The news of MARKEM-IMAJE

Markem-Imaje releases Version 6.0 of its CoLOS^®  information management system which provides manufacturers with even higher uptime, throughput and compliance in their product coding and packaging activities.

In an era where margins are tight and traceability is becoming ever more important as recall scandals can quickly go global now, more than ever, manufacturers need accuracy and efficiency in their printing and coding operations. The CoLOS information management system minimizes risk of coding errors, ensures 100% compliance with regulations and can help reduce overall packaging running costs by up to 15 percent.
 
The automation it provides cuts manual data entry and message data maintenance by 90 percent, while halving changeover time between product runs, saving hundreds of hours of downtime per year. Recalls are also easier to execute.
 
CoLOS uses structured message design and integrates seamlessly with information and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This helps it streamline message creation and printer setup during production while providing security and traceability of printed information. It can be operated from the office, shop floor or server room across a range of devices and comes with state-of-the-art user interfaces which enhance the overall experience. The version released today provides greater insights into printer performance and improves data exchange with other information and production systems. It is also quicker and simpler for manufacturers to customize the package to their requirements.
 
Extra decision management functionality
The new printer performance module helps improve uptime by giving production teams easy access to real-time printer performance indicators and dashboards. Immediate alerts of any printer problems can now be sent to mobile, tablet and desktop devices to ensure issues are fixed swiftly or potentially prevented before they occur. Historical reports are also available. The improvements give manufacturers enhanced visibility into their coding and printing performance, quality and compliance, providing them the insights they need to develop continuous improvement plans where required.
 
Faster data exchange with manufacturers’ information and production systems
Using the native language of ERP systems, information sharing between CoLOS and  other systems is now in real-time, meaning production activities – such as releasing pallets into stock – can be completed more rapidly than before. This increases throughput.
 
Improved access and modularity
The latest release allows new and existing users to download the software via the Internet instead of CDs. Similarly, any future upgrades will also be accessible online.
 
Additionally, CoLOS has now been made more modular than before and its scalability has been enhanced. Companies can tailor CoLOS according to the specific business challenge they are trying to solve, the size of their operation and whether they need any functionality beyond the software’s extensive off-the-shelf capabilities.
 
CoLOS users also benefit from the fact that, unlike other suppliers, Markem-Imaje is not reliant on third-party vendors. As the company makes both the software and the printers, single-source accountability ensures manufacturers face fewer integration and operational issues than when using a patchwork of products and systems.

Version 6.0 is now available in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and UK. It will launch in the US and Canada on June 15^th. Other countries will follow in due course.

An inkjet printer customized for egg production and capable of coding over 250,000 eggs per hour on an eight-track grading machine is launched by Markem-Imaje. Thanks to a specific communications protocol, the solution eliminates operator mistakes while automatic cleaning and smart consumables systems help maximize quality and uptime.    Codes printed directly onto eggs contain useful safety and traceability information such as best before dates and farm identification. Such coding fulfills a legal obligation in many countries and, even where not legally required, some producers choose to include this kind of information, sometime augmented by logos, as a way of differentiating their eggs as coming from a trustworthy source.    Egg producers use machines with specific communication protocols to process, code and pack their eggs. One of the most commonly used brands for this purpose is from Moba. A specially configured version of Markem-Imaje’s 9450 coder has now been certified for use on Moba’s machines. The coder can be easily installed on egg production lines on a ‘plug and play’ basis. Unlike other brands which are similarly certified, this coder does not require an external PC to be operational. A series of brackets are also included to facilitate installation and get coding operations running quickly and cost-efficiently.    This inkjet printer offers a range of additional features not available with others commonly used to code eggs. For example, the ability to operate from a standard 7-inch color touch screen and its online guiding system mean operators gain time when starting or stopping print runs, changing cartridges and checking printer status, for example. And, without stopping the line, the embedded software allows producers to monitor consumable consumption and running costs. This enables them to react proactively to protect uptime and keep costs under control.   Additionally, service intervals on the printer’s pressure pump have been extended to 14,000 hours. This is nearly double the interval associated with older generation pumps from various suppliers which are still widely used across the industry.   The 9450 is characterized by a mono-block printhead design that makes head cleaning easy and trouble-free. When necessary, its automatic cleaning system will ensure jet stability is faultless when restarting and therefore the quality of the code is consistently high. Additionally, this design optimizes the use of energy as well as ink and additive consumption, enabling users to cut these expenses up to 20%.   Another attribute is its smart consumable system which uses a built-in sensor that prevents the insertion of incorrect ink and additive cartridges, thereby avoiding costly downtime. Additionally, its clean and sealed cartridges remove the risk of spilling, or accidentally pouring, an unsuitable consumable into the wrong ink or additive tank, again avoiding downtime.             Rated at IP56, the stainless steel housing is suitable for use in wash down areas. There are no retention zones to trap food thus ensuring the machine is fully cleaned and potential bacterial contamination is prevented.    The solution, which is available in Europe and North America, can print logos, as well as up to 4 lines of code, directly onto eggs using pink or blue food grade inks. The color chosen depends on region and egg type: white versus brown.

