When determining the best date printers for your needs, consider the following:

• Workhorse Mentality: When it comes to the packaging, volume is often everything. When there is a high demand to produce, the printer must be a workhorse capable of going the distance by taking on high print volumes day in and day out, year after year. This means more uptime than downtime or maintenance time because workhorse machines are developed and manufactured with fewer parts. This will keep the production line moving since this kind of device needs little maintenance and is less likely to break down.
• Double Duty: Print jobs are not just about working one task under increasing demand, as multitasking is commonly required. For example, this can include taking on multiple lines of information or various graphic mediums – from alpha-numeric text to graphics like logos or multiple colors.
• Accuracy: It’s all well and good that a machine can produce for the long haul and multi-task, but accuracy trumps all. That means identifying date printers that can get the right information in the right spot every time so that those key dates, safety information and other such data is not lost, rendered unreadable, or tampered with before the package hits the store shelves.
• Clear Information: Legal and other protocols cannot be assured if dates and other mandatory information is blurred or can be easily smudged or altered by its external environment. Therefore, a vital quality for any date printer is to provide high-resolution output of  clear,  durable printed dates or other alphanumerics. This clear information helps retailers keep track of their inventory and provide the best information to their customers, which is key to building brand confidence.
• Error Reduction: The date printer that offers automation can greatly help a business reduce human error from manual operation and generally increase productivity with consistent, around-the-clock output. A machine will continue to churn out accurate print images  based on programmable information far more efficiently and effectively.

In Summary
Remember these qualities when researching date printers to ensure the most consistent performance level possible to drive your business success:

• A date printer must go the distance and handle increasing volumes of label printing, and it needs to do multiple tasks at this pace.
• Everything that a date printer produces must be clear, durable, and accurate. Consistent quality is vital for packaging labels that contain dates, handling requirements and other imperative data.
• Automating the process of print image recall  helps to reduce human errors that could otherwise compromise the ability to provide this  information  accurately.

Photo Credit: EvelynGiggles via Flickr

Consider this final decision-making check-list that may help you reach a purchase conclusion with confidence:

• Think about your company’s needs today and how they might change in the future. Will you have different coding requirements? Do you want to scale up your production volume? Will you be potentially introducing new packaging materials or sizes to your production line? With the ongoing trend and demand for variable content, you may have to change your production to include two-dimensional barcodes, for example. You will want to select a model that can serve your current needs but that can be scaled up in future years to avoid having to buy a whole new system as your company grows or makes operational changes.
• Do your research and identify vendors that you can feel confident about – one that offers a varied and comprehensive line of packaging coding systems and coding technologies, and that has an extensive supply and support network. Spend time talking to each vendor as well as researching how others feel about the company, whether that includes asking directly for customer references or tracking down online forums or social media groups that can provide honest insights about each of the potential vendors.
• Check into available warranties and service packages that may include technical support or spare parts to ensure you would be covered should anything go wrong. The last thing you want is to select a system that ends up leading to expensive and cost-prohibitive downtime.
• Consider what you also must do within your own operating environment to ensure that the equipment you purchase goes the distance. This means establishing a best practices framework for preventative maintenance. Also allocating time training your team on how to properly operate and care for the systems will get you the greatest longevity and performance no matter what packaging coding system you end up choosing.  The easier the system to use and maintain, the less recurring effort and cost to be applied here. Often an overlooked consideration when making a purchase decision.

In Review
Here are the main points from this blog post:

• You must consider more than just knowing your specific printing and coding requirements for today; you need to think about the ongoing industry trends and what direction your business is headed in the near future to make sure you select equipment that scales with you.
• Beyond knowing what models and systems are available, you have to research the vendors and ensure they share the same principles of service and support as well as are with you for the long haul.
• Be sure to check warranties and packages that could help ensure longevity in the equipment you purchase to keep costs and downtime low.
• You also must think about how you will establish a framework for maintaining the equipment once it is in your production environment. It can be the best equipment on the market but if you don’t take care of it through regular maintenance, it won’t be able to perform at the level it was made to do.

