Category: Applications

Across the globe, governments are increasingly implementing food regulations and coding requirements to ensure complete traceability throughout the food supply chain, which can be particularly useful in the event of contaminated batches. Consumers also want to know where their food came from, who is providing it and when it was produced.

Printing & marking legible and accurate information on products is an important requirement for any food manufacturer, as traceability becomes more common (and more often required) in the industry. When it comes to food safety, especially with printing on egg shells, clear codes for traceability and easy to read use-by date markings are critically important. When coding on eggs, this task is particularly difficult due to the delicate, uneven nature of the shells. Inkjet printers are ideal for this requirement, as they spray food-safe ink from a small distance, without even touching the surface of the egg. This prevents some damage from unevenly sized or oriented eggs, but with rigid print heads, there still comes a loss of product due to shell breakage.

What is the main technology can be offered for coding on eggs?

• inkjet printing on egg
• stamping eggs
• laser coding on eggs

When it comes to coding on eggs, one of the main technologies that can be offered is inkjet printing on egg shells. This innovative method allows for precise and detailed coding or labeling directly onto the surface of the egg n the fly. 

The use of food-grade ink specifically designed for eggs ensures that the coding process meets all safety and regulatory standards. This ink is carefully formulated to adhere to the porous surface of the eggshell without compromising its integrity or quality.

Another technology option for coding on eggs is stamping. This involves using specialized equipment to apply a code onto the eggshell. Stamping offers a dependable and effective method for imprinting eggs with crucial details, including production dates, expiration dates, or farm identification. However, it can impede the pace of your production. This process does not occur instantaneously; rather, it necessitates halting the production line for each row within the tray.

Laser technology, although less widely recognized, can also be employed for the purpose of coding on eggs. This method offers a remarkable degree of accuracy and durability, resulting in distinct and long-lasting codes on the eggshells. However, it should be noted that this approach necessitates a substantial initial investment and may not be as effective when used on white eggshells due to limited visibility. Additionally, the operation of this technology requires the installation of a ventilation system and periodic filter replacements, as well as the management of heat generated during the process.

Overall, these various technologies offer effective solutions for coding on eggs, ensuring traceability, quality control, and compliance with industry standards.

RNJet’s EP-6H+ Egg Printer solves this problem with its specially designed compensators on each print head which gently glide over unevenly sized or oriented eggshells, reducing loss of product to 0. Printing on Egg shells with RN Mark’s USDA approved, food-grade ink, both customer and producer can rest easy knowing their product is fresh, local and safe. Make sure you use USDA-approved food grade ink for printing on egg shells.