Cost-effective, simple and intuitive, Markem-Imaje's new 4500 coder allows manufacturers to identify their boxes with one or two lines of text and logos up to a height of 56 mm. Based on drop-on-demand valve jet technology, the 4500 coder prints on porous cardboard and paper at a conveyor speed of up to 60 m/min and offers 4 print heights: 13, 24, 29 or 56 mm.   Markem-Imaje's new 4500 coder prints up to 39,000 boxes with just one liter of ink thanks to its optimized drop control system. Bottles can be replaced cleanly and securely in less than 30 seconds, with no set-up required. The printhead has been completely re-designed to avoid the need for daily maintenance.   Codes, in either black or red, can be read at a distance, thereby facilitating internal logistics operations. With two sensors to automatically detect the conveyor speed, printing quality remains constant between boxes. A feature enables the conveyor to be stopped if an uncoded box is detected, preventing product recalls and waste.   In terms of use, the new 4500 coder boasts the latest generation user interface with a 5.7 inch color touch screen, as well as a WYSIWYG display in 32 languages. Production data can be downloaded and copied onto another 4500 coder or saved to a USB stick.     The 4500 coder is easily and quickly integrated on a standard conveyor. It is operational just 30 minutes after opening the box. There is no need for special training or plant air to install it. It can be installed in all industrial environments, even the toughest: thanks to its completely protected power supply, the 4500 coder has a protection rating of IP54.   Finally, the 4500 coder is ideal for seasonal use: it can be stored for several weeks and restarted immediately without cleaning.

A print and apply system that attaches barcodes to adjacent sides of cases without costly production line turning devices is available globally.   The world’s first print and apply labelling system capable of attaching printed barcodes to adjacent sides of a case, as recommended by GS1-128 and without major disruption to existing production lines, is now globally available from Markem-Imaje.   Having been tested on over 100 production lines, the 2200 Flex SE system features an electrically driven arm that puts labels onto the front and/or side of a case without having to turn the pack. At high speed, labels can be applied at the rate of up to 90 per minute on the front and 140 on the side and with as little as 250 mm (10 inches) between items.  A pivoting, soft application pad ensures labels can be put onto flat or uneven surfaces including cardboard, trays and shrink-wrap. Operable with less than five minutes of training, its long label lengths decrease line stoppages while the auto-change option eliminates downtime.   Traditionally, applying labels to more than one side of a case at high speed would require rotating the cases and a gap of over 400mm (16 inches) between each. Moving the cases requires costly pack-turning devices, product separators, line speed reductions and/or lengthening of existing lines.  Equipment that pushes cases into different positions can lead to case or content damage while line lengthening typically costs US$ 20,000 - 40,000 per line and is often not feasible in space-constrained areas.   A rise in pallet-splitting, greater automation and high-profile recalls is driving demand from grocery, foodservice and healthcare companies for GS1-128 barcodes. These barcodes streamline traceability given the extra information they can encode. GS1-128 advises providing the barcode on more than one side to ensure there is at least one readable label, should one become damaged.    “Customers who have helped validate the system have expressed amazement at our solution. Meeting GS1-128 recommendations had been proving a real challenge for them: it was either too expensive to replicate across many lines, and/or they did not have enough space to undertake the required line modifications,” says Mike Kirk, print and apply current product marketing manager, Markem-Imaje. “It was not an easy development process for us and we have modified the design a few times along the way, even doing some tweaks this past year.”   “Manufacturers using shrink-wrapped items, such as beverage six-packs, have seen another benefit of using the 2200 Flex SE. Here, the items often come out of the packaging machinery with the wide edge leading, with the short edge to the side. This edge has what is known as a ‘bullseye’: an area not sufficiently covered by the wrap,” explains Mike Kirk. “If you apply a label to the side as it comes down the line, you thus risk putting the label through the bullseye and onto the inner product –something manufacturers need to avoid. With the 2200 Flex SE, this is no longer an issue as the system can put the label on the front without the bullseye and with no need to turn the tray. This helps production maximize throughput.”