Photo Credit: Conor Lawless via Flickr

What is Computer Generated Stencil Printing?
This is a printing process that takes a computer image, transfers that image to a film, and creates a stencil of that image on the film. The substrate used is primarily corrugated cases, which is moved between a print cylinder and an impression roller in order to transfer the image onto this substrate. The process of burning a stencil and mounting it on the cylinder takes less than seven minutes. Clean-up and maintenance is easy and waste is reduced.

What Does it Work Best For?

• This is an ideal process in terms of cost savings versus using pre-printed corrugated cases, kraft bags, or labels, especially if these labels are then added by hand.
• It is good for short print runs or frequently changing projects, including contract packaging or private labeling, found in an in-demand print environment.

What Type of Capabilities Does it Offer?

• With the help of a re-stacker, this process can print two case panels at the same time.
• Thanks to the integration of an inkjet coder, the system can accommodate variable coding.
• The speed averages 60 cases per minute while the stencil film can last through approximately 5,000 impressions.
• With the assistance of an automatic bundle inverter/inserter and a second printing system, faster production times can be achieved.

How Much Does it Cost?
The costs vary with equipment costs for full carton printing, ranging from $39,000 to $70,000 while the operating costs for two-panel printing are $0.02 per case, on average.

In Summary
The main points in this blog post are:

• Computer Generated Stencil Printing transfers a computer image onto a film to create a stencil that is then applied and re-applied to substrates that are primarily corrugated cases.
• This is an ideal process in terms of cost savings versus using pre-printed corrugated cases, kraft bags, or labels, especially if these labels are then added by hand.
• The capabilities of the process can be enhanced by other equipment with the stencil printing, including a re-stacker, inkjet coder, and/or an automatic bundle inverter/inserter and secondary printing system.
• Costs vary, depending on the functionality needed.

Comparing Capabilities of Print and Apply Labeling Systems
There are a number of basic capabilities found with these systems, including:

• Direct or thermal label printing speeds range from six inches per second to sixteen inches per second in print quality that is measured in 203, 305, or 609dpi.
• Depending on the print engine’s make and model, the maximum label widths range from four to six and a half inches.
• Different models employ different types of technology based on the function and design of the print and apply labeling system.
• While some have capabilities for hand labeling, other models are best served in different labeling environments.
• It’s imperative to consider if particular functions and features are needed, like a sealed ink cartridge for no mess maintenance, hand controls if you need hand labeling capability, or what type of packaging the label will be applied to.

Cost Conscious
Budget is, of course, a critical consideration when vetting print and apply labeling systems. Here are some basics around the price points of such systems:

• For Re-Pack Incorporated models that include the Series 6, which integrates with all major OEM print engine brands and print labels on demand or in batch mode, and the APT Apply, which uses a desktop thermal transfer printer, the starting price is about $8,000 but can cost as much as $25,000. The price is dependent upon label applicator heads and other features, such as stands, sensors or vision systems.
• Hand labeling equipment also varies in price and must be considered based on its features, functionality, and overall reputation.
• Along with the costs, check for warranties, parts replacement, and other lifetime costs related to supplies, technical support, maintenance costs and the cost of any potential downtime.

In Review
The main points in this blog post are:

• It is important to consider all types of capabilities, including printing speed, print quality, maximum label length, hand or automatic labeling, type of ink cartridge, type of controls and what type of packaging the system is compatible with before making your purchase.
• Prices can range from $8,000 up to $25,000, depending on the features and functionality.
• Don’t forget other costs besides just the price tag on the system because you also must consider the costs associated with supplies, replacement parts, technical support, maintenance, and downtime.

The Basics of Print and Apply Labeling Systems
These systems use both label applicator and thermal transfer printer technology. The labels come from a feed roll and pass through the printer portion of the equipment. From there, a computer-generated image is transferred onto the label. The next stop in the process is a peel plate where the label is peeled off the liner and onto the labeling head through the use of a vacuum. The label is then transferred onto the target material, which could be a pallet, case, or product. Various types of processes could be used for this transfer, including blow-on, tamp/blow, tamp apply, swing tamp, or multi panel tamp. There are also special labeling heads for long, narrow labels that need to be transferred to a target material.

