What's New Narrow Web
- Published: June 01, 2001, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Bar Code Printers Offer Labels “Pronto”
Astro-Med Inc., West Warwick, RI; 401/828-4000
The ºPronto Series! of bar code label printers is available in two basic models: the Pronto 442 and Pronto 472. The 442 is said to meet or exceed the speed, resolution, and scannability users demand for industrial bar code label printing applications. With a 4-in. print width, rapid processing keeps the 442 printing continuously at speeds from two to four ips with no hesitation between labels, even when selecting different database fields, bar codes, and graphics for each successive label, reports co. The 472 is engineered for larger volumes and is reported ideal for demanding factory and warehouse use. It accommodates 8-in.-O.D. label rolls, allowing the user to minimize downtime. With print speeds to 7 ips and a print width of 4 in., the unit is described as suited for most any demanding application.
Adhesive System for Multiple Applications
Acucote Inc., Graham, NC; 336/578-1800; acucote.com
MS 1000 microsphere adhesive system is said to be an ideal choice for applications involving temporary, repositionable, or removable labels. Available with 60# semi-gloss, 56# Acu-Gloss, all-purpose thermal transfer, 0.0026 white Label-Lyte, 0.002 clear Label-Lyte, and a 40# SCK release liner.
Anilox Cores Lighten the Load
Harper Corp. of America, Charlotte, NC; 704/588-3371; harperimage.com
Two lightweight anilox cores for narrow web flexographers are manufactured from the same high-grade steel as co.'s traditional Echocel cores, but by utilizing proprietary manufacturing techniques, the weight of their anilox rolls has been decreased up to 60%. Reducing the weight of anilox rolls reportedly creates a more manageable anilox inventory and can lessen the possibility of injury or accidents. The EchoLite Core is 25%-35% lighter than the traditional Echocel Core and is offered as a free upgrade on narrow web rolls with >2.9-in. dia; the XtraLite Core is 50%-60% lighter than the Echocel Core and is offered as a $75 upgrade on narrow web rolls with >2.9-in. dia.
Thermal Transfer Ribbons Offer Scannability
Sony Chemicals Corp. of America, Mt. Pleasant, PA; 724/696-7500
Signature Series and TR Series thermal transfer ribbons are said to provide high print quality and bar code scannability on 7-pt C2S LumberTuff. Ribbon and film combination is recommended for outdoor tags and labels for lumber, fences, nurseries, bricks, and wires. Bar codes and other variable data printed using ribbons reportedly withstand scratches, smudges, weather, and UV exposure.
Web Inspection System Improves Security
Print Vision Systems Inc., Lewiston, NY; 716/754-0730; printvisionsystems.com
The Print Inspector is designed for the pharmaceutical label/packaging, security, and other quality-conscious industries. System can detect errors down to twenty thousands of an in. on a 16-in. web and down to five thousands of an in. on a 4-in. web. Machine speeds vary dependent on the web width and selected system resolution. For example, it can inspect at speeds of 500 fpm, running a 13-in. web, with a twenty thousands defect resolution.