As manufacturers continue to upgrade production line equipment, seeking new ways to improve efficiency, integrated marking and vision systems are helping many food and beverage businesses to reduce the number of product recalls and cut costs according to coding and marking specialist, Markem-Imaje.   The 9450 continuous inkjet printer from Markem-Imaje offered in conjunction with its latest vision system – Mark & Read – is helping production line managers to maximise availability rates, cut the cost of consumables and protect brands from the risk of product recalls by ensuring every product is coded correctly.   The reduction in ink and energy consumption of the 9450 can reduce manufacturers total cost of ownership by as much as 20% compared to similar coding solutions on the market today.   In conjunction with the latest vision system – Mark & Read which was developed in partnership with Cognex – the 9450 now offers the most comprehensive protection available against the risk of product recalls and a 99.9% availability rate is guaranteed when solutions are purchased through the SMILE service contract, an asset finance scheme.   Arnaud Laugier, EMEA marketing director, said: “There is a degree of risk inherent in any coding and marking activity, particularly on high speed production lines where missing, inaccurate or poor quality codes lead to unnecessary waste at best and often more costly product recalls. Industry has become increasingly complex – supply chains are often global and legislation is more detailed than ever before with substantial fines for non-compliance being a real possibility in some cases. The integrated Mark & Read system ensures the complete code is printed and that the data is readable by the human eye as well as checking its integrity – in other words, that the data content is coherent.”   Systematically scanning and checking codes, the Mark & Read system immediately issues an alert if an incorrect code is identified. This prevents time and materials being wasted on incorrect BBE or batch numbers.   The system is easy to install and intuitive to use – job selection for both the coder and camera is completed in a single operation via an intuitive user interface and it can be used effectively across a wide range of applications and substrates.   The Mark & Read solution is available as a stand-alone option or integrated into Markem-Imaje’s proven CoLOS® print management software solution set combined with the 9450 continuous inkjet printer.  

An innovative back coating that minimizes the friction and drag between a thermal transfer ribbon and the printhead can double the life of printheads, compared to non-coated base layers.   The base layer coating on Markem-Imaje’s Label MI Ribbon also reduces the build-up of electrostatic which can damage a printhead and other printer components and avoids dust from labels, and the wider printing environment, from migrating onto the ribbon. This leads to higher print quality for a longer period of time as spotting and streaking become less likely.   The base layer in a print and apply (P&A) ribbon is a key component of ribbon structure and is typically seven times thinner than a human hair. It must resist heat while being thermally conductive. These factors create significant manufacturing challenges. Poor quality base layers with inconsistent thickness and insufficient conductivity result in poor print performance, increased head cleaning and excessive printhead wear. They are also more susceptible to ribbon wrinkle resulting in poor code quality.   This not only has cost implications in the printing process itself but also in terms of reprints which may be required to ensure labeling meets ever more stringent barcode requirements such as the increasingly mandated GS1-128 specification.   The three types of thermal transfer ribbons in the Markem-Imaje range address basic to complex P&A applications. Each of the various ribbon types offers a high print finish and variations on heat tolerance, barcode quality, rub resistance, material versatility and speed versus energy performance. • The Premium selection is for use on all kinds of self-adhesive materials including coated and glossy papers and synthetics which require particularly high levels of rub or solvent resistance. Typically used in applications such as shipping and inventory, pharmaceutical and outdoor settings.  • The Performance range provides ribbons for top-end print performance on high quality, coated and standard papers, ensuring durable codes and full barcode compliance. Common applications are cosmetics, healthcare and electronics. • The Prime choice is designed for entry level applications printing on coated or uncoated papers and targets existing print and apply labelers and desktop printers looking for a cost-effective way to ensure reliable code quality.

