A mark that lasts

20 May 2008



Neil Watson finds out information on the latest technologies in the world of coding and marking


It is undeniable that coding and marking are playing an increasingly essential role in the supply chain. Led by legislation, traceability is necessary at all levels. More demands are also being placed on coding and marking machinery manufacturers. Product manufacturers do not want to pre-print their cartons for warehousing, with the consequential storage problems. They prefer to buy cartons using the JIT approach, printing them when required. Producers are also using a greater array of packaging materials, some of which do not easily receive certain ink types. They are also demanding better print resolution, facilitating enhanced reading of bar codes and better reproduction of advanced graphics.

Allen Coding Systems, UK

Allen Coding Systems of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, has recently launched its compact 55ssT thermal transfer printer. For added flexibility, the efficient 'instant change' option enables the system to be quickly and easily switched between intermittent or continuous-motion printing. The new 55ssT thermal transfer printer incorporates electronics and software, specifically developed to ensure high-speed performance. The elimination of most ribbon handling wear parts negates the requirement for adjustment and minimises maintenance.

Ideal for reproducing a range of information, including bar codes, real time, sell-by dates, batch numbers, graphics, and prices, the 55ssT offers a print area of 53x80mm in intermittent mode, and 53x125mm when operating continuously. It provides a print resolution of 12 dots per mm and runs at print speeds up to 400mm per second (intermittent) and 750mm per second (continuous).

Furthermore, Allen Coding Systems' 55ssT can be supplied with one of three user-interface options: a PLC with intuitive operating system, optional print design PC software and self-latching magazine for fast offline ribbon loading, direct PC control or handset control. It can be completely integrated or achieve stand-alone functionality.


Atlantic Zeiser, Germany

At Interpack, Atlantic Zeiser of Emmingen, supplier of dedicated personalisation and coding systems, launched the Omega 36 high-definition (HD) high-resolution inkjet printing system, and Smartcure Series, comprising a new eco-friendly LED UV curing solution. It also revealed its latest developments in environmentally-friendly inks. Atlantic Zeiser acts as experienced one-stop system integrator to supply complete modular and scalable solutions for product marking and coding. To further broaden the supply chain and the number of applications, Atlantic Zeiser has decided to offer its inkjet technology to OEM partners for integration within third-party systems.

Atlantic Zeiser also showcased its range of equipment for high-quality variable data printing and late stage product differentiation for application to cartons, labels and flexible packaging materials. The systems can realise all types of barcodes, sequential and random numbers, expiry dates, lot numbers, product codes, and product- or country-specific information. Omega 36 HD digital inkjet printers are easily integrated with most existing equipment. These printers are perfectly suited for web applications. With a resolution of 720dpi - compared to 360dpi for the Omega 36/36i - the new Omega 36 HD can undertake clear and crisp printing of extremely small characters, producing barcodes with excellent readability and clarity.

Atlantic Zeiser also exhibited the Jetline transport table for the flexible and variable data marking of packages and other products. This is equipped with an Omega 36 using black UV ink and the LED UV-curing Smartcure. The Smartcure range incorporates the second generation of LED UV curing. This features low energy consumption, when compared to lamp-based systems, has a lifespan that is ten times longer and has lower cooling requirements. Its compact size facilitates easy integration with existing lines and the machine comes equipped with an instant on/off functionality that eliminates energy consumption during machine stops.

Atlantic Zeiser also launched its in-house ink range. Perfectly adapted to the new printer range and LED UV curing solutions, Atlantic Zeiser's in-house inks are special fast-curing inks, developed to achieve a high contrast with effective adhesion to non-absorbent substrates to realise smart coding and high-quality variable data printing.

Claricom, UK

Nottingham-based Claricom has launched CLARiFY advanced planning software. This integrates photo-standard information in its database to ensure enhanced efficiency and quality control. The photo-standard is the document that provides operators at the start of a production run with a guide to the correct appearance of both the product and packaging. Usually, there will be a unique photo-standard for each variant.

The need to address this inefficiency has been combined with the requirement of food manufacturers to make the photo-standard into part of their quality assurance processes. Claricom was quick to realise that its existing CLARiFY technology could provide the necessary infrastructure, achieving real benefits in both areas.

