Domino Gx-Series PRO Printhead Supports the Move to High-Quality 2D Coding

The use of 2D codes across product packaging is growing rapidly. Life sciences manufacturers have already adopted serialised Data Matrix codes, while retailers and food producers are exploring how QR and other 2D codes can improve traceability, product information, stock management and consumer engagement.

However, adding variable 2D codes to a packaging line is not simply a matter of printing more information. The codes must remain clear, accurate and easy to scan while being printed at production speed across different packaging materials.

Domino’s new Gx-Series PRO Printhead has been developed to meet this challenge, helping manufacturers produce high-quality, GS1-compliant 2D codes on modern production and packaging lines.

Designed for demanding 2D coding applications

The Gx-Series PRO is a thermal inkjet printhead designed for applications requiring larger print areas, high optical density and consistently readable variable codes.

It can print text, batch information, expiry dates, serialised data, QR codes and Data Matrix codes in a single high-resolution message. Its key capabilities include:

• Print heights of up to 23mm from a single printhead
• Resolution of up to 1200dpi
• Throw distances of up to 10mm for alphanumeric codes
• Water- and solvent-based inks for porous and non-porous materials
• Compatibility with the Domino Gx150i, Gx350i and GxOEM platforms
• The ability to combine up to four printheads for print heights of up to 91.9mm

These features allow the printhead to handle challenging packaging formats while maintaining the clarity needed for reliable scanning throughout the supply chain.

Supporting GS1 2D code requirements

Retailers and supply chains are preparing for wider use of 2D codes powered by GS1. Unlike traditional linear barcodes, a 2D code can carry significantly more information, including product identification, batch numbers, expiry dates and serial numbers.

This additional data can support:

• More accurate product traceability
• Automated expiry-date management
• Faster and more targeted product recalls
• Dynamic pricing for short-dated products
• Improved stock rotation
• Additional product information for consumers

For manufacturers, the main challenge is ensuring every variable code is printed correctly and can be scanned first time. The Gx-Series PRO has been designed specifically to deliver the contrast, resolution and print area required for these more complex codes.

Integrated Coding, Automation and Code Verification

The Gx-Series PRO can be incorporated into a complete Codico coding, automation and Code Check solution.

Codico’s Coding Automation solutions can connect production data directly with printers on the line, ensuring the correct approved information is selected and printed on each product. By reducing manual data entry and job selection, manufacturers can lower the risk of coding errors, waste and costly rework.

Once the code has been printed, Codico’s Code Check vision solutions can inspect it in real time. Using technologies including Domino’s R-Series, the system can verify that each code is present, correctly positioned, accurate and readable before the product moves further along the production line.

By combining the Gx-Series PRO printhead with Codico’s Coding Automation and Code Check solutions, manufacturers can create a fully integrated process covering data management, printing and automatic code verification.

Applications across food, pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturing

The Gx-Series PRO is particularly suited to high-throughput food packaging applications, including fresh and chilled meat, fish and poultry. A printhead-heater option also supports reliable performance in colder production environments.

It can also be used for pharmaceutical serialisation, direct-to-box printing and general manufacturing applications where clear variable information, barcodes or graphics are required on porous or non-porous materials. Domino also offers food-packaging-compliant inks manufactured in accordance with EuPIA Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

Preparing your production line for 2D coding

As more retailers, regulators and supply chains adopt 2D codes, manufacturers need to consider more than the printer alone. Code design, production-line speed, packaging material, printhead positioning, data management and automatic inspection will all affect the quality of the finished code.

Codico can assess your current coding application and help identify the most appropriate combination of printing, automation and vision technology for your production line.

Speak to the Codico team to learn more about the Domino Gx-Series PRO Printhead or to arrange a live demonstration.