Print the date, batch and code
on flexible packaging
and labels
Markem-Imaje SmartDate TTO (thermal transfer) printers apply the date, batch, barcodes, 2D codes and variable data directly onto flexible packaging film and labels, at line speed — clean, high-resolution printing, with data that changes for every pack. More than a printer: the value is in the process. We build a complete solution — marking, Auto ID, software and traceability — that solves a real requirement in your packaging workflow.
Print the date, batch and code on flexible packaging
Date, batch, barcodes and variable data straight onto flexible film and labels, at line speed. More than a printer: a complete marking + Auto ID + software solution that solves traceability in your process.
Consistent, high-quality printing on film and labels
TTO (Thermal Transfer Overprinting) melts ink from a ribbon directly onto the packaging through a thermal printhead. It is a digital printing technology developed specifically for flexible packaging and labels, which makes it ideal for films, flexible packaging film and labels. The result: a consistent, high-quality code at 300 dpi resolution — messages as crisp as classic printing.
Markem-Imaje, the inventor of TTO printers for more than three decades, has developed printers that are extremely reliable, fast and able to print the largest message on the market. The SmartDate range prints barcodes, logos, alphanumeric characters and variable data with automatic updating — production date, best-before date, shift code, serialisation — directly onto flexible film or labels, without stopping the line.
Unlike a pre-printed label, the marked data is dynamic: it updates automatically for every pack. Below we start from your specific need — what you mark, on which packaging and how fast — and arrive at the right SmartDate model. See our range of marking applications or request a free consultation.
And we go beyond the printer: we build a complete solution — marking, Auto ID, software and traceability, integrated with your ERP/WMS — that solves a real problem in your production flow, not just one more device on the line.
What does your packaging line look like?
Every flexible-film application has different constraints. Find your scenario and see which SmartDate models fit best — we detail them below.
Compact line, OEM integration
You have limited space on the packaging machine and want a robust, easy-to-integrate printer for low-to-medium output.
High speed, high volume
A fast line where codes must stay crisp at full speed, with no rejects and without slowing production.
Large messages, ingredients, nutrition
Print large blocks of text — ingredient lists, nutrition tables — or mark several lanes on the same pack.
Legible 2D and Data Matrix codes
Apply high-resolution 2D and Data Matrix codes on film, read correctly by inspection cameras or scanners.
Zero wrong codes on packaging
You can't afford a mis-coded batch. You need to verify the presence, position and quality of the code on every pack.
Labels and high-barrier MAP film
Mark on metallic or decorative labels and on high-barrier (MAP) films, where contrast and adhesion matter.
What the SmartDate range offers, beyond the printer
Compact, reliable and versatile — features found across the SmartDate range. We confirm them on the model that fits your application.
What you can print
TTO is ideal for printing dates, product information, logos, nutritional information, ingredient lists, barcodes and other information. Messages are built in Markem-Imaje's CoLOS software.
Markem-Imaje TTO printers distributed by Imark Sistem
Five SmartDate solutions for any flexible-film packaging line — from compact OEM integration to wide format and demanding applications. Full technical specifications (speeds, print areas, dimensions) are in each model's datasheet, downloadable directly, no form required.
Compact & medium — easy on-line integration
- Material Stick packs, pouches, flow-pack, high-barrier film (MAP), metallic/decorative labels
- Industries Snacks, pharma, pet food, dairy, cosmetics, beverages, confectionery, food
- Technology TTO (thermal transfer)
- Speed Low · Medium
- Material High-barrier film (MAP), stick packs, seal bags, flow-pack, metallic/decorative labels
- Industries Cosmetics, pharma, snacks, pet food, food, dairy, confectionery, beverages
- Technology TTO (thermal transfer)
- Speed Low · Medium
- Material Stick packs, flow-pack, seal bags, high-barrier film (MAP), metallised/decorative labels
- Industries Snacks, pharma, pet food, food, dairy, cosmetics, confectionery, beverages
- Technology TTO (X45 / X65 integration)
- Speed Low · Medium · High
High performance — high speed and wide format
- Material Stick packs, flow-pack, seal bags, high-barrier film (MAP), metallic/decorative labels
- Industries Pharma, snacks, pet food, food, dairy, cosmetics, confectionery, beverages
- Technology TTO (thermal transfer)
- Speed Low · Medium · High
- Material Stick packs, flow-pack, seal bags, high-barrier film (MAP), metallic/decorative labels
- Industries Pharma, snacks, pet food, food, dairy, cosmetics, confectionery, beverages
- Technology TTO (wide format)
- Speed Low · Medium
Not sure which model fits?
Our sales approach is consultative. Tell us what packaging you mark, your line speed and the message you want, and we'll recommend the right TTO printer, ribbon and accessories — at no cost.
Request a free consultation →How do I choose the right TTO model?
The right solution isn't the most expensive or the cheapest, nor the one another company uses — it's the one that fits the application. Here are four questions to guide you — and we find the right answer together, based on your line and packaging.
- 1 What is the line speed and how many packs per minute?
- 2 What packaging do you mark — film, stick, flow-pack, label?
- 3 How large is the message and do you use 2D codes?
- 4 A new integration or mounting on an existing machine / OEM?
Tell us what you want to mark, the packaging and the line conditions, and we'll recommend the right TTO printer, ribbon and accessories — at no cost.