CLARiFY was launched in 2003 to provide food manufacturers with accurate batch- specific planning of coding for food products, based on origin, day of cook or kill. The system embeds images into its database, allowing users to combine the photo-standard specification with the coding management specification, thereby detailing batch-specific information regarding dates and other variables.

The enhanced photo standard created by CLARiFY delivers a single source of information, combining photos of the product and packaging with images of the specific code appearance and any promotional stickers or flash labels specified.

Datalase, UK

DataLase of Widnes, Cheshire, the laser coding and printing specialist; Intermec and NASA have collaborated to launch a selection of marked RFID tags and aluminium discs into space. This experiment will comprise part of NASA's latest research aboard the International Space Station (ISS), testing the durability of DataLase marking techniques under extreme conditions. The tags and discs have been marked with 2D codes and text. They will be attached to the exterior of the ISS for a full year. During this time, they will be exposed to extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, hard vacuum and contamination.

Researchers specifically chose the DataLase Guardmark solution as it can create high-quality, indelible marks capable of withstanding the extreme conditions found in space. The technique achieves fast, high-quality printing. These marks are indelible and tamper-proof. NASA launched the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE 6) on 7 February aboard the space shuttle Atlantis.

The marked Intermec parts will return to Earth for further evaluation and testing. Should the DataLase markings perform as expected, the technology will be added to NASA's list of part identification requirements and will be used to track and trace parts and equipment on future space missions. DataLase systems will also be added to the approved list of identification technologies used by the US Armed Forces.

Domino Printing Sciences, UK

Founded 30 years ago in Cambridge, Domino Printing Sciences is a leading supplier of total coding, marking, printing, traceability and RFID solutions. It showcased its most innovative products for primary, secondary and tertiary coding at Interpack. Domino has recently augmented its C-Series portfolio of secondary coding products. The new C6000AS plus is capable of printing on adjacent sides of a box. It synchronises two coding operations via a single print head, being the first coder to offer this configuration. Furthermore, the C6000AS plus is easily configured, quickly initiates production and efficiently manages consumables.

Domino's new C6000V plus is a 'print-down' model, enabling the printhead to be sited above the production line. It is ideal for high-speed case-packing requirements, such as those in the beverage bottling industry. The C6000V plus can be installed within case-erecting equipment prior to the filling of cases.

Domino has also launched an enhanced range of C-Series plus outer case coders (OCC). The new range addresses market demands for increased efficiency on high-speed lines, such as those in the food and beverage industry. By printing high-quality alphanumeric codes and graphics directly on outer cases, C-Series plus coders contribute to increased overall equipment effectiveness, flexibility and profitability whilst satisfying compliance requirements across the supply chain.

Domino also demonstrated its forthcoming C6000CC plus, comprising a solution for printing on semi- and non-porous substrates with more shelf appeal than standard, uncoated cartonboard. The M-Series range of print and apply labellers has been extended by the launch of the M500 linerless model. This responds to waste reduction and productivity improvement targets in equal measure. In the simplest terms, the elimination of backing for self-adhesive labels serves to reduce waste. The labeller can run for twice as long between roll changes, when compared with existing equipment. The next generation of laser coding systems, the D-Series plus, can be supplied with 10, 30 or 55 watt lasers. It features a modular construction, new browser-based control software and an ethernet interface to standardise connectivity with host machines.

Domino has also added a five inch (127mm) printhead to its highly-efficient V300+ thermal transfer printer for all flexible packaging applications. The versatile V300+, also available with a two inch (50.8mm) printhead, is the latest addition to Domino's V-Series range. It is ideal for use in high volume manufacturing environments. Achieving a print resolution of 300dpi, the V300+ can apply sharp, high-quality variable data, including text, bar codes, data matrix codes and logos to a wide range of web materials. The V300+ does not require a dedicated controller, but can be operated from any PC-based user interface running a standard internet browser. The A100+, A200+ and A300+ range of continuous ink jet (CIJ) printers provide a user-friendly coding solution. When used in conjunction with Domino's extensive inks range, the A-Series plus realises quality ink jet printing, from basic coding requirements through to tough industrial applications in harsh environments.

