Thermal transfer coder

Markem-Imaje has released the SmartDate 5/128 thermal transfer coder which can be used to print large amounts of complex information on flexible packaging films. Its main advantage is the extended print area: up to 128 mm wide and 75 mm long on intermittent filling machines, and up to 150 mm long on continuous filling machines.

The 5/128 delivers efficiency in wide-format printing of information ranging from multi-pack applications to ingredient lists and nutritional statements. As with all SmartDate 5 coders, the latest addition to the SmartDate 5 family also offers up to 300 dpi print quality.

The family of SmartDate thermal transfer coders combines a robust design built for industrial applications, no known wear parts requiring preventative maintenance, high speeds and increased economy for printing solutions to suit a variety of needs.

The standard SmartDate 5 delivers performance and flexibility in printing. It comes readily configurable between intermittent and continuous mode and between left- and right-handed operations capable of speeds of up to 1000 mm/s.

To prevent the loss of prints that can occur in high-speed wrapping lines subject to challenging speed profiles (where rapid acceleration and deceleration result in a very brief span of slow speeds), the SmartDate 5 coder is capable of printing consistently at speeds as low as 5 mm/s. Additionally, the SmartDate 5 can successfully meet the acceleration rates created with the ‘no product-no film’ option on packaging equipment.

The SmartDate 5 also cuts operating costs on consumables. Markem-Imaje has pioneered a ribbon-saving feature to shrink the gap between prints to 0.5 mm, allowing up to 10% more prints from the same print ribbon. Additionally, there are a variety of ribbon-saving options available to further help reduce the cost of ownership.

A controller with a full colour touch screen is an option available on the SmartDate 5. The icon-driven menu guides the operator through set-up and procedures while clearly displaying the selected images to avoid errors and ensure correct and efficient coding in the production run from beginning to end. Users can still opt for the classic controller design, with its monochrome graphic display, since the two options are interchangeable. With regard to networking, others who prefer to integrate the coder controls with the controls of the parent packaging line can also do so by using web browser technology to guide the entire line from a single control point.

Remote code management is also an option for the SmartDate 5 Series. The coder allows for easy connectivity with third-party equipment and devices and the ability to source images and data from a PC or factory ERP system. Coding images can be created using CoLOS Create and downloaded to the coder from the network or a USB memory device. Production data can also be uploaded for analysis and auditing.