Markem-Imaje, a global manufacturer of marking and printing solutions, is launching a new black MEK- and ketone-free ink for the inkjet printing of food packaging. Called FB680, this standard ink combines coding performance, operator safety while simplifying import/export customs procedures.   Markem-Imaje's new FB680 ink is designed for the coding of flexible and rigid plastic packaging and cardboard cartons. Its outstanding contrast and adhesion properties along with its resistance to ambient humidity guarantee excellent legibility of codes from production all the way to the consumer. With a drying time equivalent to that of a standard MEK-based ink, FB680 ink is suitable for use on all production lines, even the quickest.   Available on Markem-Imaje's 9410, 9450 and 9450S inkjet printers, FB680 ink has been designed for the safety and comfort of operators. For operators, exposure to chemical products is one quarter of that associated with a MEK-based ink. The odor is less strong and more pleasant thus improving working environment.   "Safety and environmental protection have been our priorities for many years," explains Pauline Mouillet, head of consumables for Markem-Imaje. "These considerations govern everything we develop and our FB680 ink is no different. It belongs to a range of inks specially designed to provide unrivaled comfort and safety."   Thanks to its ketone-free composition, FB680 ink simplifies shipping formalities and stock management and reduces the associated costs: no MEK declaration and less time spent on administrative and customs procedures.

Markem-Imaje, a global manufacturer and distributor of marking and printing solutions, is launching MW470, a white ink aimed at the beer, cola and fruit juice sectors. Legible, resistant and washable, the new MW470 ink can be used to code non-returnable and returnable dark glass bottles.   The opacity of Markem-Imaje's new MW470 ink delivers the contrast required for excellent legibility of codes printed on amber and colored glass bottles. The white color blends harmoniously with the bottle decors, unlike the blue and yellow colors traditionally used.   MW470 ink has the property of adhering perfectly to glass and yet it can be easily removed in washers using low soda concentrations. As far as manufacturers are concerned, this means savings in terms of soda and wastewater treatment requirements.   The other advantages of MW470 ink include its resistance to pasteurization and its capacity to code returnable bottles that have undergone scratch prevention treatments (Tegoglas® and Opticoat®).   All these qualities have led the major brewers in South America, Africa and Europe as well as many craft brewers in Europe and North America to validate this ink to code their products.   In addition to glass, all drink materials can benefit from the excellent adhesion and contrast properties of MW470 ink: PET bottles, aluminium cans, metal and PE drums, bottle racks, removable films and cardboard packs. Lastly, used in combination with Markem-Imaje's 9450S inkjet printer, the new MW470 ink has been designed to withstand the significant pressures of the sector, particularly in terms of speed, with up to 120,000 products coded per hour.

Markem-Imaje, a global leader in marking and printing solutions, introduces Code with CONFIDENCEsm, a simple, tailored, comprehensive range of services solutions for customers worldwide. This new approach to services has been developed to help customers increase reliability, efficiency, and profitability by ensuring production output, maximizing life cycle performance, and providing cost predictability.   For greater simplicity and faster response, Markem-Imaje has redesigned its service offerings on a global level. Services include project management, start-up, operator training, software support, preventive maintenance support, process optimization, and service consultation for all technologies, throughout their life cycle.   These services are provided by Markem-Imaje’s extensive network which includes more than 550 field service engineers, 300 service support staff, and more than 700 service distribution partners.   Elena Gonzalez, Services Product Marketing Manager at Markem-Imaje, says that Code with CONFIDENCEsm is designed to “help all of our customers, of whatever size and wherever they are, achieve business improvements that are sustainable. Our new offering is designed to address our customers’ biggest challenges and expand their production possibilities. For us, a complete, effective coding solution integrates technology with the support required to keep it running at peak efficiency.”