Linx Printing Technologies, UK

Linx Printing Technologies of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has launched a new model in its acclaimed Linx 6900 CIJ printer range. This reduces solvent usage by up to 40 per cent, delivering additional cost of ownership savings whilst maintaining excellent reliability. The Linx 6900 Solver is the first printer to 'think as it inks'. Using a new ink system and specially created intelligent software, the coder adapts to specific printing conditions by reducing solvent evaporation within the system. It adjusts its operation according to the requirements of the code being printed.

This dynamic operation is designed to be the most reliable solvent-saving technique. Linx says the new model will be of particular interest to large-scale users of CIJ technology, who are printing 24/7. The Linx 6900 Solver also maintains the established functionality of the standard model. It can realise five-line printing at speeds up to 8.4m/s and facilitates low-maintenance operation. The new model reiterates Linx's reputation for pioneering new product development. The company was the first to develop full printhead autoflush at shutdown and auto power-down.

Linx has also launched Black UV-cure ink 1370 for CIJ applications. It uses a superior UV curing process to deliver outstanding resistance to those chemicals used in the automotive, aerospace, military and other markets. Conventional industrial ink jet inks dry by solvent evaporation after printing, leaving a solid ink film. However, UV-cure ink essentially remains in a liquid form after printing, only becoming solid after exposure to intense UV light. This curing process causes the constituents of the ink to react together to form a solid ink film that, once fully cured, exhibits excellent resistance to most aggressive solvents. It provides superior abrasion resistance when compared to conventional CIJ inks.

Linx has introduced several pigmented inks for large character marking (LCM) applications, designed for use in the Linx IJ600 high-definition large character printer. In addition to Linx Black ink LC8120, the new inks are Linx Red ink LC8130, Linx Green ink LC8140 and Linx Blue ink LC8150. All are specially formulated, micropigmented inks. They are ideal for coding on a wide range of porous substrates where image quality and code legibility are of primary importance. Linx inks are oil-based and dry rapidly on suitable substrates. They have a low odour and low volatility, making them ideal for case-coding in food applications.

Logopak International, UK

Located in York, Logopak introduced its 400 range of print and apply labellers at Interpack. This is the first in a series of labelling machines to be introduced during the next year, specifically equipped for remote monitoring.

The new software enables the machines to provide site maintenance engineers or Logopak technicians with remote warnings of problems.

Wilson Clark, General Manager, Logopak commented: "This means that fewer skilled people are required to supervise the end-of-line labelling operation. Should the machine's controls sense a potential problem, then an e-mail can be sent immediately, possibly even before the operator is aware." At its basic level, the system can be programmed to alert service staff to such simple problems as breaks in the label web or print ribbon or label stock depletion. More comprehensive supervision can be provided via the Logopak Control Centre service, which facilitates remote monitoring of print quality. It can also be integrated with on-line systems to permit the automatic downloading of fresh label layouts and logos, when necessary.

Each machine is connected to the Control Centre via on-site networks and the internet. It can download its operating history, files and software, thereby facilitating rapid remote diagnostics by Logopak technicians. Furthermore, the integrated web camera interface permits remote monitoring of machines in real time, either by the user or by Logopak as a further aid to diagnostics. The new Vigilance software will tell line operators immediately whether quality is beginning to fall away by presenting the results of bar code scans in a pie chart on a web browser.

Markem-Imaje, USA

The international company Markem-Imaje, headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, has recently developed a new energy-saving function for its most widely-used thermal transfer coder. This has been launched to help PepsiCo meet its corporate sustainability goals. It is now included as standard on all new SmartDate 5 units and can be easily retrofitted to existing equipment, halving the amount of power consumed.

Steven Brooks, Regional Packaging Manager, Europe and the Middle East, PepsiCo explained that: "Globally we have over 2000 SmartDate coders installed on our packaging lines. Our largest areas of energy usage in packaging are electricity and compressed air. We have an objective of significantly reducing energy consumption in these areas over the next three years." The new function results in the SmartDate switching to sleep mode if the parent packaging machine is powered down. It can also be programmed to sleep if the line is unused for a predetermined period. When the line re-starts, the coder powers up again in less than one second.

