Products Barcoding & labelling New easy-to-use, low maintenance CIJ printer
Linx Printing Technologies has launched a new design of continuous ink jet (CIJ) printer to suit production line needs. At 13.5kg the Linx CJ400 is portable, offers fast set-up and is said to be easy to use. The Linx CJ400 features its Easi-Change Service Module, which can be changed in minutes using on-screen prompts. This means maintenance is easily completed without a technician or service call. Further self-maintenance features include on- screen trouble shooting, which can solve the majority of operating issues without the need to consult manuals or engineers. The
Easi-Change Service Module is designed so all relevant serviceable parts are housed in an easily removable box, with no wires or pipes to disconnect and reconnect, and no need to expose other critical printer com- ponents during servicing. Furthermore, there are no electronic components to replace when the module is changed, reducing cost and waste. Low maintenance is enhanced by extended printhead cleaning intervals, typically three months. This reduces cleaning costs and downtime compared with other printheads on the market, some
of which must be cleaned daily. Thanks to the Linx CJ400’s unique autoflush processes, there is also no need for print- er or conduit flushing for shutdowns of up to four weeks, which means no wasted fluids and enables trouble-free startups after extended shutdown periods. The 62 micron printhead nozzle said to save up to 40 per cent ink usage com- pared with other CIJ printers. Solvent con- sumption is reduced by up to 33 per cent. With its clean, economical printhead, the Linx CJ400 is said to deliver increased production uptime. A number of other fea-
‘Garage-proof’ printer for number plate printing
Citizen Systems Europe’s CLP 621 printers are being used by Bestplate, which manufactures and supplies high quality number plates and self-assembly kits. Rick Kenny, technical manager for Bestplate, says: “Our cus- tomers use the self-assembly kits in garages or workshops, so the printers need to be able to with- stand challenging environments.” To resolve issues it was having,
Low outlay for
industrial printer Toshiba TEC has launched its B-EX4 series of heavy-duty industrial printers which combines the features and func- tionality of its established B-SX range with the added performance and oper- ability features. This printer offers pre- mium capabilities as a standard, thus lowering initial capital outlay and future proofing investment. The B-EX, which is fully compatible with the SX range, is suitable for use in the manufacturing, transport and logistics industries. The B-EX4 incoporates a user
replaceable snap in printhead and a platen roller to keep maintenance costs low. Its intuitive graphical LCD ‘helpdesk’ display is clear and easy to understand for users taking corrective action. Every Toshiba label printer is equipped with a Green technology rib- bon saving function. Its energy saving features qualifies it for a New Energy Star rating. Toshiba TEC T: 0870 890 7200
www.toshibatec-eu.co.uk Enter 309
Bestplate approached Citizen which suggested its CLP 621 desktop printer. The CLP 621 fea- tures a simple all-metal clamshell mechanism and high-lift print head, making it quick and easy to load and change printer ribbons, while a replacement print head can normally be fitted in less than a minute. It incorporates a straight paper path, which makes it suitable for printing onto thick media, such as the substrate used to produce number plates. It fea- tures an internal power supply,
eliminating trailing power packs and cables in the workplace. The printer is being used in two self-assembly packages from Bestplate. The first is a software package that allows the printer to be used with a PC, while the second combines the printer with a specially designed keypad, making this is a popular solution where space is at a premium. This standalone system allows nine number plate personalisa- tions to be stored in the keyboard and supports the printing of dealer details and showroom plates. An automatic DVLA record keeping facility also makes it easy for companies to comply with the latest regulations. Citizen Systems Europe T: 020 8893 1900
www.citizen-europe.com Enter 306
Ethanol-based ink suits food industry
Domino Printing Sciences has launched a new black Ethanol- based ink for use with its G-Series range of thermal ink jet (TIJ) printers. The BK107 black ink is suitable for coding and marking applications within the confec- tionery and food markets. It is said to offer exceptional adhesion properties and the highest quality print for contrast and readability. Domino’s BK107 ink is said to be highly resistant to abrasion and deterioration after applica- tion to a range of substrates such as Polyethylene, POPP, Cast PP and Polyester/PET, used exten- sively by confectionery and food manufacturers. This eliminates the problem of print deterioration commonly found with many wax-based inks.
The ink comes in a convenient 12
changeable print cartridge said to be is clean, efficient, reliable and service free. It conforms to Domino’s Fluids Policy which reflects industry guidelines, such as the EuPIA Guideline for Food Packaging Inks.
Domino product manager, Alan Mutch says: “Choosing the right ink for your application is essen- tial, as the choice of ink affects not only the quality of printed output, but also the performance of the printer.” Domino Printing Sciences T: 01954 782551
domino-printing.com Enter 308
tures have been incorporated to assist with this, including an extended 10-hour fluid refill warning to minimise the risk of the printer running empty. Linx Printing Technologies T: 01480 302100
www.linxglobal.com Enter 305
Actuators solve label challenge
Hepcomotion’s linear motion products have been incorporated in a special purpose labelling machine designed by York-based Sessions Label Solutions for an international confec- tionary company.
A single machine was required to apply security labels to all four sides of a box of sweets and also to accommo- date a range of pack sizes. That meant designing a system whose labelling heads and parallel conveyors could be moved in unison to pre-determined positions to accord with box dimen- sions. The basis of the resulting system is two pairs of parallel conveyors mounted on linear slides that are cou- pled together to form an ‘L’ shape. These parallel conveyors on each leg of the handling system provide the means to adjust the width to suit the different box sizes. This has to be precisely accomplished as the customer requires L-clip labels to be applied. To achieve this, the box has to overhang the 30mm wide conveyors on two opposing sides, so that label can be affixed to the side and bottom faces of the box. Sessions chose the HepcoMotion double-acting PSD80 linear actuator as it allows the adjustment of both con- veyors from the operator side.
HepcoMotion T: 01884 257000 Enter 307
www.hepcomotion.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Factory Equipment
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