Things to Consider when replacing Label Printer Applicators

Rick Fox, President

FOX IV Technologies, Inc.

Replacing an existing label printer applicator with a new model is typically a pretty straightforward exercise. Having said that, there are applications where a little time spent prior to purchase by reviewing the current application could save the buyer a reasonable amount of money both in capital costs or operating costs, not to mention the time spent evaluating new equipment.

Every printer manufacture has its own unique data stream that defines the characteristics of what is to be printed on the label.

Some printers will accept label data designed for other printers. This is called emulaiton. Printers vary in their ability to accomplish this. Thoroughly test all label formats prior to switching from one printer manufacturer to another.

Would you benefit if the print engine were the same as the tabletop printers used throughout your operation?

There could be savings in parts costs as well as training and repair.

Is the print engine proprietary?

If so, do a thorough parts price comparison.

Have your operators meet with the

printer applicator manufacturers to

review basic operation.

Review the basics such as print head and

print roller replacement, supply changes,

and how faults and warnings are handled.

Many printer applicators have web based

applications that permit monitoring,

troubleshooting, and modifying the

equipment over the internet.

Is it time to take advantage of the

increased communication speeds by

switching to Ethernet communication?

What about Internet access?

Label stock is getting thinner - both the face stock and the liner. Typically this will result in less costly material. If the thinner label material is cheaper than your current material, consider requesting trials on the new print and apply equipment and your application to determine if the new label stock can replace your existing label stock.

Additionally, now may be the time to review the label design to determine if smaller labels can be used. Changing from a 4" X 3" label to a 3.5" X 2.75" label results in an almost 20% reduction in label material. Smaller labels result in more labels per roll, additional production time between changeovers and reduced label costs.

Would the operation benefit from either increasing or decreasing supply capacity?

Low volume applications may not require a 12" OD label roll. In addition to less capital equipment costs, the application may benefit from a smaller footprint. Also, operators need not lift the added label roll weight.

Other applications would benefit from an increased roll size. Switching from a 12" OD label roll to a 16" OD label roll almost doubles the supply capacity. Direct thermal printing applications benefit the most from this added label capacity. Thermal transfer ribbon rolls typically are not available in these longer lengths.

Questions you should be asking include:

How easy is it to do basic

maintenance on the equipment?

Are assemblies designed to facilitate

changeovers?

What troubleshooting guides are

available?

How can faults and warnings be

configured?

Is it time to switch from air to

electric to operate the equipment?

Air is one of the most expensive utilities

in the factory. Possibly switching some or

most of the utility requirements from air

to electric would reduce operating costs.

Does the manufacturer offer training

on the equipment?

What is the experience of the

trainers?

Is both operator and technical

training available?

If needed, does the manufacturer

offer 24/7 technical support?

What type of guarantees are offered?

What are the warranties?

Typically the manufacturers offer a one

year warranty on the applicator and the

print engine. Many companies offer

extended warranties.

What has changed in your printing

requirements?

If oriental characters or graphics are

required, a higher DPI might be needed.

On the other hand if you are using a

higher DPI and don’t need it you might be

able to drop down in DPI and save print

head cost while increasing print speed.

Print head resolutions are typically 203,

300, 400 or 600 DPI.

By taking a look at these areas and asking

a few simple questions, there is an

opportunity to gain additional

functionality, reduce costs and/or find a

better fit for the labeling application and

it operators.

FOX IV Technologies, Inc., has been an innovator in the automated labeling and coding industry for over 25 years. They offer a full line of label printers and

applicators, ribbons, labels, scanners, enclosures, printing supplies and services, material handling equipment and software solutions in order to provide fully

integrated turnkey automated identification systems. The company integrates more than 25 tabletop printers and OEM print modules into rugged label printer applicators

capable of operating 24/7 in a wide variety manufacturing environments. Known internationally for innovative designs, quality construction and customized solutions,

FOX IV is located approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA.

For additional information or to discuss your labeling needs, please contact Patrick Hiegel at 724-387-3500 or e-mail info@foxiv.com.