By Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company | Published November 5, 2026

A bottle coding machine prints dates, lot numbers and other batch data on glass or plastic bottles as they move on the line or sit at a rework station. For most primary bottle date coder jobs on curved, fast or non-porous packs, continuous inkjet (CIJ) is the usual choice; thermal inkjet (TIJ) suits flatter areas, short print distance and high-resolution secondary codes.

This guide from Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company explains what bottle batch coding needs, when an inkjet printer for bottles should be CIJ or TIJ, and a 6-step method to choose a bottle coding machine without inventing specifications you have not verified on your own bottles.

What is a bottle coding machine?

A bottle coding machine is an industrial coder that marks expiry dates, lot numbers, shift codes or barcodes on bottles and often on caps. On filling lines the printer is usually fixed beside a conveyor with a sensor trigger. For rework, samples or slow stations, a handheld bottle date coder may be enough.

Unlike a label-only process, direct coding puts the mark on the bottle wall, shoulder, base ring or cap. The surface may be PET, HDPE, glass or coated plastic, and it is often curved — which decides technology more than brand names do.

What bottle batch coding needs on the line

Bottle batch coding succeeds when four things match: the exact code content, the bottle material and colour, the gap from head to surface, and line speed. A code that looks fine on a flat carton can fail on a cold, wet glass bottle or a low-energy PE container.

Write down every line you must print (date, batch, time, plant code). Measure the printable flat or gently curved area. Note whether bottles are dry at the coding point or still carry rinse water or condensation after filling.

CIJ vs TIJ as an inkjet printer for bottles

When a CIJ bottle date coder is the right choice

Choose CIJ when bottles move quickly, sit farther from the head, or present a curved non-porous wall. The MFS200 Plus series continuous inkjet printer lists barcode and 2D options, more than 20 independent counters, character height 2 to 20mm, a best printing distance of 12mm and a maximum printing speed of 384m/min.

The MF-M2000 high stable CIJ inkjet printer prints 1 to 4 lines at up to 528m/min with IP65 protection for demanding primary lines. Pair the printer with an ink specified for your polymer or glass, and always use the matched make-up solvent so viscosity stays stable.

Dry the coding area when bottles leave a cold filler with condensation. No bottle coding machine can stick well to a wet film of water.

When TIJ suits bottle coding

Choose TIJ when you need sharp high-resolution text or codes, can keep a short steady gap, and the printable area is relatively flat — for example some rectangular bottles, labels already on the bottle, or secondary marks. Handheld units such as the MF-G100 print 1 to 12.7mm high codes for rework and small batches. Online TIJ printers such as the MFT180E suit conveyor coding when distance and flatness allow.

Ink still matters: water-based cartridges for absorbent paper labels and cartons around the bottle line; solvent quick-drying cartridges for many non-porous plastics. Cartridge volume on MufengTech TIJ models is typically 42ml.

How to choose a bottle coding machine in 6 steps

1. Define the code. Date format, batch, plant code, barcode or QR; note minimum size for your scanner or inspector.
2. Identify the bottle. PET, HDPE, glass, colour and whether the mark goes on wall, shoulder, base or cap.
3. Check dryness and coatings. Condensation, oil and slip agents defeat adhesion — fix the line point before blaming the printer.
4. Measure distance and speed. Match head gap and conveyor speed to CIJ or TIJ working ranges.
5. Decide online vs handheld. Continuous fillers need a fixed head; warehouse rework may suit a handheld bottle date coder.
6. Test on real bottles. Print your actual containers, rub-test dried codes, and confirm readability before volume orders.

For dedicated TIJ cartridge and coder details see tijinkjet.com. For CIJ printers, inks and make-up see cijinkjet.com.

About Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company

Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company was established in Shenzhen in July 2012. We combine research and development, production, sales and after-sales service for inkjet coders, laser marking machines and consumables used by customers around the world.

FAQ: bottle coding machines and date coders

What is the best bottle coding machine for plastic bottles?

For most curved PET or HDPE bottles on a filler, a CIJ bottle date coder is the usual starting point. Confirm ink adhesion on your exact polymer with a sample test.

Can an inkjet printer for bottles also print on caps?

Yes, many CIJ installations code caps as well as walls when the cap presents a stable target at the right distance. Test cap shape and colour for contrast.

Is TIJ or CIJ better for bottle batch coding?

CIJ suits fast lines, larger gaps and round non-porous bottles. TIJ suits short-distance, flatter areas and high-resolution codes. Choose from real bottle samples.

Do I need make-up solvent for a CIJ bottle date coder?

Yes. CIJ uses ink plus matched make-up solvent to control viscosity as solvent evaporates. Do not mix make-up from another ink family.

How do I get a recommendation?

Contact Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company on WhatsApp +86 158 1405 1051 with bottle material photos, code layout and line speed.

Need help choosing a bottle coding machine? Send your bottle material, code layout and line speed on WhatsApp +86 158 1405 1051 and our team will recommend a coding solution.