These types of systems are mostly used for labeling shipping cases and pallets as well as for the primary packaging environment. The system only works with pressure-sensitive labels that are on rolls.

Available Models and What They Do Best
Here are some of the available print and apply labeling system models and related capabilities so you can readily discern which will work for your specific industry, volume of printing, type of target material and budget:

• Re-Pack Incorporated has two models. The Series 6 integrates with all major OEM print engine brands, including Sato, Datamax, Zebra and more. This labeler can print labels on demand or in batch mode. The APT Apply fills the gap between table-top printers and print engine-based printers/applicators and uses a desktop thermal transfer printer, again available from all major OEM manufacturers.
• EPI Labelers offers an automatic label dispenser for inkjet printers if you utilize hand labeling. It is particularly cost-effective for short runs often found in the baking and snack industries. This can help with printing codes, expiration dates, lot numbers and other critical data on packaging, such as cartons, clamshells, and boxes.

In Summary
Here are the main points from this blog post:

• Print and Apply Labeling systems work best for labeling pallets and shipping cases but also can be used for the primary packaging environment.
• They use a combination of label applicator and thermal transfer printer technology.
• The system only works with pressure-sensitive labels on rolls.
• There are various models available that work with OEM print engine brands that also print in batch or on-demand modes, those that work with a desktop thermal transfer printer, and those that offer automatic label dispensing for hand labeling applications.

• Technology Galore: High-resolution inkjet systems often feature unique controls that make the operator’s job that much easier, including features like a 17-inch touch-screen and a virtual keypad. Recent innovations include automated set-up wizards and pre-programmed print image templates that facilitate operation and ensure accurate coding.
• Dot Resolution: These systems have a higher dot resolution, which supports much more detailed codes where quality and sharpness are a concern.
• Versatility: The range of high-resolution inkjet systems offers everything from single to eight line, small character, and secondary packaging coding capability to more complex models that have piezoelectric coding, which can handle up to eight lines of information on cases.
• Low Maintenance: With no moving parts, there is less wear and tear as the equipment is put through its paces, which means less maintenance and breakdown and, therefore, fewer costs and less downtime. Some models even have an auto priming system that provides for easier operation and less intervention.
• No Mess: If a mess can be avoided, that means less labor is used or distracted from the task at hand, also resulting in lower downtime and higher productivity. With many of these models, there are sealed ink cartridges that are easy to install. The sealed part means no ink leaks out so there is no clean-up.
• User Safety: With special housing construction, some models offer no-contact protection for the user, reducing the risk of injuries on the job and minimizing liability exposure.

You might think all these notable features come with an astronomical price tag, but there are single-head high-resolution inkjet systems that are just a few thousand dollars. If you want a multi-head system that includes controllers, web handling systems, and ink systems, be prepared to spend a lot more with prices running as high as the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Whatever you choose relative to what is the best fit for your operation, rest assured that these systems will perform and offer you the flexibility and versatility you need today and as your business grows.

In Review
Here is a summary of the main ideas from this blog post:

• High-resolution inkjet systems offer special features that facilitate coding for a distribution packaging business.
• There are all types of technological gadgets that enhance operations and ensure accurate coding, including dot resolution for highly detailed coding jobs like those for barcodes.
• They are low maintenance and no mess machines.
• The system design helps to keep user safety as a priority.
• The machines are versatile to help a business scale up as needed.

Photo Credit: Spec-ta-cles via Flickr

Here are 10 tips:

