Print directly onto cans
Clean, precise, without labels, logos, best-before dates, or barcodes—directly onto metal, plastic, or aluminum cans
Cans are robust, versatile, and used in almost every industry—from food and cosmetics to manufacturing. With REINER, you can mark cans reliably and flexibly using direct printing—without labels or carrier material. Whether round, shiny, or textured: our mobile inkjet printing systems apply text, logos, QR codes, or serial numbers directly to the surface—quickly, cleanly, and smudge-proof.
Hurdles in the coding of cans
Why standard solutions are often not enough
Cans place special demands on labeling, as they are usually made of metal, are often painted and are moved quickly during the production process.
Typical requirements
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Good adhesion to smooth, painted metal surfaces
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Printing of variable data such as BBD, batch and production time
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High legibility on round and reflective surfaces
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Wipe-resistant labeling for transport and handling
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Scanner-capable barcode or QR code printing
Typical challenges
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Curved surface makes clean printing and even positioning difficult
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Painting or coating influences adhesion and drying
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Condensation and moisture in production or cold chain
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High speed in filling and packaging lines
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Reflections and shiny surfaces reduce contrast and legibility
Examples of imprints on cans
Use cases from practice
LOT number on can
Marking also on painted surfaces
MHD on can lids
Labeling even on uneven surfaces
Production date on can
Labeling even on uneven surfaces
Why direct printing instead of labels?
Technology Advantages
label problem
Our direct printing solution with REINER
Labels do not adhere well to curved surfaces
Direct printing – secure adhesion, legible, dimensionally stable
Residue from adhesive or paper
Clean, contactless impression
High label consumption
No backing material, no waste
Coated or glossy surfaces
Ink solutions for metal, plastic, and special coatings
Labels become illegible when exposed to moisture or heat
Smudge-proof prints
Special technical features for cans
Labeling that adapts to your material
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Cylindrical, curved surface requires precise alignment and uniform pressure distance
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Metallic surface is smooth and non-absorbent - special inks with high adhesion required
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Painted or coated cans influence drying and adhesion behavior
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High production speed in the filling process requires very short drying times
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Condensation on chilled beverage cans can impair print quality and adhesion
Practical example
Applications, experiences, and tips
A medium-sized manufacturer of canned food from Lower Saxony produces soups and ready meals in metal and composite cans. The previous solution was based on labels or pre-printed packaging units. The company opted for the jetStamp® 990 for mobile direct labeling. The device is used to apply BBD and batch information directly to the cans.
Result:
- Elimination of additional labels
- Greater flexibility with changing batches
- Reduced use of materials
- Clear and permanent labeling
- More efficient processes for special productions
Labeling in practice
Applications, experiences, and tips
Suitable devices
Our solution
The contactless inkjet printer for challenging surfaces. Ensures consistent, smudge-proof prints—even on slightly curved can shapes.
jetStamp® 990
Flexible labeling of cans
The jetStamp 990 enables quick and clean marking of metal or plastic cans. Batch numbers, dates or HD can be applied directly and support clear identification in the production and packaging process.
✓ Print height up to 12.5 mm (2 lines of 20 characters each)
✓ Variable content (date, batch, text)
✓ Suitable for metal and plastic cans
✓ Mobile and flexible use in production
jetStamp® 1025
Clearly visible labeling on cans
With the jetStamp 1025, cans and containers can be marked legibly. Thanks to the greater print height, batches, dates or barcodes can be applied clearly visible and support clear product labeling.
✓ Print height up to 25 mm
✓ Print text, barcode, date and batch
✓ Ideal for metal and plastic cans
✓ Mobile or stationary use in the production process
jetStamp® graphic 970
Labeling cans with logos and codes
The jetStamp graphic 970 is particularly suitable for marking with graphics or barcodes. Logos, symbols or codes can be printed directly onto cans and containers and enable flexible product labeling.
✓ Print height up to 12.5 mm
✓ Printing of logos, graphics and barcodes
✓ Suitable for metal and plastic cans
✓ Mobile use for flexible applications
Label cans flexibly and economically
Check whether direct printing labels your cans efficiently.
Suitable applications for cans
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