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The core of Unique Device Identification (UDI) is to apply unique identifiers (barcodes, QR codes, characters, etc.) accurately, clearly, and permanently on medical devices or their packaging. This places high demands on marking equipment in terms of precision, durability, and regulatory compliance.
Suitable UDI Marking Equipment
1. Laser Marking Machines (Mainstream Recommendation)
CO₂ Laser: Suitable for non-metal packaging such as cartons, labels, and plastic films.
Fiber Laser: Ideal for metal instruments, stainless steel surgical tools, and implants.
UV Laser: Cold processing with minimal thermal impact, suitable for medical plastics, glass syringes, and transparent materials, ensuring no product damage.
✅ Features: Permanent marking, clear and anti-counterfeit, wear-resistant, difficult to remove, fully compliant with FDA/EU requirements for “durable readability.”
2. Inkjet Printers (TIJ / CIJ)
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ): High resolution, perfect for small characters and high-definition QR codes, widely used for pharmaceutical cartons and labels.
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ): Suitable for high-speed production lines, commonly applied to bottles, flexible packaging, and tubing.
✅ Features: Flexible and cost-effective, though slightly inferior to lasers in terms of long-term durability and resistance.
3. Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTO)
Commonly used for flexible packaging films and pharmaceutical pouches.
✅ Features: High resolution (300 dpi+), excellent for variable data such as batch numbers, dates, and UDI codes.
From metal instruments to pharmaceutical packaging, there is an ideal UDI marking solution for every application: laser marking machines deliver permanent and precise anti-counterfeit marks, inkjet printers provide flexible and high-speed variable data printing, and thermal transfer overprinters ensure detailed and stable high-resolution output for flexible packaging—fully meeting the compliance and traceability needs of the medical device and biopharmaceutical industries.