MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
A breakthrough in print quality, plus a high level of sustainable performance is offered by the new Thermocode iQ thermal transfer printer engineered and built in the UK by Open Date Equipment.
Speaking at the launch, Open Date’s UK chief executive Gary Cowlard said, "The iQ has advantages in both print accuracy and reduced operating costs compared with other machines, while maintaining the speed and precision associated with more expensive models. It is designed to operate with all intermittent labelling and packaging machinery.
"The high specification iQ uses no compressed air to operate the print head, which is electronically driven by 3 stepper motors. These motors can be very accurately controlled, which in turn allows more print cycles per minute (currently up to 800) as well as better quality and consistency."
Cowlard explained, "When developing this state-of-the-art thermal printer we took into consideration both the performance and sustainability criteria demanded by end users. With no need for compressed air the printer is a major step forward for this technology addresses both these key requirements. In addition the gentler handling of the motor means the life expectancy of a print head is twice that of air operated printers. Running costs are also significantly reduced and maintenance intervals are longer than for traditional machines."
A print speed of 600mm per second and a maximum print area of 53 x 110mm makes the iQ both versatile and user friendly. Operation is controlled via a 7" touch screen from which stored print images can be edited and print settings adjusted during use. Print images and program updates can be downloaded via the printer’s USB port, which can also be used to provide additional memory. On board memory is 8mb.
With its 1,000 metre ribbon capacity and accurate ribbon drive system, plus the ability to make fine manual adjustments, the iQ offers maximum efficiency of ribbon usage, keeping wastage to a minimum and further reducing operating costs.
The iQ will print text, graphics, dates, barcodes and 2D codes on to a wide range of flexible materials such as labels, film, foil, cartons and cards.
