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Code position
Decide whether the code appears on the label, bottle, cap or carton.
Coding integration
Date coding and labelling line guide
Many packaging lines need date, batch or lot codes as well as labels. This guide explains how coding should be considered when specifying a bottle labelling machine.
- UK specification advice from Lancing
- Automatic, compact and semi-automatic options
- Built around container, label and output requirements
Integration guide
What this guide covers
Date coding can happen on the label, bottle, cap or secondary packaging. The position affects machine layout, sensor triggering and space around the labeller. Planning coding and labelling together avoids awkward retrofit work later.
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Trigger point
The coder needs a reliable product signal and stable product movement.
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Access
Leave room for printer maintenance, ink or ribbon changes and inspection.
Practical comparison
Key points to check
| Coding location | Consideration | Line impact |
|---|---|---|
| On label | Label must pass consistently at print head | May be before or during application |
| On bottle | Surface shape and stability matter | Needs space before or after labeller |
| On cap | Cap orientation and height matter | May need separate handling |
| On carton | Later in packing line | Separate coding station possible |
Specification advice
How this affects machine choice
Check the pack first
Review the actual container shape, diameter, label panel and surface finish. A label applicator works best when the pack is stable and the label area is predictable.
Match label to machine
Confirm label material, roll direction, label gap and adhesive before ordering production labels. Clear, film or metallic labels may need extra testing.
Plan the production route
Decide whether the operation is batch-fed, compact automatic or part of a conveyorised filling and capping line. The best machine is the one that fits the full process.
Related guidance
More useful labelling pages
Use these guides to compare machine routes, confirm the label and container specification, and prepare the evidence needed for a useful quotation.
Knowledge centre
Browse selection, setup, sensing, output, integration and troubleshooting guidance for round-container labelling projects.
Wraparound labelling machine buyer guide
Compare bench, compact and automatic routes using container, label, output, changeover and integration requirements.
Specification checklist
Collect container dimensions, label-roll data, output, coding and site details before requesting a machine quotation.
Label roll direction guide
Check unwind direction, leading edge and roll presentation before ordering production labels or arranging a trial.
Diameter and label length guide
Measure the usable cylindrical panel and estimate label length, seam gap or overlap for a representative sample.
Output speed guide
Separate headline cycle rate from sustainable accepted output by allowing for handling, coding, stops and changeovers.
Troubleshooting guide
Work through container, roll, sensor, guide and wrap settings when labels skew, wrinkle, bubble or fail to dispense.
Label applicator FAQ
Browse selection, setup, sensing, output, integration and troubleshooting guidance for round-container labelling projects.
Automatic wraparound labeller
Review conveyorised wraparound labelling for higher-output round-container lines and upstream or downstream integration.
Compact wrap-around labeller
Review a smaller automatic route for growing production where repeatability is needed without a full-size inline system.
Semi-automatic wrap-around labeller
Review operator-fed wraparound labelling for shorter batches, frequent changeovers and limited production space.
All wraparound labellers
Compare bench, semi-automatic, compact and fully automatic wraparound labellers in one range overview.
Questions
Common questions
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Can coding be added to a labelling line?
Often yes, but the best position should be planned with the labelling process.
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Should coding happen before labelling?
It depends on where the code needs to appear and how the product is handled.
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What information is needed?
Code position, code size, substrate, speed and whether the line already has a coder are useful details.
Technical review
Reviewed by Lancing Ltd
This guide is maintained by Lancing's packaging machinery team. Lancing states that it has specialised in semi-automatic and fully automatic machinery for over 40 years and supports equipment across the UK, Europe and worldwide. Final recommendations are confirmed against actual containers, labels and production targets.
Last technical review: 11 July 2026 · About Lancing · Official company profile
Quick enquiry
Send us your labelling requirement.
Include container diameter, label size, material, target output and whether the label is paper, film or transparent. Lancing can recommend a suitable semi-automatic, compact or automatic configuration.
Phone: 01494 623015
Email: sales@lancinguk.com
Coding compatibility
Define where, when and how the code is applied.
Date, batch and lot coding should be treated as part of the labelling cycle rather than an accessory added after the output target is agreed.
Start with the required data and the surface that will receive it. If the code is printed onto the label web before application, the coder needs a stable print area, compatible label material and enough web movement or dwell. If the code is applied after the label is on the container, the pack must be presented with a stable distance and orientation. In either case, the print position must avoid artwork, varnish, seams or strongly curved areas that reduce legibility.
Data and print area
Define character content, maximum line count, character size, print field and whether data changes by batch, date or individual container.
Material and process
Provide the production label so print adhesion and contrast can be assessed. Confirm whether the web stops, moves continuously or needs a separate coding station.
Verification and response
Decide whether an operator check is sufficient or a reader or vision system is required. Define what happens after a missing or unreadable code is detected.
Include coding in the timed trial because print time, communication and inspection can reduce sustainable line output. Record the exact coder configuration and test code quality across a consecutive run. The automatic and compact wraparound references support coding options, while the LT-50D route has an integrated date-printer option.
Applications that print and apply variable logistics labels to cartons, cases or pallets are outside this site’s round-bottle ownership. Review the wider Lancing print-and-apply route instead of creating a competing round-container page.