Date Labelling Guns
Getting accurate dates on your products shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. Date labelling guns from Positive ID Labels provide a simple, reliable solution for printing best-before dates, use-by dates, and batch codes directly onto adhesive labels.
With over 30 years’ experience supplying labelling equipment to UK businesses, we offer professional date labelling guns from leading brands Swing and Open Data, complete with ongoing support and competitively priced labels.
Why Date Labelling Guns Are Essential
Food safety regulations require clear date marking on most products. Traditional date stamps create messy impressions that smudge or fade. Handwritten dates look unprofessional and are prone to errors. Date labelling guns solve these problems by printing crisp, legible dates on adhesive labels that stick securely to packaging. They’re fast, consistent, and require minimal training.
Our Range of Date Labelling Guns
Swing Models
Swing offers exceptional value without compromising durability. The Swing S9 is our entry-level option with simple operation and robust build, compatible with standard 26mm x 12mm labels. The Swing S10 provides enhanced flexibility in date formats. Both are ideal for bakeries, butchers, and small food producers needing dependable date coding at sensible prices.
Open Data Models
Open Data represents the premium choice – engineered to the highest standards for maximum durability. The Open S10 features superior build quality ensuring consistent performance with intensive daily use, including easy-load ink rollers and ergonomic design. If you process hundreds or thousands of items daily, Open Data quality pays for itself in reduced downtime. The Swing C8 and Open Data C8 pricing guns can also function as date labelling guns using DD-MM-YY format.
Date Formats and Labels
These guns use circular character bands on the print head you rotate to select characters. Common formats include best-before dates (“01JAN2025”), use-by dates for perishable foods, and batch codes for traceability. Character bands include 0-9 digits, JAN-DEC month abbreviations, and selected letters.
Standard labels include 26mm x 12mm (CT4) fitting most single-line guns, and 24mm x 11mm for specialty models. Available in plain white, red-printed, or black-printed options with permanent or removable adhesive. All manufactured in Derby, typically delivered within 5-7 working days.
How to Use Date Labelling Guns
Operating date coders is remarkably simple:
- Load Labels: Open the gun’s label compartment and feed a roll through the feed path.
- Set the Date: Pull the crown wheel on each character band sideways to unlock. Rotate to select your desired character. Release to lock.
- Print Labels: Squeeze the handle. The action rolls the print head over the ink roller, presses it against the label, and dispenses the printed label.
- Apply to Product: Peel and apply to packaging. The process takes seconds per item.
Applications for Date Labelling Guns
Food Production & Retail
Bakeries use date labelling guns for marking bread, cakes, and pastries. Our food and beverage labels complement date coding for complete product identification. Butchers apply use-by dates on fresh meat ensuring food safety compliance. Delis mark prepared foods and ready meals. Farm shops apply dates to eggs, dairy products, and preserves.
Catering & Hospitality
Restaurant kitchens date code prepared ingredients for proper stock rotation. Hotels mark buffet items and pre-prepared dishes. Contract caterers ensure all prepared foods carry appropriate use-by information.
Other Applications
Garden centres date code plant stock. Pharmacies apply dates to compounded medications. Laboratories label samples with collection dates. Any business requiring clear, professional date marking benefits from these versatile tools.
Consumables and Support
Ink Rollers & Labels
Ink rollers last approximately 15,000 labels before replacement. We supply compatible ink rollers for all date labelling guns, typically including complimentary spares with initial orders. Replacements available ex-stock for next-day delivery.
We manufacture all standard pricing gun label types at our Derby facility including plain white CT4 labels (26mm x 12mm), red-printed best-before labels, and black-printed use-by labels. Labels supplied in rolls of 1,500.
Why Buy Date Labelling Guns from Positive ID Labels?
When you buy from us, you gain dedicated account management, free servicing for label customers, British manufactured labels from Derby, free label design, and 30-day credit terms from your second order. With 30+ years in the labelling industry serving thousands of businesses, we understand regulations and applications. All equipment, labels, and ink rollers are held in stock for next working day delivery. Volume purchasing means competitive pricing on equipment and consumables.
We’ve had a great experience working with this supplier, especially with Natalie - she is always very responsive, professional, and friendly. The pricing is highly competitive and the sales service has been excellent from start to finish.If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to improve the account and invoice management process. It would be really helpful if there were a system for clients to easily track their past orders and invoices in one place.Overall, very pleased with the service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The team are brilliant and the product was excellent quality and exactly what I wanted. Natalie is amazing as are her colleagues. Will definitely be a returning customer. Thank you
Ive used Positive ID Labelling Ltd for all our egg box labels for many years now. Natalie is always above and beyond helpful and the service is exceptionally fast and efficient.
I inadvertently ordered the incorrect label guns which was quickly sorted by Natalie. She was excellent, customer service at its best! Thank you once again
Choosing the Right Model
Consider your volume (hundreds daily suggests Open Data for durability; moderate usage suits Swing), date format needs (ensure alphabetic characters if batch codes required), and budget. Call 01332 864895 for personalised recommendations.
Regulatory Compliance
Food safety regulations require clear date marking. Date labelling guns help meet Food Safety Act requirements for perishable foods, Food Information Regulations for format and legibility, and traceability requirements through batch codes. Using professional date coding demonstrates proper food handling practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between best-before and use-by dates?
Best-before dates indicate quality – products may decline but remain safe. Use-by dates indicate safety – products shouldn’t be consumed after.
How long do these guns last?
With proper care, both Swing and Open Data models last many years. We regularly service guns over a decade old.
Can I get custom labels with my company name?
Yes! We manufacture custom labels featuring your branding and specific wording. Call 01332 864895 to discuss bespoke designs.
Do you supply ink rollers?
Absolutely. We stock ink rollers for all models, available ex-stock for next-day delivery. Initial purchases typically include complimentary spare rollers.
Can these print information besides dates?
Yes. They can print any information the character bands support – prices, batch codes, product codes, or other alphanumeric data. For full letter and number capabilities, see our alphanumeric labelling guns.
Get Started with Date Labelling Guns Today
Stop struggling with unclear date marking or wasting time on inefficient systems. Professional date coders provide a reliable, cost-effective solution that improves food safety compliance and presents products professionally.
Call 01332 864895 now to order your gun or discuss which model suits your operation. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through options, recommend suitable labels, and ensure you get exactly what you need.
Alternatively, complete our online contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours with recommendations and pricing.
All guns are supplied with a preloaded roll of labels so you can start date coding immediately. Order today for next working day delivery.
Positive ID Labels | Derby, UK | Date Coding Specialists | 01332 864895
We’ve had a great experience working with this supplier, especially with Natalie - she is always very responsive, professional, and friendly. The pricing is highly competitive and the sales service has been excellent from start to finish.If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to improve the account and invoice management process. It would be really helpful if there were a system for clients to easily track their past orders and invoices in one place.Overall, very pleased with the service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The team are brilliant and the product was excellent quality and exactly what I wanted. Natalie is amazing as are her colleagues. Will definitely be a returning customer. Thank you
Ive used Positive ID Labelling Ltd for all our egg box labels for many years now. Natalie is always above and beyond helpful and the service is exceptionally fast and efficient.
I inadvertently ordered the incorrect label guns which was quickly sorted by Natalie. She was excellent, customer service at its best! Thank you once again