NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
EDITED BY SUSAN LACEFIELD rollouts
Label printer-applicator: Fox IV Technologies has introduced the next generation of its TwinPrint Print and Apply
dual-sided label printer-applicators. The equipment now comes
with two-sided thermal (2ST)
printing technology from NCR.
(Fox IV has a new agreement with
NCR to license its 2ST printing
technology.) As a result, users of
the new printer-applicators will
be able to print and automatically
apply a direct thermal label with
variable information printed on both the front and back sides.
The equipment makes it easier for end users to print shipping
information on adhesive labels as well as print packing slips,
promotional pieces, or return labels on the backs of these labels.
This eliminates the need for separate packing slips or promotional
pieces and packing slip envelopes. (Fox IV Technologies, foxiv.
com/general-news/twinprint2st/)
Print/apply solutions: Systems integrator Invata Intralogistics
has recently standardized and modularized its print/apply offerings. Print/apply systems are used to identify and mark individual
parcels for internal tracking, customer-specific requirements, and
external shipping purposes. They are often integrated into the
receiving, packaging, and shipping areas of automated fulfillment and distribution operations, and typically involve a range of
fully integrated components (including in-motion weigh scales,
dimensioning scanners, and verification cameras or scanners)
that are orchestrated by a warehouse control system to create a
labeling and parcel identification process.
Invata print/apply systems can apply labels on top of ran-dom-height cartons at speeds of up to 70 cartons per minute. In
addition, they can either side apply or top apply labels to fixed-height cartons at speeds in excess of 120 cartons per minute.
Most of Invata’s systems incorporate a spare printer so that the
required throughput rate is realized even during label replenishment and machine servicing. This translates to single-line yields
ranging from 3,000 to 7,200 parcels per hour.
An Invata-designed system often includes a control cabinet
with programmable logic controls, an accumulation conveyor to
enable a smooth induction process, a gapping or pitching conveyor to ensure proper spacing between parcels, the company’s
Fast Trak administration software, control stations, a scan tunnel,
a print/apply belt, printers, a label-verification scanner, and an
exceptions processing line. Invata custom configures its print/
apply systems to meet the client’s needs while ensuring integration and supportability with the entire warehouse automation
system. (Invata Intralogistics, www.invata.com/warehouse-auto-mation/packaging-automation/print-apply/)
Printer upgrade solution: Peak-Ryzex has launched a new
print-as-a-service solution, PrintPaaS. The solution allows customers to upgrade aging bar-code printers and bundle the new
equipment with labels, on-site service, and labeling software for
a monthly fee.
The PrintPaaS offering allows a customer to acquire new
bar-code printers with all of the labels and services it needs, all
while covering these purchases as part of a fixed-fee operating
expense, according to Peak-Ryzex.
The solution addresses a specific business need to upgrade or
replace aging or inefficient bar-code printers on a limited budget.
PrintPaaS provides new bar-code printers for around the same
price a company typically pays for the ongoing label and repair
expenses alone, according to Peak-Ryzex. (Peak-Ryzex, www.
peak-ryzex.com)
“Smart” printer-applicator: Videojet Technologies has
designed its new Videojet 9550 label printer-applicator (LPA) to
address some of the most frequent causes of everyday operational problems, such as label jams and routine manual adjustments.
The 9550 LPA incorporates Videojet’s trademarked “Intelligent
Motion” technology, which enables all the design elements of
the machine to be automatically controlled, eliminating the need
for manual adjustments. Manual adjustments are one of the main
causes of daily operational problems for label printers, according
to Videojet. The 9550’s direct-drive
system, for example, feeds and places labels without the use of manual
adjustments, clutches, or nip rollers.
In addition, the Intelligent Motion
technology allows the electronic supply reel to automatically adjust and
maintain pressure regardless of the
speed of the machine or the size of
the label. The printhead’s pressure is also automatically regulated to ensure optimal print quality and extend the printhead’s
life. Finally, the Intelligent Motion system precisely controls the
ribbon to enable a clutchless ribbon drive and ribbon save mode.
Through use of a clutchless ribbon drive, the 9550 substantially
reduces ribbon waste and improves printhead life.
The company says the 9550 LPA is able to place labels accurately even at high line speeds. According to Videojet, the 9550
with Direct Apply places the label onto the package without the
need for a tamp or air blast applicator, achieving throughput of
up to 150 packages per minute for typical 4- by 6-inch GS1 bar-code labels.
The Videojet 9550 Direct Apply system also eliminates the
need for complex applicators for mainstream top or side label
applications, according to Videojet. This change reduces the
number of labels being incorrectly applied or mangled during
application, the company says. (Videojet, www.videojet.com)
SPOTLIGHT ON ….
LABELING EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