Norwood Marking Systems/Allen Coding Systems, USA

Whelen Engineering of Charlestown, New Hampshire, a leading manufacturer of beacons and sirens for emergency vehicles, is always aiming to reduce operating costs, yet maintain the highest product quality. It recently searched for an inline printer that could print installation instructions directly on packages, eliminating the requirement to insert separate instruction sheets. The company thus selected NGT large format thermal transfer printers from Norwood Marking Systems/Allen Coding Systems.

Whelen choose Norwood/Allen's NGT 8 C printers, capable of realising print areas up to 8.4ins. (213mm)x19.7ins. (500mm). It thus realises the largest print area of any thermal transfer coder in the world, operating at speeds up to 9.8ins. (250mm)/s. Prior to installing the NGT printers, Whelen's operators inserted pre-printed instruction sheets into each bag. Sometimes they had to fold the sheets in half or quarters to fit into the packages.

By eliminating instruction sheet insertion, Whelen cut out a repetitive task and tripled the bagging rate. As it uses on-demand printing services, Whelen negates the possibility of inserting outdated or incorrect instruction sheets, thereby customising the printed package for specific customers. Whelen prints both assembly and installation instructions, together with imprinting the product description, barcode and date directly on packages inline at the bagging station. The printers are connected to Whelen's plant-wide network, where the instructions are saved as image files and are automatically combined with the other elements by Teklyx Sentinel software.

Sunala, UK

Sunala of Leigh, Lancashire has launched the Wolke m600 thermal ink jet printer to the UK market. The m600 Advanced is the latest generation, able to print variable Datamatrix codes to the ECC 200. These are increasingly being adopted, as they are extremely flexible and accurate, being able to print a large amount of information in a concise format. Data for the barcodes is transferred to the printer via an integrated ethernet port and the m600 Advanced also features a USB port as standard.

The printer is capable of printing variable addresses and labels, widening its usage from purely industrial applications to include print shops for the direct coding of mailings and bulk mail. The m600 retains the proven advantages of the original model. The unique HP cartridge system contains both the ink and the print head, ensuring maintenance- and trouble-free operation since the key elements of the printing system are simultaneously replaced with the ink. This ensures realisation of a consistently high-quality, easily-readable codes. The use of cartridges prevents ink spillages during operation and changeovers, thereby maintaining a clean working environment.

SUNX, UK

SUNX in Milton Keynes (part of the Panasonic Electric Works Group) has recently launched a new range of laser markers that have no requirement for on-site maintenance. Expensive contracts to service and maintain coders can thus be eliminated from the bottom line. SUNX laser markers are air-cooled, can mark at consistently high quality for 30,000 hours, and have very low power consumption, facilitating the achievement of cost savings throughout many stages of the production process. The FAYb technology developed by SUNX realises superior quality marking when compared to the equivalent YAG technology from other companies. The galvanometer drivers to control the mirrors are amongst the fastest used in an industrial laser. This maintains high-quality marking at speeds up to 240m/min.

Videojet, USA

The international company Videojet, headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois, has launched its 2320 large character ink jet printer for outer case coding. Hitherto, a limited choice of printhead sizes often resulted in unnecessary costs for the outer case coding industry. Videojet thus provided the answer with a reliable, high-resolution on-line printer. This codes variable data to corrugated card at code heights up to 2ins. (50mm) in a unique single printhead.

The Videojet 2320 incorporates automatic self-cleaning and self-maintenance systems to keep the printheads devoid of dust and debris. This non-contact system eliminates the printhead damage that can occur during periodic maintenance required on other printer types. The 2300 series are the only large character printers that recycle and reuse the ink used during automatic printhead maintenance. Furthermore, the printers incorporate an air-driven ink system, eliminating potential downtime due to maintenance on pumps, solenoids and other moving parts. New ink is simply and cleanly added using sealed, non-pressurised containers, without stopping production. All ink used within the maintenance process is automatically recycled and filtered for reuse without waste or mess, maintaining a clean operating area and optimising uptime between ink refills.

