Stand to feature complete packaging line with newly launched Diagraph IJ4000 inkjet and MLi-TE multi-head thermal transfer printers on display in the UK for the first time

Reinforcing its position at the forefront of global marking and coding solutions, Allen Coding will be demonstrating a wide range of high performance equipment for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging applications at the PPMA Total Show. Offering major performance and cost benefits, the company’s ground-breaking, newly launched Diagraph IJ4000 high resolution series inkjet system and MLi-TE multi-head thermal transfer printer will be on display for the first time. The stand will feature a complete packaging line and also include Hitachi RX2 and UX continuous inkjet printers, TJ, NGT8, NGT2+ and XL80 thermal transfer printers and a Diagraph PA6000 print and apply labeller.

Allen Coding’s newly launched MLi-TE multi-head thermal transfer printer has been specially developed to provide high speed multi-lane, multi-line static and dynamic printing of product identification information, date/lot/batch codes and company logos on thermoformed packs. The MLi-TE features up to 12 print heads integrated on one common platform with each printing simultaneously at speeds up to 70mm/s. It offers print areas up to 56mm wide and 40 or 90mm in length. To accommodate various web widths, 620, 820 and 1020mm frame options are available.

The MLi-TE traversing indexing rates are as much as 40%, 75% and 200% faster than those provided by traversing continuous inkjet (CIJ), traversing thermal transfer overprinters (TTO) and digital print solutions. The system’s modular, single unit, small footprint design with minimal interface cabling ensures quick and simplified integration into VFFS and HFFS machines. The intuitive colour touch screen interface provides simple, centralised message editing for individual and batch messages across all lanes of print.

Allen Coding’s recently launched Diagraph IJ4000 high resolution large character inkjet printer will also be on display in the UK for the first time. Designed to print alphanumerics, barcodes and graphics onto porous substrates, the cost-competitive, flexible and easy to use system combines unrivalled barcode decode-ability, durability and print throw distance with the lowest maintenance requirements on the market. Precision placement is ensured by a special roller retractor and digital level sensor accelerometer whilst the print engines of the IJ4000 provide throw distances of 12mm for alphanumerics and 6mm for barcodes. The unit’s print head also offers an industry leading print height of 100mm for larger graphics and additional lines of text.

The environmentally-friendly, IP65 rated Hitachi UX inkjet printer series offers reduced fluid consumption, ease of use and ergonomically designed print head ideal for printing on milk and juice cartons. A new cartridge-type system makes ink replacement clean and simple. The ink and make-up cartridge bottles can be used right up until the last drop which prevents wastage and eliminates the need to dispose of them separately.

Using patented Hitachi technology, a new fluid consumption reduction system ensures it is one of the lowest consumers of make-up available on the printer market, thereby significantly reducing running costs.

Designed for challenging production environments, the Hitachi RX2 continuous inkjet printer offers high speed printing and superior print head technology for stable drop placement and print quality. It can apply best before dates, logos, graphics, barcodes, lot numbers and 2D data matrix codes onto uneven or flexible substrates including glass, plastics, metal and rubber. An economical yet high pressure ink system and low maintenance minimises the overall total cost of ownership. Operation is via an intuitive 10.4 inch colour TFT-LCD touch panel display.

Allen Coding’s well-proven XL80 thermal transfer coder offers a two component, space saving design, Ethernet and USB connectivity, and dual processors for high speed performance. Developed to provide seamless Unicode operation for efficient printing of variable information in a wide range of languages, the XL80 has 600-metre ribbon capacity for extended use and minimal downtime.

The TJ non-contact thermal inkjet printers boast an easy change ink cartridge for 300 dpi high resolution printing on both porous and non-porous substrates. Completely self-contained, with speed and product detection adjusted via internal sensors, or expandable with the optional accessories hub, the range is capable of operating at speeds up to 60 m/m.

Allen Coding’s compact NGT2+ and NGT8 thermal transfer coders allow flexible two and eight inch wide printing on packaging and labelling equipment. They can be easily switched between intermittent and continuous modes, feature a simple foil change system and boast USB interface for back up and formatting. With an eight inch thermal bar size and 600m ribbon length, the NGT8 coder offers the largest print area on the thermal transfer market, making it ideal for industrial applications.

The Diagraph PA6000 can print and apply labels to the side, top, bottom and corner-wrap of primary product, case and pallet substrate panels. It controls labels with an industrial strength vacuum fan attached to the tamp pad, made possible by an all-electric servo driven actuator. This fully electric system allows manufacturers to save up to 50% on energy costs without compromising performance.

For further information visit www.allencoding.com or tel: 01438 347 770.