Digital coding is printing technology that does not require manual set up of print type blocks.
For example, traditional Hot Stamp Coders require brass type characters to be inserted into a brass type block which is then itself inserted into the Hot Stamp Coder. The brass block and type need to then warm up to operating temperature before printing/coding can begin.
This traditional technique is time consuming and prone to human errors which can lead to wasted products or packaging.
Digital coding removes almost all human error and takes seconds to set up, often using a simple user interface such as a smartphone, or on the coding device itself. There is no warm up or cool down time - digital coders are instantly ready to print.
The type of digital coder most commonly used for printing onto flexible packaging, as used in Vertical Form Fill and Seal machines, or printing onto self-adhesive labels, is called a Thermal Transfer Coder.