Markem Corporation Launches Smartdate® 5 Advance Thermal Transfer Coder
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Coder delivers a tailored approach to packaging operations with controller options, easy connectivity and increased speed
Las Vegas - October, 2007
Options are must-haves for manufacturers seeking a personalized approach to their packaging operations. Now, MARKEM Corporation is stepping up to the challenge with the new SmartDate® 5 advance thermal transfer coder that combines versatility, new levels of speed, and increased economy for printing solutions to suit a variety of needs.
MARKEM Product Manager Andy Gray explained the rationale behind the new development.
"With tens of thousands of successful installations behind us, we've learned that customers are looking for advanced capabilities and a more tailored approach to bring additional efficiency to their coding process," he said.
A new controller with a full color touch-screen comes standard on the SmartDate 5 advance. 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. 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 advance. 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.
The SmartDate 5 advance also delivers performance and flexibility in printing. It comes readily configurable between intermittent and continuous mode and between left- and right-handed operations. A new top speed of 1000 mm per second delivers a 25 percent increase in performance in the combined printer model. "Trials have shown that the coder will consistently deliver high-quality prints at these speeds, so manufacturers can make full use of their wrapping machine's performance," Gray said. "And for even faster flow-wrapping applications the SmartDate 5s advance, with its patented shuttle mechanism, will keep pace with substrate speeds of up to 1800mm per second."
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 new MARKEM coder is capable of printing consistently at speeds as low as 5mm per second.
The SmartDate 5 advance also cuts operating costs on consumables. The coder features an new ribbon-saving feature to shrink the gap between prints to just 0.5mm, allowing up to 10 percent more prints from the same print ribbon.
Existing SmartDate 5 users can choose to retrofit their coders with the new color touch-screen, and to upgrade them to the latest performance levels. For full details, contact MARKEM at 1-866-263-4644.
MARKEM Corporation is a trusted world leader in product identification and traceability solutions, offering a full line of reliable and innovative thermal transfer, laser, ink jet and RFID-based systems. With more than 95 years experience on the factory floor, MARKEM delivers fully integrated solutions that enable product quality and safety, regulatory and retailer compliance, better product recalls and improved manufacturing processes. Headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, the company has additional development and manufacturing facilities in San Diego, California, Nottingham, England, Schoten, Belgium and Jaishan, China, with subsidiary companies, distributors, and representatives in over 50 countries.