Markem-Imaje completes its range of SmartDate X series thermal transfer ribbons. In addition to its newly launched best-in-class SmartDate Xtra ribbons, Markem-Imaje introduces two other ribbon types: SmartDate Xpert and SmartDate Xceed. Designed to be used on its SmartDate coders, the entire ribbon range offers an array of quality identification solutions for all flexible packaging.

The high-end SmartDate Xpert ribbons are formulated for difficult environmental conditions. Their resin base allows for coding in extremely hot environments and offers a high level of resistance to oil, solvent and abrasion. They are capable of resisting temperatures as high as 250 °C and can be used on the SmartDate X60 up to speeds of 600 mm/s. “Customers can print ultra-sharp text, logos and high density graphics, including 2D codes. The new SmartDate Xpert ribbons are also the ideal solution for evolving needs, given their flexibility to code on all types of flexible material,” explains Stephen Kean, product manager for thermal transfer. They are also safe to use and are fit for the most stringent health and food regulations.

The SmartDate Xtra ribbons are the new market standard. Highly versatile, they allow customers to code all of their products with only one ribbon grade. Codes are 25% more durable than when using other comparable ribbons and ensure code remains legible throughout the production process and transportation. They come in 1100 m and 900 m lengths (versus 600 m market standard), limiting production downtime.

The basic level SmartDate Xceed ribbons are the most cost-effective ribbons to secure customer products without compromising on quality. Available in black and white, they are the latest generation of thermal transfer ribbons, manufactured to the latest standards, to ensure code readability and optimize SmartDate coder usage. Unlike wax ribbons, SmartDate Xceed ribbons are compatible with corner edge thermal printheads, resulting in enhanced quality codes at higher speeds and in more demanding environments.

The entire family of SmartDate X-Series ribbons is certified by Markem-Imaje. It allows customers to make the best of their SmartDate coders and benefit from all product warranties, including on the thermal printhead. Customers also benefit from a direct access to one single point of contact for worldwide expert support.

Manufacturer and global distributor for marking and printing solutions, Markem-Imaje is launching the 9450 E inkjet printer to meet productivity, contrast and adhesion needs for cable, tube and profile manufacturers.

Featuring a new-generation premium ink circuit and optimized printhead design, the Markem-Imaje 9450 E printer offers savings in time and money. It can print up to 3,000 km of cables, without printhead cleaning. Compared with other products of the same category and with equivalent resolution, the 9450 E prints 20% faster: up to 1,000 m/min for low diameter products such as optical fiber or wire harnessing applications.

Consumption of inks and additives is optimized. Additive consumption can be as low as 3 ml/h at 20°C and ink saving of up to 20%. Changing sealed cartridges is a clean operation, which does not require production shut-down. The printer automatically checks the reference and expiry date of the inserted cartridge, which reduces mistakes.

The 9450 E printer functions with a specifically formulated and tested range of inks offering strong contrast and perfect adhesion, even on dark substrates and those difficult to mark. These inks enable all types of material to be coded: PVC, LSZH, PP and even PE. Available in black, white, blue, yellow, orange, red and green, the inks are suitable for various uses: fast-drying and non-migrating inks, inks resisting direct sunlight, automotive fluids, water, friction and vulcanization.
 
The operator interface of the new 9450 E features dedicated sector functions. It proposes 5 different metric modes, from the most basic (repetition of metering) to the most complex (interleaving of different messages, choice of distance between messages). There is also an adjustment function to guarantee premium precision of the marking position, even at high speed (tolerance 2 mm).

Finally, it is possible to print text (up to 5 lines), barcodes, logos and symbols, in DIN or chimney mode, with character heights between 1 and 11 mm with a choice of alphabets.

Markem-Imaje launches its 9450 S, a new inkjet solution for the beverage industry designed to meet the sector’s demanding constraints for traceability, versatility and hygiene.

The new 9450 S printer guarantees that each product leaves the factory coded, that each code is right and that each code is and will be perfectly legible until it is consumed. Traceability is guaranteed with Mark & Read, an embedded system of coding and proofreading with a camera, directly on the user interface. Moreover, to be sure the right ink is used, the printer automatically checks the reference and best-before date of the consumable cartridges inserted by the operator thanks to its smart consumable system.

