options for wood marking today with the pros and cons of each method.
Manual processes are more time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to error, which can harm a business’s reputation if problems continue unchecked. For example, using a rubber stamp requires the correct amount of pressure on every single piece of wood. Any variance can result in an unclear mark. The stamp also needs to be cleaned frequently due to the amount of sawdust in the environment. The environment can greatly affect the cleaning and maintenance of these manual processes, meaning more time is spent maintaining machinery and less time assembling and manufacturing products.
Stenciling is another manual process that requires precision from all persons involved. The mark must be applied carefully by hand to be clear. Any distraction could lead to an inaccurate, unreadable mark.
Automating the Wood Marking Process
Automating this process by installing a printer system eliminates risk due to human error. Installing coding and marking technology results in an accurate, precise, and legible mark each time without taking up valuable time of your employees. Modern printers can mark a variety of surfaces, allowing your business to scale and be open to new opportunities as they arise.
When to switch to inkjet or laser printing
- Issues are emerging with the inconsistency of your labeling.
Labels must be applied in specific ways to meet regulations and customer expectations. If you have experienced issues with your labels being applied identically, this is a sign it may be time to automate the coding and marking process and eliminate these risks due to human error, no matter how skilled your employees are.
- Labor costs are too high for your business.
Imagine this: Tom just finished loading a forklift, but before he proceeds to the next step for the product, he must label each pallet by hand. He has to go to a computer, find the correct labels, print them, and apply each one precisely. If using a rubber stamp, he must spend time stamping each piece of wood with the same pressure and precise application, while remembering to clean the stamp every few uses. This makes each load far more time-consuming than implementing an automated process to mark the wood.
- Your business is experiencing increased volume moving through your warehouse, and therefore an increased need for labeling.
Speed, precision, and accuracy are crucial elements for growing production and maintaining a consistent product with increased demand. Automating your coding and marking process prepares you for growth and scalability.
If you realize that it may be time to automate the wood marking process, be thoughtful in which product and company you choose to work with. The type of printer matters. The costs of maintenance and downtime with the wrong process could outweigh the benefits of choosing to automate your system for coding and marking.
REA JET offers maintenance-free, high-resolution, inkjet printers with HP print technology. The sturdy stainless steel housing, intuitive operation, and well-designed print head make this coding and marking system suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. REA JET printers excel at marking porous and absorbent materials, such as cardboard and wood.
REA JET also offers DOD systems, providing marking solutions with lower costs and improved longevity. Their resolution meets the requirements of virtually all industrial applications for marking and coding. These large character systems are easy to use and due to the modular construction of the system components, they are highly flexible for any business needs. The silver print heads duplicate production speed potential to more than 600 m/min and increases print durability by lowering wear and tear. The modular designed Large Character DOD coding and marking systems for texts, dates, or logos are available in printing heights up to 140 mm for each print head. For larger printings, several print heads can be combined.
REA JET prioritizes the success of our partners. We understand that making major shifts in the way you conduct business is intimidating, especially if the current systems seem to be working. We strongly believe that after the initial challenges of implementing a new system, you will find that an automated and maintenance-free system for your coding and marking needs grants the peace of mind that comes with producing a consistent product that meets rigid regulation standards, as well as customer expectations.
Let us help you find the best system for your unique business. Give us a call today to elevate your production to the next level.
