Industrial
Marking & Coding
Systems
Whether you need batch coding, barcoding, or high-speed product marking, CCS delivers precision, reliability, and customization to meet your industry's unique requirements.
The Right Code, on the Right Substrate, at the Right Speed.
Industrial marking and coding systems print permanent or variable data — logos, serial numbers, lot codes, date stamps, barcodes, and QR codes — directly onto products and packaging. These systems are essential for product traceability, brand compliance, and regulatory requirements across food, pharmaceutical, automotive, and logistics industries.
Chicago Coding Systems designs custom automated and semi-automated marking and coding solutions from our facility in St. Charles, Illinois. With over 60 years of experience, we integrate continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), thermal transfer overprinting (TTO), and laser coding technologies into your existing production line — backed by 24/7 technical support with a 4-hour response guarantee.
Coding Technologies We Integrate
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
High-speed, non-contact printing of dates, codes, and text on virtually any substrate. Ink dries instantly, making it ideal for high-speed food and beverage lines.
CCS PRODUCT: SQUID INK JETSTREAM
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)
High-resolution printing for barcodes, QR codes, and graphics. Lower maintenance than CIJ with no solvent handling — ideal for pharma and consumer goods.
CCS PRODUCTS: COPILOT • COPILOT GEMINI • COPILOT MAX • VIPER TIJ
Thermal Transfer Overprint (TTO)
Prints sharp variable data onto flexible packaging films. Ideal for date codes, lot numbers, and barcodes on pouches, flow wraps, and sachets.
CCS PRODUCTS: FLEXPACKPRO TTO 130 • 210 • 420 • 500
Laser Coding
Permanent, non-contact marking using CO2 or fiber lasers. Zero consumables — no ink, no ribbons, no solvents. Best for high-contrast codes on plastics, glass, and metals.
IDEAL FOR: PHARMA • AUTOMOTIVE • ELECTRONICS
Large Character Marking
For shipping cases, pallets, and corrugated packaging. High-visibility codes for warehouse and logistics operations where readability at distance matters.
IDEAL FOR: LOGISTICS • WAREHOUSING • CASE CODING
Where Marking & Coding Systems Deliver
Food & Beverage
Date codes, lot numbers, and barcodes on primary and secondary packaging — built for cold storage and high-moisture environments. See food solutions →
Pharmaceutical
Serialization, NDC codes, and expiration dates on bottles, boxes, and syringe labels for FDA and DSCSA compliance. See pharma solutions →
Automotive & Aerospace
OEM-compliant marking on brake pads, tires, sensor assemblies, and aerospace subcomponents. MIL-STD UID marking with 2D Data Matrix codes. See auto/aero solutions →
Logistics & Case Coding
High-visibility codes on shipping cases, pallets, and corrugated packaging. Integrated with WMS for automated print-on-demand. See logistics solutions →
Whether you need continuous inkjets or laser coders, we utilize top-of-the-line technology from reputable companies to make our customers' automation dreams come true.
Chicago Coding Systems — Marking & Coding ExpertiseMarking & Coding Across Every Sector
Marking & Coding FAQ
What is the difference between CIJ and TIJ printing?
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are designed for high-speed production lines where ink needs to dry instantly on contact. They excel at small-character printing on virtually any substrate. Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers produce higher-resolution output — ideal for barcodes, QR codes, and graphics — with simpler maintenance and no solvent handling. CCS carries both technologies and helps you select the right one for your application.
What substrates can marking and coding systems print on?
CCS marking and coding systems print on plastic, metal, glass, paper, cardboard, wood, and flexible films. The right technology depends on your substrate, line speed, and code requirements. CIJ and laser work on the widest range of materials; TIJ excels on porous and semi-porous surfaces; TTO is purpose-built for flexible packaging films.
Do your coding systems support serialization and variable data?
Yes. All CCS coding systems support fully variable data — lot codes, date stamps, serial numbers, barcodes, and QR codes that change with every product. Our software integration team connects coding systems to your ERP or production databases for automated variable data printing without manual entry.
What brands of marking and coding equipment does CCS carry?
CCS integrates equipment from Squid Ink (CoPilot, CoPilot Gemini, CoPilot Max, Jetstream, Viper TIJ), FlexPackPro (TTO printers), and Zebra (ZE511/ZE521 print engines). We select the brand and model that best fits your application, substrate, and production environment.
How do I know which coding technology is right for my line?
CCS offers free consultations where our team evaluates your production line, substrate, speed requirements, and regulatory needs. We recommend the right technology — not the most expensive option. Contact us or call 630.377.4664 to schedule an assessment.
Ready to upgrade your marking and coding? Let's talk.
Get a free consultation. We'll evaluate your substrate, line speed, and code requirements, then recommend the right CIJ, TIJ, TTO, or laser solution.