The 9450 S has been specifically designed to meet the sector’s demanding hygiene standards. It is made of stainless steel with IP56 (standard) and IP66 (option) protection rating. It can withstand high-pressure water cleaning and industrial detergents. Its design is smooth with no retention zones, which reduces bacterial contamination risks.

Totally versatile, the 9450 S printer is capable of coding 2 lines on the fastest existing production lines: up to 120,000 products per hour. With just one ink reference, the printer can code PET and glass bottles (including returnable glass), cans, liquid bricks, pouches, caps, wrapping films and shipping containers. This is a very useful solution when various containers are used in the same plant.

Several specialty inks are also available: a white ink that can resist the pasteurization process for dark glass, a permanent anti-counterfeiting ink to ensure brand protection, and a MEK-free ink for less environmental impact.

Operating costs of the 9450 S printer are up to 30% less than other competitive models. Ink consumption has been decreased thanks to specific fonts and optimized sector-specific resolutions. And like the entire 9400 range, the ink circuit design boasts a recycling system allowing a reduction of additive consumption of up to 2.5 ml per hour.

Like the 9450 printer, the 9450 S printer can carry out simple promotional coding operations by importing single codes from a USB thumb drive.

Lastly, from an integration standpoint, the 9450 S printer was designed to interface with equipment from major manufacturers such as Tetra Pak, Krones and Sidel. It is also compatible with the Weihenstephan standard.

Markem-Imaje, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of product identification and traceability solutions, launches its new 9450. The 9450 is a continuous inkjet solution for all manufacturers regardless of their activity sector. Availability, performance, quality: the three pillars on which the new 9450 has been engineered to help optimize customers’ Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

The new 9450 printer has been designed to allow manufacturers to master their coding costs. With the new Longevity service pack, included in the initial purchase, customers benefit from a 5-year warranty on the pump, hence securing printer lifetime. Additive use and energy consumption have been reduced by an average 20% compared to other market brands and consumable changing is done on the fly without requiring line shutdown. Depending on the service agreement chosen, up to 99.9% availability ratio is guaranteed.

With a 7-inch color touch-screen, the 9450 printer offers optimum ease-of-use. Daily operations are facilitated by its intuitive interface, main printing performance indicator display and local language menus. Printer and printhead are full stainless steel with IP56 protection rating (IP66 optional) for pressurized water and detergent wash-downs and faultless operation in demanding environments, including extremely dusty ones.

To support brands in their objectives of international expansion, the new 9450 offers a large choice of printing possibilities; barcodes (including Datamatrix and QR), logos and alphabets, regardless of desired size and resolution. The 9450 can print up to 6.6 m/s and offers 2 resolutions: 71 and 115 dpi.

The 9450 also includes an option for editing unique codes that can be used for traceability or interactive gaming purposes organized by the brand. Easy to set up, this option brings promotional coding within reach of all manufacturers by simply inserting a USB flash drive.
A vast selection of inks – developed by Markem-Imaje - accompanies the launch. Black, color, permanent, thermo-chromic or high-contrast inks allow for optimum legibility on products. UV inks and inks with markers are also available to fight against counterfeiting and finally, environmentally-friendly inks complete the offer.

Last but not least, the new 9450 printer secures customers’ productions. The new real time Mark & Read vision system is accessible directly on the printer user interface. No need for an additional computer during installation. The Mark & Read system indicates faulty codes and allows for customers to take necessary action thus preventing product recalls which are costly in time, money and corporate image.

Markem-Imaje has announced the introduction of the 1200 integrated thermal inkjet printer, adding a new case coding solution to Markem-Imaje’s array of high-performance coders. Designed for rapid coding of secondary packages, the new 1200 produces high-resolution text, logos and high-density graphics on fast-moving production lines in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. With a stainless steel casing and industrial-grade printheads, the new 1200 thermal inkjet printer is designed to excel in a variety of industrial settings, including those with dusty, humid or corrosive conditions.

Printhead options allow customers to print up to 203 mm (8 inches) high, with total control of variable horizontal DPI from 1 to 600, in 1-dot increments. This level of control helps customers improve print quality, minimize their ink usage and print with precision. The 1200 produces codes that are GS1 compliant at any speed, up to a maximum line speed of 201 meters per minute.

