SATO, an international leader in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labelling, and EPC/RFID solutions has launched the revolutionary new TH2 label printer which offers portable, standalone, intelligent printing and introduces the concept of Application Enabled Printing (AEP).

The TH2 label printer has applications for any business involving food and is particularly suited to quick-serve restaurants. With its internal real-time clock the TH2 enables users to adhere easily to food preparation and labelling legislation as it simply calculates and prints onto labels the pull, thaw and use by dates (and times) for products stored in its user-specific database without the possibility of operator error.

The user-defined database, which can easily be downloaded to the unit’s SD card or accessed via the LAN, means that date calculation responsibilities are removed from the staff on the shop floor while they are still able to implement a sale at short notice to clear perishable products.

These features assist users in not only meeting food standards requirements but also help to reduce unnecessary wastage. The TH2 is extremely simple to use, lightweight yet robust and able to operate within a temperature range between 0 and 40˚C. It has an anti-microbial coating and other food industry applications include ingredient labelling and shelf labelling.

The TH2 represents a new concept in printing namely, Application Enabled Printing or AEP. Using SATO’s software it is possible for a user to create a new application very easily and to transfer or update this information onto the SD memory of the unit via USB or LAN.

Designed with practical use in mind the TH2 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows between 4000 and 5000 labels to be printed from a single charge. The TH2 features an in-built keypad, so there’s no need for a PC in close proximity. It has a wide, adjustable LCD screen display which offers mobile phone type, intuitive operation.

SATO is always aware of price sensitivity; users will be impressed that despite its market-leading technical specification the TH2 stands alone and there are no other products in its price bracket that offer such innovative features and benefits.

Speaking about the launch of the TH2, SATO International Europe’s Managing Director, Brian Lang said, “For those working in the ultra-competitive food industry the TH2 represents a real problem solving solution. Not only is the price very attractive but the ease of use and functionality can help make large savings on product wastage and help everybody sleep easier at night knowing that the very best food standard practices are being used, managed and monitored.”

The TH2 comes complete with a carrying handle as standard and a range of accessories is available such as a keypad cover, SD card, a hanging wall mount and a label cutter.