Weber Marking Systems, USA

Weber Marking Systems of Arlington Heights, Illinois, launched a new label printer applicator at Interpack. The Model 5300 Series provides maximum flexibility and versatility for end-users. It combines modular design with high-speed, high-quality label printing, application and optional RFID encoding. The modular design enables the new model to offer six different pressure-sensitive label application methods - air-blow, tamp-blow, direct-tamp, corner-wrap, swing-tamp and two-label/adjacent panel printing. The 5300 can thus be reconfigured to satisfy future labelling requirements without the need for a separate printer-applicator.

The new model also features one-to-one media consumption. Special label unwind and rewind dimensions are matched with the system's ribbon supply to ensure they are consumed at the same rate. This reduces downtime and eliminates partial changeovers. Furthermore, the unit's rewind system automatically adjusts to the amount of liner on the take-up reel, providing additional operational dependability. Numerous enhancements have been introduced to make the 5300 as user-friendly as possible. It can be monitored remotely via a web browser, detailing the status of all operational functions and configurations.

Multiple label printing formats can be stored in the system's memory, enabling operators to select jobs directly from the applicator. Numerous standard thermal/thermal-transfer printing engines produce text, bar codes and graphic images at 203 or 300dpi, rapidly dispensing labels at rates up to 16ins. (406mm)/s. The optional RFID models combine printing capabilities with the encoding and verification of RFID inlays, thereby satisfying EPC protocols.

The Model 5300 uses Weber's print-apply software, which simplifies label formatting, editing and printing, together with RFID encoding capabilities. Weber also manufactures a range of pressure-sensitive label materials and RFID smart labels that are suitable for variable thermal or thermal-transfer imprinting.

Concluding remarks

As coding and marking becomes increasingly essential across the supply chain, machinery and inks suppliers are collaborating with their customers to evolve solutions that are more efficient and effective than ever before. Modern systems can be applied to any substrate at the highest definition, with minimal downtime for maintenance and ink refilling. They can also be easily integrated with the latest production systems, operating at the same high throughput levels and sharing the same PLC systems.

Please note that many product and company names are trade marks or registered trade marks and should be treated as such.

For more information, go to www.allencoding.co.uk; www.atlanticzeiser.com; www.claricom.com; www.datalase.com; www.domino-printing.com; www.linxglobal.com; www.logopak.com; www.markem-imaje.com; www.sunala.com; www.SunxLaserMarkers.co.uk; www.videojet.co.uk and www.webermarking.com.


CLARiFY, the advanced planning software from specialists Claricom, now integrates photo-standard information into its database High-quality printing The Allen Coding thermal transfer printer 55ssT covers a print area of 53x80mm in intermittent mode, and 53x125mm when operating continuously Thermal transfer printing Atlantic Zeiser has launched the Omega 36 HD high-resolution inkjet printing system High-definition solution A selection of RFID tags and aluminium discs, marked by Datalase, have been launched via the space shuttle Atlantis Intergalatic RFID The Domino V400 thermal transfer printer ribbon infeed Innovative infeed Linx Printing Technologies has launched several pigmented inks for the IJ600 high-definition large character printer Pigmented printing The Logopak 400 series print and apply machines are compact, providing e-mail communication with service engineers Compact print and apply The new SmartDate 5 units from Markem-Imaje incorporate an energy-saving 'sleep' function Energy-saving solution Norwood/Allen's NGT 8 C printers realise the largest print area of any thermal transfer coder in the world World's largest print area The control panel for Wolke's thermal m600 ink-jet printer, distributed in the UK by Sunala Easily-used system SUNX laser markers are air-cooled, can mark at consistently high quality for 30,000 hours, and have very low power consumption A cool laser-marker The Weber Marking Systems Model 5300 Series label printer applicator combines modular design with high-speed, high-quality label printing, application and optional RFID encoding Printing at high-speed

Thermal transfer printing Thermal transfer printing
Innovative infeed Innovative infeed
World's largest print area World's largest print area
High-quality printing High-quality printing
Intergalatic RFID Intergalatic RFID
High-definition solution High-definition solution
Pigmented printing Pigmented printing
Easily-used system Easily-used system
Compact print and apply Compact print and apply
A cool laser-marker A cool laser-marker
Energy-saving solution Energy-saving solution
Printing at high-speed Printing at high-speed


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