Markem-Imaje is gearing its continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer, the 9712 bi-jet coder, towards products requiring ‘significant amounts’ of on-pack information, claiming to complete print jobs that would normally require two machines with one.
Food, pharmaceuticals, and construction are among the sectors facing challenges when it comes to product coding. Markem-Imaje raises the example of cement bags, which are taller than most individual coders can print, while perishable products like eggs and fresh dairy require lots of on-pack safety information.
Traditionally, two standard CIJ printers have been required to print such packaging; production lines have either been forced to slow down, or manufacturers have had to settle for ‘uncomfortable trade-offs’ like ‘sub-optimal’ font sizes or less printed data.
To overcome these problems, the 9712’s compact print capacity and bi-jet printhead properties are expected to print twice the amount of data and code two times faster. This is expected to halve upfront capital costs and minimize ongoing operational expenses, instead saving money for other business priorities.
Additionally, a single machine reduces the maintenance, servicing, and spare parts required to keep print processes running.
Claiming to deliver a ‘high-quality’ code, the 9712 shares many of its features with other continuous inkjet coders in Markem-Imaje’s 9700 series. This includes ‘major’ preventative maintenance and Intelli’Swap technology, in which parts replacement can be synchronized and individual items, rather than the entire block, can be swapped.
As well as achieving ‘market-leading’ service intervals, this is set to keep line shutdowns to a minimum and cut down on maintenance costs compared to other CIJ printers on the market.
Meanwhile, the Intelli’Inks system aspires for ‘error-proof’ performance. Its Jet Speed Control feature automatically adjusts printer variables such as CIJ printer ink to achieve ‘perfect’ drop placement, quality, and code consistency. At the same time, it claims to lower consumable consumption and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Its 24-pin interface can be customized to accept any of 70+ signals available to run lines, which is currently said to be available only on Markem-Imaje CIJ printers. Its M12 input/output connector is compatible with various industrial protocols for ‘easier and more seamless’ integration, while its self-support solution is intended to further reduce downtime and achieve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) objectives.
Early last year, Markem-Imaje unveiled its Marking Trigger Device for unusually shaped or difficult-to-reach objects. It can either be installed onto a printhead or used by hand with handheld code-triggering properties, with the device engineered in line with Markem-Imaje’s Intelli’Design principle.
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