New Packaging Equipment: March 2022
New developments in the creation of food labels is providing bakery and snack producers with flexibility to run a wide range of different product sizes and types. Advances have been made in the following areas: printers, software, inks, and marking/coding technology.
Company: Brother Mobile Solutions
Website: https://brothermobilesolutions.com/
Equipment Snapshot: Brother Mobile Solutions, Broomfield, CO, has introduced the Rugged Jet 3200 Series of thermal label printers, which are designed to help address changing business needs across retail markets. The Rugged Jet 3200 features a microprocessor that enables users to quickly connect–and stay connected–to print on-the-go using a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, and AirPrint.
Company: Epson America Inc.
Website: https://epson.com/
Equipment Snapshot: ColorWorks C6000-Series and new C4000 label printers, from Epson America Inc., Long Beach, CA, now integrate with food weigh scales to print on-demand color labels for bakery and snack items. The scale plugs directly into the USB port on the ColorWorks printer; no separate PC or accessory is needed. Zebra Programming Language makes it easy for the printer and scale to communicate, allowing retailers to set an item on the scale and print a label with three taps.
Company: Novexx Solutions
Website: www.novexx.com
Equipment Snapshot: Novexx Solutions, Eching, Germany, has introduced the XLP 60X industrial label printer, a thermal transfer and direct thermal printer. It can print labels for food products, cartons, or pallets and the standard 300-dpi print head ensures a high-quality print. It offers quick change of label and ribbon material, large 600-meters ribbon capacity and open print module for easy cleaning.
Company: Primera Technology Inc.
Website: www.primera.com
Equipment Snapshot: Primera Technology Inc., Plymouth, MN, has introduced the LX3000 Color Label Printer featuring large ink tanks that yield lower cost per label. The printer can be ordered as either a dye or pigment ink printer. Pigment inks, when used with synthetic label material such as polyester and polypropylene, are best for any products that need water resistance; dye is best for paper stocks and provides the most vivid colors. The system prints at speeds of up to 4.5 inches per second at a maximum print width of 8.25 inches.
Company: ProMach Labeling and Coding
Website: www.promachbuilt.com
Equipment Snapshot: ProMach Labeling and Coding, EPI brand, has introduced the MFlex range of labeling systems, which can be configured for a wide range of applications. Every configuration has the same human machine interface, is designed for ease of use, quick setup (using built-in product recipes) and comprehensive diagnostics for technicians.
Company: Toshiba America Business Solutions
Website: https://business.toshiba.com/
Equipment Snapshot: Toshiba America Business Solutions, Lake Forest, CA, is focusing on development of linerless labeling for thermal transfer barcode printers. The company also is investing in duplex linerless technology, which expands opportunities to market to customers as well as to inform on a single label–one side for required information, the other side for promotional content. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) development will continue, enabling better inventory control in store.
Company: Videojet Technologies Inc.
Website: www.videojet.com
Equipment Snapshot: Videojet Technologies Inc., Chicago, has made software upgrades to its thermal transfer overprinting printers. For example, the 6530 53-mm printer now features a built-in Videojet iAssure print quality checker, which is designed to reduce waste and rework by detecting low-quality printing before products leave the factory. For thermal inkjet printing, Videojet is developing new inks that can meet bakery and snack producers’ demands for low-odor, no-CMR (carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins) consumables.