Labeling Innovations from Weber

No-Mess Inkjet Coding Is Here!

Posted by Chris Erbach

May 2, 2024 10:17:52 AM

BestCode-text-on-Lucas-oil

If you've ever utilized a traditional continuous inkjet system, you're likely aware of its efficiency in handling variable information such as date codes or product identification at rapid speeds. While primarily used for informational purposes, readability and scannability, especially for barcodes, are essential.

However, the downside is often the mess it can create. From potential ink leaks to clogged nozzle plates and resulting production downtime, the maintenance and upkeep can sometimes outweigh the benefits of high-speed printing and cost-effectiveness. It's crucial to consider the bigger picture.

HP CartridgeCould there be a better alternative to the constant downtime and maintenance? Enter Weber's Markoprint thermal inkjet systems, a revolutionary type of inkjet coder that utilizes HP ink cartridges instead of bulky ink tanks found in CIJ systems. These Markoprint coders come in various configurations, from single-head, stand-alone coders for simple date code applications to multi-head systems for coding both sides of a carton and larger prints.

 

So, what sets these Markoprint coders apart as "no-mess" solutions?

The difference is the HP cartridge.

Conventional CIJ systems depend on a large ink reservoir to provide the ink for printing, along with a separate make-up tank to dilute the ink and clean the printhead after printing. Any surplus ink and make-up are stored within the coder, necessitating shutdowns for refills when levels drop or the storage reaches its limit. Proper management of these potentially hazardous materials is vital, and the task of replenishing and restarting the system can be time intensive.

Prior to shutdown, a CIJ printhead must be meticulously cleaned to prevent clogs. If a blockage does occur, significant time and effort are needed to restore functionality. Depending on the type of ink used, this maintenance task can quickly turn into a messy and labor-intensive chore.

Xjet-Coders-Group

The Markoprint TIJ system stands out in its approach when utilizing the HP cartridge.  The cartridge has the flexibility to be filled with a diverse range of inks, proving its flexibility for various substrates.  The cartridge seamlessly integrates with the Markoprint printhead, requiring no flushing or cleaning. When ink levels run low, simply swap in a new cartridge to resume production instantly. With this system, there are no concerns about clogged heads, ink spills, or wasted time.  Each time you insert a new cartridge, it’s like having a fresh printhead. 

At the end of the day, simply remove the cartridge out of the Markoprint printer and place the cartridge clip on to the cartridge to avoid clogged nozzles with dried up ink.  By morning, your system will be good to go again. If you're switching to a different product the next day, just insert the cartridge with the appropriate ink to match your materials.

Markoprint coders offer a unique solution to avoid messy applications. Instead of only printing directly on products, we have discovered that printing on a label before application yields cleaner and more consistent text and barcodes. This approach eliminates issues with coding on wet surfaces in breweries or dusty cartons in bustling factories.

X1Jet-on-HSM-Dog-LabelsWeber Packaging offers optional mounting hardware to connect a Markoprint coder to one of their label applicators upstream before application. They also provide mounting hardware for popular Pack Leader label applicators. As a label passes through the Markoprint coder, the information is printed, instantly dries, and is then applied to the product or carton. The text or barcodes remain legible, and you have the ability to position the printed code wherever desired on your label.

Cost of ownership.

Concerns often arise regarding the higher cost of TIJ printers compared to traditional CIJ systems. However, when looking at the long-term usage of your new inkjet coder, it's crucial to consider the overall costs involved.

In a CIJ system, the major expenses come from purchasing ink and solvents, which can be quite costly depending on the ink formulation. Handling hazardous MEK solvents with care is essential, and the risk of spills leading to permanent damage is a real concern, potentially resulting in the need to repaint your floors.

On the other hand, Markoprint thermal inkjet systems use cost-effective HP cartridges utilizing water and alcohol-based inks. With each new cartridge, you also receive a fresh printhead, reducing the risk of clogs and maintenance issues. Over a period of one to two years in production, the savings from using HP cartridges become evident, making them a more economical choice in the long run.

The best way to explore total costs of ownership before purchasing or upgrading an inkjet system is to get a quote from a Weber specialist. They can give you a total cost comparison and ink usage costs for your usage. They can show you the iDesign software that comes with the Markoprint coder and explain the benefits of TIJ over CIJ inkjet. Contact Weber and learn more!

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Topics: Markoprint Ink Jet Coders, inkjet printers, no-mess inkjet coding, HP ink cartridges


DataMatrix Bar Code Basics for GS1 Healthcare Labeling

Posted by Chris Erbach

Aug 16, 2019 9:14:58 AM

 

GS1Barcodes can be found everywhere – whether on the food packaging in the supermarket, on the shipping package in logistics or on component parts in industrial production. It's no wo

nder, because they are an essential tool for Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). Scanning barcode labels with a device is just so much faster than entering information into a system by hand. In addition, it results in fewer errors because machines are simply more reliable in this task.

However, not all barcodes are the same. Among them is one that plays a key role in many industrial applications such as GS1 in Healthcare: the Data Matrix code. In this article, you will learn more about its particular benefits.

DataMatrix, barcode, QR code – what is the difference?

There are different types of barcodes. They can be divided into:

  • one-dimensional (1D) barcodes where data is encoded in one direction only
  • two-dimensional (2D) barcodes which encode data in the form of an area across two directions.

One-dimensional barcodes such as EAN codes consist of varying widths and spacings of parallel lines. They are also called linear barcodes.

Just like QR codes, datamatrix codes are 2D barcodes. They are usually square in shape and encode information in the form of square black and white dots, forming the so-called timing pattern. It can encode up to 1556 bytes or up to 3116 digits. At one edge you will also see ​​an L-shaped finder pattern consisting of two solid adjacent borders. This part helps scanners to locate and orient the DataMatrix code.

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Topics: GS1 DataMatrix, DataMatrix bar codes, GS1 Healthcare GS1, Markoprint Ink Jet Coders


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