1. Think about your specific industry requirements to ensure that they can be handled by the machine under review. Many industries have packaging nuances that all models may not address.
2. Consider the specific products that are being packaged to determine if the distribution packing coding equipment can work with those particular items and packaging configurations.
3. Figure out exactly what type of packaging materials will need to be coded so that you ensure that each machine under consideration can handle those materials without any difficulty and generate top quality output.
4. Take the time to research and understand how each kind of available machine works as far as the type of print technology it utilizes – inject, thermal-transfer,  or print and apply – including making note of its strengths and, as importantly, its limitations. This needs to be weighed against those features you need the most to see if there is a perfect match – or a system type that should be ruled out.
5. Ask the salesperson what they like the best about each machine in regards to its unique selling points and value proposition. You want to make sure you work with a company that knows the machines inside and out as well as why they are better than the competition and how they can help you succeed.
6. Determine the ease-of-use as you may have to consider what it will take to train your production line on how to use and maintain it. The easier a machine is to run, the better off you will be in terms of human resource time and costs. Also, the more automated the machine, the less there is for the operator to do so there are fewer mistakes. Thus, the operator can focus on improving other areas of production while the machine runs autonomously.
7. Make sure you know what type of warranty comes with the equipment as well as whether or not you have the opportunity to purchase a spare parts package.
8. Understand the level of technical support you could receive if the machine were to ever break down. The last thing you want is unreliable assistance when your line comes to a screeching halt.
9. Query others who have used various distribution packing coding equipment models to see what they like about it and how it has worked for them. Be sure to ask the salesmen if you can have references that will provide valuable feedback on the company, its products and level of customer service.
10. Consider your future business needs to as it relates to potential changes to your coding requirements, types of products packaged, volume of output, and type of materials that need to be coded. Since this is a sizable investment, you want to make sure that the machine you choose can scale with you as your operation changes and expands.

In Summary
Here are the top points from this blog post:

• Making a decision about which type of distribution packing coding equipment to buy should not be made in a vacuum. Do your research and ask others, including the salesman and corporate references, why it is the best piece of equipment to buy.
• Get all the details about the advantage and limitations and then compare these to your present and future requirements to find that perfect match.
• Ensure that you are covered in terms of warranty, technical support, and attentive customer service.

Before you hit the show floor, here’s a sneak peek at what makes the EasyPrint MLP thermal transfer printing machine ideal for a range of industry applications, including medical device packages for syringes, sutures, pouches and catheters along with pharmaceutical clinical blister packages:

• It is available with up to an 8.3-inch print head as well as 2-inch and 5-inch.
• It can handle all types of code symbologies  like linear bar codes, maxicode, 2D Data Matrix and GS1 Data Bar-14.
• The printer an also handle logos, sell-by dates, batch codes and practically any other type of variable data.
• Features include a ribbon-saving feature within its ribbon advancing system that reduces ribbon waste by 50%, a floating print head for perfect alignment to the substrate for high-quality printing, and low air pressure detection to maximize print quality.
• The carriage home position is located on the operator side, which makes for easy ribbon changes.
• The thermal transfer capability of this printer allows it to print directly on substrates like Tyvek®, medical paper stocks, cartons, labels, foils and poly films.
• The printer has an electronic design that enables it to print at speeds of up to 500mm/second across a web.
• It offers all the benefits that thermal transfer printing, including the elimination of a costly set-up and no more downtime due to changing metal or rubber type on hot stamp and competitive coders. Additionally, downtime is decreased due to the fact that there is no messy ink jet clean-up.

Remember that Griffin-Rutgers’s booth number is 3171, and we’ll have a knowledgeable team on site from May 1^st to May 3^rd, 2012 to discuss thermal transfer printing and other viable solutions. The show, which is being held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, is the place to be for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry professionals looking to connect with high caliber suppliers and systems experts. Be sure to stop by, say hi, and check out all the great demo units we’ll have set-up throughout our exhibit.

In Review
Here are the main points found in this blog post:

• The EasyPrint MLP printer has all the benefits found within thermal transfer printing, including high-speed production, no mess, decreased downtime and high-quality, versatile printing capability.
• It can handle all types of variable data and bar codes as well as print on a wide range of substrates.
• Its ribbon-saving feature saves money while other functionality increases uptime and enhances print quality.

The InteliJet HD is a true standout from other Dod (Drop-on-demand)inkjet printers on the market for the integration on to  horizontal form/fill/seal and blister and flow pack machines. But, don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself the features and benefits of this remarkable system, which is ideal for printing product identification, instructions, reverse printing, scannable bar codes and company logos.

