The use of special UV-readable ink from Linx Printing Technologies is playing a key role in ensuring the authenticity and full traceability of a range of bottles produced by rigid plastics packaging manufacturer RPC Containers Llantrisant.
RPC Llantrisant manufactures the bottles in eight sizes from 25ml to 200ml. Linx Clear UV-readable ink 1121 is then used to code both the bottles and their caps inline using Linx 4900 continuous inkjet printers. The code includes a batch number, date and time, and the line on which the bottle was produced.
It acts as a covert security feature which, in the event of any problem or quality issue, enables the complete pack to be traced back through the filling, supply and manufacturing chain.
RPC Llantrisant uses injection blow moulding to produce the bottles, which are then fed into a capping machine. Two Linx 4900 printers simultaneously code both the cap and bottle.
The Linx 4900, which is portable and therefore easy to move as required, copes easily with line speeds of around 3,200 bottles per hour. RPC operates two lines with the flexibility to add a third to meet peaks in demand.
RPC Llantrisant’s manufacturing manager Jon Bedgood says: ‘The ink produces a completely invisible code, which is nevertheless very clear and easy to read under the appropriate conditions. The printers have been extremely reliable and we have had no issues since they were installed – we literally only have to start them up and away they go. Our operators like them and Linx provided full training, which means everyone is familiar with how they work.’