TTO applications, by industry
Every industry has its own flexible-packaging marking requirements. Choose your sector and see the applications — talk to us.
Food industry & snacks — date, batch and nutrition on film
Snacks, bakery products and foods packed in flexible film need legible marking of the date, batch and nutrition information, at line speed. TTO prints cleanly on flow-pack, pouches, sticks and high-barrier MAP film.
Dairy & confectionery — marking on lids, film and decorative packaging
Dairy products and confectionery often use flexible film, lids and decorative labels. TTO delivers a high-contrast code, suitable for variable data and codes, without affecting the packaging's appearance.
Pharma & cosmetics — compliant marking on film and blisters
In pharma and cosmetics, marking must be legible, permanent and compliant. TTO applies variable data, batches, serialisation and Data Matrix codes on flexible film and sensitive packaging, with code verification on every pack.
Beverages — marking on flexible packaging and multipacks
Beyond direct marking on the container (where CIJ comes in), beverages use bundling film and labels on which TTO applies dates, batches and legible codes. We combine the right technologies for each step of the line.
Pet food and other flexible-packaging industries
We also mark and code in industries with special requirements — pet food, technical products packed in film. We discuss your application directly and determine the right model and ribbon.
Original ribbons and nationwide service
A TTO printer means both the right ribbon and timely maintenance. We cover you on both.
Markem-Imaje ribbons
The SmartDate Xceed, Xtra and Xpert ranges cover every film and packaging type. Original ribbons deliver consistent contrast and adhesion, up to 15% more codes per roll and less maintenance than third-party consumables.
See consumables and spare parts
Imark Sistem service & support
A technical team with nationwide coverage and tailored maintenance contracts: preventive maintenance, firmware updates, rapid response, 1–5 year contracts and operator training at installation.
See support and maintenance servicesReady for GS1 Sunrise 2027 2D codes?
From 2027, traditional barcodes will gradually be replaced by 2D codes — QR, DataMatrix. SmartDate TTO printers natively apply high-resolution, GS1-compliant 2D codes directly onto flexible packaging.
Tell us what you need to print on film
We'll recommend the right SmartDate TTO printer, ribbon and accessories for your application — with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Request a free consultation →One partner — a complete solution, not just a printer
Application-based consultancy
We don't sell a printer, but the right solution for your line — we qualify the application before any recommendation.
End-to-end integrated solution
We link marking with Auto ID, software and traceability, integrated with ERP/WMS/MES — value across the whole process, not an isolated device.
Markem-Imaje partner & local service
The complete SmartDate TTO range, original ribbons and nationwide authorised service, parts in stock and maintenance contracts.
Real results with SmartDate TTO marking
How food, bakery and processing manufacturers deployed Markem-Imaje TTO marking on their lines. Download the full case studies.
IMA Ilapak — flow-pack packaging
Integrating SmartDate TTO printers on Ilapak flow-pack packaging machines, for clear codes at line speed.
Download the case study
Monique Ranou — packaging marking
Reliable, legible marking on flexible packaging on a high-volume processing line.
Download the case study
East Coast Bakehouse — bakery
Coding the date and batch on bakery and confectionery packaging, with full traceability.
Download the case study
Sabarot — frozen vegetable pouches
TTO marking on vegetable and pulse pouches, with adhesion and contrast on flexible film.
Download the case studySee TTO marking deployed at a customer site
Complementary solutions — marking, Auto ID, software, traceability
What you should know about TTO marking
What is TTO marking and how does it work?
TTO (Thermal Transfer Overprinting) is a marking technology that melts ink from a ribbon directly onto the packaging through a thermal printhead. It is ideal for flexible packaging film and labels, where it applies the date, batch, barcodes, 2D codes and variable data, at line speed and at 300 dpi resolution.
What is the difference between TTO and CIJ inkjet marking?
TTO prints by contact, with a ribbon and thermal printhead, and is the best choice for flexible film, pouches, sticks and labels, with large messages and high-resolution 2D codes. CIJ marks without contact, with an ink jet, and suits direct marking on products, containers and cases, at very high speeds. The two technologies are often combined on the same line.
What can I print on packaging with a SmartDate TTO printer?
The best-before date, production date, batch number, time, 1D barcodes, 2D and Data Matrix codes, text, logos and ingredient or nutrition information. The data is dynamic — it updates automatically for every pack — and is applied directly onto flexible film or labels, without stopping the line.
Which TTO printer should I choose for my line?
It depends on line speed, packaging type (film, stick, flow-pack, label), message size and whether it's a new integration or on an existing machine. X30 and OEM Connect are for compact integration, X45 for medium duty, and X65 and X65-128 for high speed and wide format. We make the right recommendation together, through a free consultation.
How is it ensured that every pack has a correct code?
SmartDate models have dead-dot detection that monitors the printhead and eliminates codes with faulty dots. In addition, the Detect-Plus option checks the presence, position and quality of the code on every pack and stops the line if one of the conditions is not met, avoiding mis-coded batches.
Let's talk about your marking application
Whether you're just starting out or have a specific project — our technical team replies in under 24 hours.
Imark Sistem — Markem-Imaje SmartDate TTO printers
Thermal transfer marking on flexible film and labels: application consultancy, the complete SmartDate range, original ribbons and local service — as an official Markem-Imaje partner.
