Product Coding Printers Run For 16 Hours A Day

Uniq Foods is using a customised continuous inkjet printing system from Linx Printing Technologies to code the newly re-launched Marks and Spencer range of sandwiches in the UK.

Uniq Foods is using a customised continuous inkjet printing system from Linx Printing Technologies at its Northampton (UK) factory to code the newly re-launched Marks and Spencer range of sandwiches in the UK.

Based on consumer research and customer feedback, Marks and Spencer re-launched its triangular skillet sandwiches in June 2005 in a patented pack design that was the first sandwich skillet to form a tray when it is claimed.

The equipment selected by sandwich manufacturer Uniq to produce the packs was also new and the company needed to choose a coding manufacturer that would work closely with it to supply an appropriate system.

The key requirements were for accurate and clear coding, including real time information such as the exact time of production, line number and lane position.

Ease of use for operators, a fast ink drying time, performance in a chilled environment and integration with Uniq's filling lines, were also important factors.

The Northampton facility already had four Linx printers on site, which had proven their reliability and Uniq was sufficiently impressed to choose the company for the Marks and Spencer project, said Linx.

Sean Boland at Uniq Foods commented: "Linx's customer focus, responsive technical support and value for money made the company stand out.

In addition, Linx was the only coding supplier that could meet our exact production requirements." The project required customisation to suit the needs of the Uniq production line.

Coding had to occur at specific points where the production line accelerates and decelerates.

Uniq also specified a one - three day offset for products with shorter and longer shelf lives.

Linx provided multi-lane software that enables the operator to switch printers on all lines to the required offset simultaneously.

Linx said that its experience came in particularly useful to resolve difficulties caused by improperly closed packs.

On such occasions, the printer would code directly on to the sandwich, resulting in wasted product, so Linx developed a 'box shut' detector to inhibit the print so that the relevant packs could be taken off-line, closed and returned for coding.

From an initial installation of 18 Linx 6800 printers, Uniq has subsequently purchased a further six machines.

The coders are used daily for up to 16 hours on selected lines to print two lines.

Sean Boland added: "The Linx 6800s have proven to be very reliable, even in the harsh high care environment they are used in.

Our staff have found the machines easy to use and the customer and technical service we have received to meet our requirements has always been friendly and efficient." He continued: "We have ordered more machines since this large installation and would not hesitate in recommending Linx to other sites within the Uniq group.".

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