EQUIPMENT NEWSPrinting/Labeling Equipment

Originally Published January 2000

EQUIPMENT NEWS
Printing/Labeling Equipment

Label printer-applicator

Combining label printing with two-label, adjacent-panel application, a dual-action tamp label printer-applicator is designed for in-line labeling of cartons. The Label-Aire comes with either a 203- or 300-dpi thermal/thermal-transfer print engine, which is integrated with the dual-action tamp applicator. Labels of up to 6 x 7  in. are applied to a carton's side and its rear panel. The system can also be configured to print single labels and for label pallet loads. Printers are capable of printing text, bar codes, and graphics. Weber Marking Systems Inc., 711 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4457.

Microplate labeling system

A labeling system prints and applies bar-coded labels to the end or side of a microplate. The microplate labeling system features a soft touch keypad and screened label and ribbon feed paths and can interface with either a PC or handheld terminals. Labels contain readable information for referencing. The label printer applicator can be fitted with an adapter that allows the system to print labels as small as 1.5 x 0.25  in. Options include bar code verification, scanning, and data collection equipment. Fox IV Technologies Inc., 1045 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Label printer

A digital color label printer is designed to print on self-adhesive, roll-fed labels up to 8.5  in. wide at resolutions of up to 600 x 600 dpi. The Fastmark includes a Windows-based software package that allows users to design and print color labels with text, graphics, photos, and bar codes. Users can also add colors to their existing labels. Components included with the system include a high-speed parallel port; label design software; printer drivers for Windows NT, 95, 98, and 3.1; an interface cable; a supply of black and color inks; and a sample roll of labels. ADC Technologies Inc., 4631 Teller Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Printing and application system

Using thermal-transfer printing to print labels, a printing and application system can apply labels either automatically or semiautomatically. The VersaLabel print-and-apply system, which supplies the message information through a host computer, gives the user the ability to choose print sizes and message information from a database. Other features include its ability to print precise bar codes and variable information. Loveshaw, Rte. 296, Box 83, South Canaan, PA 18459.

Rotary pad printer

When integrated with high-speed feeding equipment, a rotary pad printer is capable of printing items such as syringes, drill bits, and cylindrical electrical components at rates of up to 3600 parts per hour. The TPR 100 is suitable for use in specialized, high-volume applications, including the printing of bottle enclosures and other flat objects at rates of up to 160,000 parts per hour. The system's maximum imprint area is 3.15 x 12.6  in., and its speed is variable. Teca-Print USA Corp., 10 Cook St., Billerica, MA 01821.

Labeling software

Label printing software enables users to create labels for wire, cable, and component marking. TagPrint Pro allows the user to place graphics, text, bar codes, symbols, logos, and lines anywhere on the label. A table permits the user to import existing data and wire lists, create sequenced groups of numbers, and enter random data. The software is compatible with dot matrix, laser, thermal-transfer, and ink-jet printers with a 32-bit Windows or Windows NT printer driver. HellermannTyton, 7930 N. Faulkner Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53224.

Vial and ampule labeler

A compact labeling system can apply pressure-sensitive labels to small-diameter ampules, vials, syringes, and other cylindrical products. The PL60 can apply labels at up to 400 products per minute and comes with options that include a vision system, bar code verification, and product ejection. Two intercommunicating microprocessors separately control product handling and labeling products. Quadrel Labeling Systems, 7670 Jenther Dr., Mentor, OH 44060.

Thermal-transfer printer

Suitable for applications requiring small, high-resolution bar code labels, a thermal-transfer printer can print small text and graphics at 600 dpi. The 90Xill offers print speed of 4  in./sec and is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments. A PC card interface provides storage for complete label formats, graphic files, fonts, including multiple international characters and fonts. Labeltronix, 1097 N. Batavia, Orange, CA 92867.

Thermal printer and cutter

Measuring 97 x 57 x 38  mm and weighing 280 g, a 2-in. printer with a guillotine cutter is capable of printing JIS ANK, ASCII, and international characters. The unit, which can attain a maximum speed of 55  mm/sec with 203-dpi resolution, is suitable for use in compact, lightweight, portable medical equipment. The printer features a curved-feed, front-insertion path and a straight-feed, rear-insertion path and offers such functions as paper loading and sensing and motor power saving. Fujitsu Takamisawa America Inc., 250 E. Caribbean Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089.

Label applicator

Providing more than two dozen I/O points, an automatic label applicator can be integrated with scales, bar code scanners, product diverters, automatic machines, conveyor lines, tamp synchronization, and indicator signals. The 1501 contains a high-speed servomotor drive that outperforms stepper- and clutch-brake applicators in speed, accuracy, and dependability, according to the manufacturer. The applicator is available in left- and right-hand models and can be configured for tamp, wipe-on, flag, blow, corner-wrap, and swing tamp application methods. Label Mill, 2416 Jackson St., Savanna, IL 61074.

Print engines

High-resolution and wide-web print engines are offered in a left-hand configuration. In contrast to the manufacturer's standard print engines, the M-8490S and M-8460S dispense labels from the left-hand side of the unit. This allows for flexibility in line placement of the print-and-apply unit. SATO America Inc., 545 Weddell Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089.

Pressure-sensitive labeler

Designed to apply wraparound labels to small-diameter cylindrical products, a pressure-sensitive labeler is suitable for use on syringes, ampules, and vials. The 9000VF features a servomotor push/pull label applicator, touch screen operator interface, and off-the-shelf components. Options include an automatic container, label quality-inspection systems, and various secondary printer capabilities. Accraply Inc., 3580 Holly Ln. N., Plymouth, MN 55447.

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