The printer is controllable from an easy-to-use, 7” touch screen with an intuitive WYSIWYG interface for simple set-up and continued operation. In addition, the 1200’s portable design means it can be set up quickly to accommodate production line changes.

The 1200’s case coding performance comes in part from its suitability for bulk ink delivery. Its bulk ink capacity is larger than any other case coding printer, at up to
2.7 liters. The 1200 also features a patented side jetting system with air regulation that works to decrease printhead starvation and flooding that can occur with bulk ink. The result is maximum performance with minimal downtime to boost total cost of ownership.

The 1200 thermal inkjet printer is fully compatible with Markem-Imaje’s powerful CoLOS coding software as an option for network control of all Markem-Imaje printers.

New laser technology provides customers and OEMS with the widest coding area on the market today for fast high-definition coding.

Markem-Imaje, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of product identification and traceability solutions, has announced the introduction of the SmartLase C350 HD to extend Markem-Imaje’s array of product solutions. The SmartLase C350 HD offers the widest coding area currently available, up to 500x500 mm, as well as high quality coding capability.

A strong solution for laser coding on stick packs up to 1200 mm wide, dairy and yogurt pot lids up to 1000 mm wide, pouches and wide-web multi-lane applications, the SmartLase C350 HD is perfectly suited for food applications. It is capable of coding up to 1500 products per minute with optimum quality close to pre-printing and excellent contrast. Product integrity is also preserved: no chemicals, no piercing risks. The large marking area minimizes the number of printheads per line, for a smaller footprint and more efficient maintenance, contributing to an industry-leading TCO.

Further supporting food applications, the SmartLase C350 HD is designed for maximum flexibility. Text can be located anywhere on the packaging, and in any orientation. It makes last-minute customization possible, from product flavor to weight to promotional details, helping customers to reduce stock inventory.

This flexibility extends to coder configuration, as the C350 HD offers a choice of six lenses to adjust focal distance and coding areas, three detachable umbilical lengths, and two distinct user interfaces — remote intuitive touch screen or Web-based. The coder also features robust laser heads, with 30 watt IP55 or IP65 sealing protections, in two wavelengths. A specific L version for laminated films and ultra-thin foils is also available.

Finally, the SmartLase C350 HD is compliant in its standard offering with ISO13849 pld and Pack ML standards, and is compatible with a range of Markem-Imaje CoLOS networking software solutions for easy central management.

As part of the SmartLase C range of robust, reliable, high-performance coders, the new SmartLase C350 HD incorporates Markem-Imaje’s proven reliable SmartLase Code Technology, which gives 30% greater performance over an extended lifetime. Integration into the production line is easy due to its modular design. The IP65 option uses no plant air and no water, and in all configurations the coder features a dedicated fume extraction system for a cleaner, safer, odor-free working environment.

Markem-Imaje is enhancing its range of SmartLase C laser coders with a new version, SmartLase C350 BOU, whose design and technical features enable it to operate directly at the heart of bottle label applicators.

To bring the laser printhead closer to labels to be coded, Markem-Imaje has developed a flexible and adjustable extension, known as Beam Orientation Unit (BOU). This unit provides optimum distance for quality marking of up to 45,000 labels/hour. Several lengths of tubing are possible to adapt to all labeling configurations.

Enhancement of tightness and protection against dust is possible as a result of an (optional) IP65 protection rating for printhead and controller, certified by an independent laboratory. Laser connectivity with the labeler guarantees that no shot is made if a label is not present. In addition, a dust extraction system, ES500+, is proposed. An automatic flow control enables it to adapt to high-speed label coding.

The new SmartLase C350 BOU coder has the characteristics of the SmartLase C range already considered as a benchmark by leading plastic bottled water manufacturers and brewers: high production rate (up to 100,000 bottles/hour with the C350S version, for example) with flawless print quality. Codes are perfectly sharp and attractive fonts enhance the product. The laser source benefits from an extended life time of nearly 30% higher than other market models as a result of a cooling system which does not use compressed air.

Finally, low energy consumption ensures rapid ROI. Other benefits include heightened environmental performance and no more daily cleaning and maintenance operations.

