Thermal Transfer Printer suits multi-lane packaging lines.

Press Release Summary:



Featuring 3-6 print heads, ThermalPak(TM) Model TP-4000 is suited for printing fixed and/or variable data on flexible packaging materials. Print heads each offer print area of 4.17 x 7.87 in. and print speed of 5.5 ips. Text and graphics, including two-dimensional or RSS barcodes, can be printed with resolution of 300 dpi, both horizontally and vertically. Changes to print can be achieved in seconds by recalling print image from memory via handheld display.



Original Press Release:



New ThermalPak(TM) TP-4000 Multi-Head Thermal Transfer Printer from Norwood Maximizes Throughput on Multi-Lane Packaging Lines



November 14, 2005 - Norwood Marking Systems introduces the ThermalPak(TM) Model TP-4000, the industry's only multi-head thermal transfer printer designed to match the high throughput of a variety of multi-lane packaging machines. The TP-4000 comes standard with three to six prints heads, depending on the needs of the application. Each print head prints fixed and/or variable data on a variety of flexible packaging materials.

Ideal for a wide range of multi-lane packaging applications from portion packs of condiments to IV bags and more, the TP-4000 maximizes throughput while improving product security and tracking with real-time data such as UPC, lot and production codes, expiration and use-by dates, which are produced in-line as products are packaged. The multi-head TP-4000 can be easily integrated with a variety of intermittent motion, multi-lane equipment including vertical-form-fill-seal, horizontal-form-fill-seal, blister packing, thermoforming, overwrapping, bagging and other types of packaging machines.

Unlike traditional transverse thermal transfer printers, which use one print head to print to several lanes across a web sequentially, Norwood's ThermalPak Model TP-4000 uses multiple heads to print to numerous lanes simultaneously. This multi-head operating principle maximizes throughput with each print head printing up to 5.5 inches (250 mm) per second. Each print head can be dedicated to one lane or can be configured to handle multiple lanes. For example, a 24-lane VFFS system filling small condiments can be equipped with a six-head TP-4000 where each print head traverses only four lanes rather than all 24 lanes.

Norwood designed the TP-4000 to maximize throughput and production flexibility with fast and simple changeover. Changes to print, including text and graphics, can be achieved in seconds by recalling the print image from memory via the handheld display. Changes in lane configuration, which could involve changing the positions of the print heads along the carriage as well as adding or removing print heads, can be achieved by one operator in less than two minutes.

With full clock and calendar functions as well as serialization, the ThermalPak can print fixed and variable text. Text and graphics, including a wide array of two-dimensional or RSS barcodes, can be printed with a resolution of 300 dpi (12 dots per mm) both horizontally and vertically. A wide range of font styles and font sizes are available.

To ease use at high line speeds, Norwood equips the TP-4000 with a 4000-foot (1200M) ribbon roll, which is longer than many traditional thermal transfer printers, to reduce ribbon roll changes. Additionally, Norwood offers intelligent ribbon handling, which eliminates ribbon waste by sequencing a number of short ribbon feed cycles and long ribbon feed cycles, depending on the application, to optimize ribbon consumption. This technique assures that there are minimal unused areas of ribbon.

The ThermalPak TP-4000 offers a print area up to 4.17 inches (106mm) wide and 7.87 inches (200mm) long, per head. Print heads can be positioned at any point along the head carriage with a minimum print head center distance of 3.35 inches (85mm).

About Norwood Marking Systems
Norwood Marking Systems, a division of Illinois Tool Works, developed and introduced premium hot stamp imprinters to the food industry over 40 years ago. Today, Norwood designs and manufactures a range of thermal transfer printers, hot stamp imprinters as well as ink and embossing printers that print variable information on packaging materials and labels. These systems bring increased security and tracking with real-time data such as UPC, lot and production codes, expiration and sell-by dates, which are produced in-line as products are packaged.

Reader Inquiries:
William Delmolino, Director of Sales & Marketing
Norwood Marking Systems
2538 Wisconsin Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515 USA
Tel: 800 626 3464 or 630 968 0646
Fax: 630 968 7672
Email: marketing@itw-norwood.com
URL: www.itw-norwood.com

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