We Know Plastics
Premium Industrial Marking & Coding Solutions for Traceability in UK Plastics Manufacturing
At REA UK, we deliver unbreakable traceability and identification for plastics manufacturers across the UK and Ireland, specializing in high-quality, contact-free coding and marking on diverse materials like films, pipes, profiles, and injection-molded parts. Our German-engineered solutions tackle the demands of extrusion, molding, and finishing processes, ensuring precision, durability, and efficiency in challenging environments. With over 40 years of expertise rooted in heavy industries, we provide robust inkjet, laser, labelling, and verification systems that integrate seamlessly, reducing scrap and enhancing supply chain visibility for premium compliance.
What sets REA apart?
What sets REA UK apart is our independent operations and engineering wing, developing bespoke sub-solutions like inline vision to check each mark, integration with line PLC’s for operator-free control, automation of the marking systems, and centralised software for full factory-wide visibility of all REA solutions with bespoke function modules for every need. Unlike competitors, our systems boast long lifespans exceeding 10 years in high-temperature/vibration settings, with a vast ink portfolio for varied surfaces ensuring GS1-compliant traceability tailored to UK recycling regulations.
Application List:
- Component Marking for Traceability: Achieve durable or indelible codes on moulded parts for supply chain tracking, with multi-coloured options for differentiation.
- Marking Extruded PVC Profiles & Pipes: Apply company logos, batch numbers, and 1D/2D codes on profiles/pipes, using lasers for indelible results in continuous extrusion.
- Multi-Coloured Dot & Line Marking: Differentiate product types with high-contrast marks, including end fitting depth marks for pipes.
- Location & Position Markings: Provide accurate guides for assembly/cutting, supported by automation for precision in plastics processing.
- Product Information & Compliance Codes: Print batch numbers, specs, and GS1-compliant data on films/parts, with verification for regulatory adherence.
Industry Challenges List:
- Diverse Surfaces & Materials: Marking on curved/uneven plastics risking adhesion—solved by our vast ink portfolio and contact-free lasers for consistent results.
- High-Speed Extrusion Lines: Maintaining codes at rapid paces without downtime, addressed via our high speed, zero maintenance solutions.
- Traceability for Recycling/Compliance: Meeting UK and EU standards for part ID in sustainable chains.
- Harsh Production Environments: Vibration/heat causing wear, mitigated by robust designs lasting over 10 years with inline vision checks.
- Error-Prone Identification: Gaps leading to scrap, countered by bespoke solutions designed to bypass operators and human input.
Plastics Application Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do REA marks survive the tape tests for adhesion?
Yes, our wide portfolio of consumables ensure we can provide a robust mark on any plastic and our lasers create high quality, indelible marks.
Can you print on hot substrates closer to extruders or ovens?
Our solutions work well in such environments, helping the inks bind to the substrate while it is more open and malleable. It is not abnormal for our systems to mark on plastic products exceeding 100 °C.
What sub-solutions does REA UK offer for plastics?
Inline vision to check each mark, integration with line PLC’s for operator free control, automation of the marking systems and centralised software for full factory wide visibility of all REA solutions with bespoke function modules for every need.
Are REA systems suitable for high-speed plastics lines?
Yes, with special speed features like speed cluster, no matter how fast your line runs, we run faster.
How can I get started with REA UK for plastics marking?
Contact us for a free assessment—our experts tailor solutions to your needs, from inkjet to laser, ensuring premium ROI.
We’re here to help
Hi! My name is Josh, I’m the Solutions Engineer at REA UK.
Do you have any questions about what we do? Would you like to learn more about our products?
Get in touch today!