The new Markem-Imaje 9028 inkjet printer has been conceived and engineered for industrialists with an eye for simplicity, evolution and autonomy. Ideal for small industrial application customers, the new 9028 offers excellent marking quality. As successor to the popular 9020 version, with over 40,000 sales, the new 9028 printer features several innovations for enhanced performance.

In particular, the new 9028 printer has been fitted with a completely rethought ink circuit (M6’) that can operate non-stop for over 2 years (on the basis of an annual operating time of 3,000 hours). Clean, practical and easily recyclable, the M6’ ink circuit can be replaced by operators themselves, in less than 6 minutes, by simply clicking it out and in with a single, supplied tool. An alarm system offers a high degree of flexibility where replacement programming is concerned. Last but not least – 15% less additive consumption.

At the consumable level, new inks are available: a range of high-adhesion inks for the most difficult substrates to be marked, a MEK-free quick-drying ink and a permanent ink. Consumables are presented in new sealed cartridges which display the quantity remaining with greater precision. Easy-to-handle cartridges are quick and clean to replace, without stopping production operations. Finally, 9028 cartridges are fully compatible and can be used on other Markem-Imaje models.

The 9028 printer has been designed to plug and print. A latest-generation system of printhead cleaning ensures instant daily startups and trouble-free restarts, even after several weeks of downtime. It is operational just a few minutes after installation. Finally, a stainless steel stand and an IP55 protection rating ensure that the 9028 printer can be installed in the toughest manufacturing environments, without any specific installation requirements.

Finally, as a worthy successor to the 9020 printer, the 9028 model codes most substrates (cardboard, plastic, metal...), prints up to 4 lines of data and can reach a speed of 4.4 m/s. Its user-friendly, intuitive interface can efficiently guide operators in their daily operations with total autonomy.

Markem-Imaje launches a new generation of SmartLase CO2 laser coders with performances 30% higher than market standards thanks to SCT (SmartLase Code Technology), an innovative patented technology.

The new SmartLase range meets the needs for higher speeds of the beverage industry. It is capable of coding up to 108,000 bottles per hour with a print quality and a code legibility unsurpassed to date. To improve traceability and fight diversion in the food industry, the print capacity of each code has increased from 30 to 120 characters.

The SmartLase range also offers an excellent availability ratio of the coding equipment. It can be up to 99.9% with a specific service contract. The laser source benefits from an extended life time of nearly 30% due to reduced laser duty cycles. Finally, the modular design of the SmartLase coders makes maintenance easy; the laser head can be changed in 10 minutes without alignments and a built-in sensor facilitates diagnostics by assessing the laser power.

Several versions are available; the new SmartLase range can print all types of products regardless of the production rate. Paper and cardboard are perfectly coded with the standard models C150 (10 W) and C350 (30 W). The C350 L (30 W) version is ideal for flexible packaging (BOPP) and laminated cardboards (PE). The C150 S (10 W) and C350 S (30 W) versions have been designed to code PET bottles, reducing the risk of piercing even if very thin. Other versions will complement the range in 2013-2014.

Designed expressly for companies in the poultry, meat, fruit and vegetable and pre-made sandwich industries where frequent production line cleaning is a requirement, the new SmartDate X40-IP thermal transfer coder has been engineered to withstand water ingress.

Officially certified, this fully industrial solution is made of stainless steel. Its enclosures, specifically designed for humid environments, effectively keep out moisture during plant cleaning. All openings to the electronics are sealed including the ports for the connecting cable and USB.

With the SmartDate X40-IP, preparation for cleaning is very easy and user-friendly. The connecting cables do not have to be removed and a step-by-step process in the user interface guides the operator through the procedure.

The SmartDate X40-IP has also been designed so that customers can choose to protect either the printer or the controller or both, thereby reducing costs.

For companies already operating SmartDate X40 coders and using homemade solutions to protect their equipment during plant cleaning, IP upgrades by a trained Markem-Imaje service engineer are possible.

Finally, the new SmartDate X40-IP coder benefits from the already proven SmartDate technology. It can print large amounts of complex information on flexible packaging films. It delivers speed, quality and reliability thanks to an intelligent printhead that optimizes print quality and an efficient, waste-reducing ribbon. The extended ribbon length to 1,100 meters reduces ribbon changeovers and increase uptime.