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General Print Supplies, Services for Printers
News Release from: Linx Printing Technologies | Subject: 4900 Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 April 2007
Inkjet Coders' Effective Track And Trace
Output
Linx Printing Technologies' 4900 Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers are providing a cost-effective method of applying more precise, quality codes on to primary packaging.
That is being realised by Florida (USA) Pacific Tomato Growers, which needed coders that could provide clean, legible codes to provide tracking of tomato-package freshness David Bagley, Pacific's director of packing operations for food safety and security, said: "Customers can order our products every day and receive them either all at once or in stages, so the legibility of the packing codes is critical." Pacific's original coding method was by roller wheel, which the company said did not print as legibly, became somewhat messy and constantly required ink
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 1 Jun 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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As Bagley explained: "You must have a lot of numbers and letters on hand to change each coding wheel when there's a grower change to make." The company was recommended the Linx 4900 Continuous Inkjet printer by Linx's US distributor, Diagraph, with whom Pacific has a long-term relationship.
David Bagley added: "We tried other clamshell coders but as we grew and needed more units, we found the Linx printers easier to operate, with little or no maintenance." Today, Pacific has installed at least 15 Linx 4900 printers at various locations.
Bagley said the result has been lower costs in terms of ink savings, versus the previous coding methods and less labour.
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The codes can be changed with the touch of a few keystrokes, which is important, as Pacific's packing lines can be changed over frequently from one product to another.
The improved code quality also presents Pacific to customers in a more positive light as a dependable supplier.
Equipped with a 'mistake-proof' ink and a solvent-refilling unit, the Linx 4900 prints sell-by dates and packing codes on the transparent clamshells.
The system's on-screen diagnostics monitor running parameters so that an operator never needs to open the enclosure or make manual printhead adjustments.
That helps reduce the damage factor, said Linx.
At Pacific, the Linx 4900 prints a two-line alphanumeric code on one end of the polyethylene terepthalate clamshell, in quarter-inch tall, 7-dot type.
The Pacific Tomato Growers name appears on the first line, whilst a sell-by date and a production number appears on the second line.
Pacific's operations usually run 50-hour weeks or five to six days a week, during peak season.
Typical line speeds are approximately 60 to 70 primary clamshells per minute.
Pacific's lines can also be relocated from plant-to-plant.
The clamshells are coded for tracking and tracing purposes, a process Pacific implemented upon installing the Linx printers.
David Bagley explained: "The main reason we chose the Linx printers is because the codes they generate are clear and concise and they instill confidence in the tomatoes we're selling.
They also help us ensure product quality and safety.
Date and packing codes allow the receiver to tell when they acquire our products.
This has increased customer satisfaction and we have gained customers due to the code clarity and improved legibility of the package sell-by dates." Pacific has already begun to enjoy a return on its inkjet printer investment, as Bagley described: "We've seen a payback already in traceability alone.
It's the reason why we have more business.".
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