Packaging Eye Mark and Roll Film Unwind Direction
Prepare eye mark, sensor side, print face, unwind direction, web width and repeat data for automatic packaging roll film and machine trials.
Eye Mark, Sensor Side and Unwind Are Separate Data
The eye mark is a high-contrast registration reference detected by the packing-machine sensor. Unwind direction defines the print orientation and whether the printed surface faces inward or outward as the reel unwinds. Sensor side, print face and artwork orientation must be confirmed together; a generic direction number without a drawing can be misunderstood between suppliers and machines.
What the Machine and Artwork Teams Must Align
- Machine type and film path: VFFS, HFFS, flow wrap, stick pack or lidding equipment.
- Web width, repeat length and intended cut and seal positions.
- Sensor side, eye-mark size, contrast and clear area around the mark.
- Print surface in or out, artwork top and leading edge.
- Core ID, maximum reel diameter and weight, splice rule and reel tension.
Lock the Roll Drawing Before Final Artwork
Use a signed roll-direction drawing showing the reel, web travel, print face, product orientation, sensor side, eye mark and sealing layer. Confirm the mark against the actual sensor and background artwork. Reusing a direction code from another supplier is risky because numbering conventions can differ. An approved old reel and machine-threading photo are useful references but do not replace current dimensions.
Machine-Trial Failure Checks
If cutting drifts, confirm repeat consistency, mark contrast, sensor setup, web tension and slippage before changing artwork. If graphics are inverted, review unwind and leading edge. If the machine cannot form or seal the web, verify width, forming path, sealant side, COF and seal window. Record trial settings and approved reel data for repeat orders and China OEM handover.
Related Products
Review Points Before Confirming This Option
A packaging option should not be confirmed as an isolated decorative item. It can affect pouch structure, sealing area, material thickness, artwork layout, carton packing, transport handling and consumer use. For retail display packaging, review top seal width, hole or zipper position, filling weight and hanging method together. For automatic roll film, confirm eye mark position, roll direction, film width, sealing temperature window and cutting tolerance. For liquid or oily products, leakage control, heat seal strength and transport pressure should be reviewed first.
Quotation Checklist
- Product type and filling weight
- Pouch format or roll film format
- Target size and material structure
- Need for zipper, spout, hang hole, window, tear notch or surface finish
- Packing machine model or existing sample
- Artwork file, printing color count and China OEM handover requirement if applicable
Quality Confirmation Notes
Before mass production, review sample pouches or structure samples for opening feel, hole strength, seal integrity, surface finish, size tolerance and machine running performance. Different material structures and thicknesses can change how the same option performs, so final confirmation should be based on sample testing and production parameters.
The final packaging option should be confirmed according to product type, filling weight, material structure, packing machine, shelf display and storage conditions. For accurate quotation, please send bag type, size, material structure, thickness, quantity, printing colors, artwork, target market requirement and China OEM or domestic handover details if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eye mark the same as roll direction?
No. The eye mark is a sensor reference; roll direction describes how the web unwinds and the artwork faces.
How many unwind directions are there?
Converters often use eight numbered positions, but numbering can differ. Confirm with a drawing showing print face, leading edge and web travel.
Can any color be used for an eye mark?
The machine needs reliable contrast against the surrounding artwork. Confirm sensor capability, mark color, size and quiet area with the filling factory.
What causes the cut to drift from the artwork?
Possible causes include repeat variation, weak mark contrast, sensor setup, web tension, slippage or machine settings. Diagnose the line before changing the design.
What should a China OEM factory confirm?
Machine model, threading path, web width, repeat, sensor side, unwind, core, reel limits, sealant side, eye mark and accepted trial settings.
Can an old reel be used as the only specification?
It is a useful reference, but current measurements, structure, artwork and machine requirements should still be documented.
Need help choosing this packaging option?
Send us your product details and artwork, and our team will help review the structure and quotation.