Highlights of the unit include:

• It uses the world’s fastest and highest resolution inkjet print head technology. That allows it to print clear and sharp edges at the high resolution of 600 x 600dip so that text as small as 4-point can be read quite easily.
• The machine answers all of today’s print challenges for dates, times, serialization , texts and barcodes, including supporting true type and type-I support characters for single-line and multi-line applications.
• It can print on coated and uncoated substrates.
• Utilizes UV curable inks and LED Curing systems
• Print speeds up to 100 meters per minute are possible.
• Defined as a comprehensive, monochrome VDP (Variable Data Printing) inkjet printing system, the user-friendly machine has a PC-based design software and touch-screen PCs for an efficient workflow process. This allows users to print in both online and offline environments.
• This is an on-demand printing system, printing what you want when you need to.
• The available software provides a way to design and modify the output templates by offering a wide range of editing tools.
• Its automatic alarm signals when ink is running out.
• In addition the de-gas negative pressure system with a digital display is designed for high-speed, high-resolution printing for water-based dye, pigment and MICR ink applications.

So, while you’re on the show floor be sure to visit booth number is 3171 to check out this high performance, super fast, reliable and flexible inkjet printing system.

In Review
Here are the main points found in this blog post:

• Of the available Dod inkjet printers, the InteliJet HD printer is an exceptional machine that uses the world’s fastest and highest resolution inkjet print head technology to answer all of today’s printing challenges.
• It is versatile, working with all types of data, character types, coated and uncoated substrates and print sizes.
• Numerous features add to the ease of use, functionality, and high performance capabilities.
• To watch a video of the InteliJet HD from Griffin-Rutgers in action, click here.

When considering the advantages of thermal transfer systems, there are some compelling reasons that make this type of package coding approach viable and strategically sound. Here are five of the more notable benefits to consider when comparing thermal transfer systems with other potential coding systems for your packaging operations:

1. Durability: Thermal transfer systems use ink ribbons that can hold up to heat, chemicals, and abrasion without the risk of smudging and there is no need for drying time and limited maintenance requirements.
2. Flexibility: These highly adaptable systems can code many things, including alphanumeric characters, graphics, and/or barcodes; perform with the ribbon or without by switching to direct thermal transfer (desk top models); and operate on continuously moving materials or intermittent motion materials. This versatility also applies to the amount of target material that can be covered as well as where it is installed.  These systems can be used as an “over printer” within other packaging equipment, such as into a labeler or vertical form-fill-seal machine, or on its own.
3. Quality/Productivity: The quality produced from such package coding systems is ideal thanks to uniform print speed . In terms of productivity, thermal transfer systems output high-quality coding at about 200 feet per minute.
4. Technology: The systems are enhanced by ongoing technological innovation, which further enhances the benefits of durability, flexibility, quality and productivity while, at the same time, offering an ever user-friendly operation. For example, new coatings are being developed that can work on heat-sensitive direct thermal substrates to further the durability of the codes by making them resistant to oils, heat, and sunlight. Other innovations recently added to equipment include the use of a software-based set-up and operation to enhance usability and integration with other types of packaging systems as well as the availability of commercial ports, adjustable knobs, and quick-release parts. These innovations speed up maintenance and connectivity for greater productivity.
5. Cost: The price for these units is widely varied to accommodate different needs and budgets, with pricing starting as little as $500 for a low-voltage desktop model and pushing up to $40,000 for highly sophisticated traversing systems that can be integrated within an automated packaging line to print multiple lanes while crossing the web stock.

In Review
Here are the main points regarding the benefits of this type of coding approach:

• Thermal transfer systems are durable, flexible, and highly productive while still being able to produce high-quality coding capabilities.
• As a versatile machine, the systems can be integrated into a wide range of environments to handle various types of coding, materials, and types of production lines.
• Technology is regularly advanced on these machines, offering even greater usability, productivity, and flexibility for a higher value proposition than other types of coding systems.
• The cost is highly variable as there are numerous types of thermal transfer systems, depending on your need and budget.

Photo Credit: Cappellmeister via Flickr