Reliability in the heat of production: thermal transfer coding solutions from MARKEM
A thermal transfer printhead is a semiconductor that houses a row of miniature printing elements (300 per inch), which is encapsulated within a ceramic coating. A thermal transfer ribbon is essentially a film that is coated on one side with ink. The printhead comes in contact with the ribbon's non-ink side, and the printing elements are turned on and off in rapid succession. When turned on, they heat up and melt the ink on the other side of the ribbon, transferring it to the substrate. Because this is a digital technology, thermal transfer coders can print real-time information in addition to graphics and bar codes. Thermal transfer technology can print on a wide variety of stationary or moving substrates, so it's ideal for intermittent or continuous packaging lines.
In intermittent applications (like vertical form-fill-and-seal machines, self-adhesive label applicators, pouch sealing equipment), the substrate is stationary when printed. The printhead contacts the ribbon, which then contacts the substrate. The printhead traverses across the ribbon to complete the printing process.
In continuous applications (like flow wrappers and rotary vertical form-fill-and-seal machines) the print head is in a fixed position, and is lowered to contact the ribbon and substrate. The motion of the ribbon, not the printhead, completes the printing process. Because the ribbon and the substrate are calibrated to move at the same speed, the printed code is crisp and clear and easy to read.
Thermal transfer coding is a digital technology, so the printed data can be linked to the SmartDate coder's real-time clock, enabling real-time printing of automatically updated lot codes and best-before dates. Because all this happens without operator intervention, the risk of operator error is virtually eliminated.
SmartDate coders are proven to deliver excellent print quality, even at the fastest packaging machine speeds, thanks to our patented shuttle mechanism.
MARKEM SmartDate thermal transfer coders deliver key performance and reliability benefits.
Superior reliability proven in tens of thousands of installations worldwide SmartDate coders print letters, numerals, graphics and bar codes digital accuracy allows real-time coding and eliminates operator error patented shuttle mechanism ensures superior print quality at high line speeds
